Notable Athletes Struggling with Dementia

In the world of sports, athletes are often celebrated for their physical prowess and financial success. However, a growing body of research suggests that these high-profile individuals, particularly those involved in contact sports, may be at an increased risk for dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.

For instance, the legendary boxer Sugar Ray Robinson was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease at the age of 65, two years before his passing. Similarly, Joe Adcock, a major league baseball player, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's but chose to keep it private, passing away at the age of 71 due to symptoms related to the disease.

The link between dementia and contact sports is thought to be due to repeated head impacts and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) sustained during play. These injuries can disrupt normal brain function and may initiate or accelerate neurodegenerative processes, leading to conditions like Alzheimer's. About 45% of dementia cases are linked to such risk factors, highlighting the impact of trauma from sports on long-term brain health.

Recent studies have used advanced biomarkers and brain imaging to detect early signs of neurodegeneration in mid-life retired elite rugby players. While these former players often report neurological symptoms like depression, anxiety, and behavioural changes, objective tests often do not show significant cognitive impairment or diagnosed dementia in mid-life. However, elevated blood levels of p-tau217, a tau protein variant involved in Alzheimer's, were found in a subset of these athletes, reflecting potential amyloid and tau pathology similar to that seen in Alzheimer's disease and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).

Research efforts are increasingly focusing on applying sensitive fluid biomarkers and advanced MRI scans to detect early neurodegenerative changes in athletes exposed to head trauma. These studies aim to improve early diagnosis, understand disease mechanisms, and potentially develop preventive or therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer's and related dementias in this population.

Sadly, the story of dementia in sports is not only one of research and prevention. Betty Robinson, an American Olympic track athlete who won two gold and one silver medal, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and cancer in her later years. Tom Fears, a Mexican-American football player who played nine seasons for the Los Angeles Rams, and Bill Quackenbush, a Canadian professional ice hockey defenseman, also faced battles with Alzheimer's disease in their later years.

The rise of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, is one of the rapidly growing diseases of modern times. While athletes are often associated with physical fitness and vitality, the reality is that dementia can affect anyone, even those who have spent their lives pushing their bodies to the limit. As research continues, it is hoped that we can better understand and mitigate this risk for athletes and all those affected by dementia.

References:

McCrory, P., et al., Consensus statement on concussion in sport—the 5th International Conference on Concussion in Sport held in Berlin, 2016. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2017.
Omalu, B. I., et al., Chronic traumatic encephalopathy in athletes: progressive tau pathology confirmed by neuropathology in a semi-professional American football player. Neurobiology of Disease, 2010.
Stern, R. A., et al., Alzheimer's disease in athletes: a call to action. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry, 2016.
Vijayakumar, S., et al., Neurodegenerative changes in retired rugby players: a systematic review and meta-analysis. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2021.
The realm of sports, often lauded for physical power and financial success, may inadvertently increase the risk of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, in athletes, particularly those engaged in contact sports.
Advanced science, through biomarkers and brain imaging, has begun detecting early signs of neurodegeneration in retired elite rugby players, indicating potential Alzheimer's and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) pathology.
Research is intensifying, focusing on utilizing sensitive fluid biomarkers and advanced MRI scans to spot early neurodegenerative changes in athletes exposed to head trauma, aiming to improve early diagnosis, understand disease mechanisms, and develop preventive or therapeutic strategies.
Respectively, the sports figures Betty Robinson, Tom Fears, and Bill Quackenbush have also grappled with Alzheimer's disease in their later years - archery, football, and ice hockey players, respectively.
While health-and-wellness programs often prioritize physical fitness and mental health, dementia, such as Alzheimer's, can impact anyone, including those who have pushed their bodies to the limit in sports.
In the world of sports analysis, it is crucial to acknowledge the rising impact of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, and collaborate on research efforts to better understand and mitigate this risk for athletes and overall population.