A new study has found a strong link between playing contact sports and developing Parkinsonism, a movement disorder similar to Parkinson’s disease. This connection is due to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), which results from repeated impacts to the head and concussions. CTE is linked to Parkinsonism, as seen in a study that examined the brains of 481 donors post-mortem. Of these, 119 individuals had Parkinsonism, with 24.7% of people who had CTE also having Parkinsonism. The study, published in JAMA Neurology, revealed that those with more severe CTE were most likely to develop Parkinsonism, with a 50% increase in the risk of further damage to the brain controlling movement for every eight years of participating in contact sports.
While Parkinson’s disease is considered a type of Parkinsonism, there are other forms of the movement disorder such as dementia with lewy bodies (DLB), Multiple system atrophy (MSA), Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), and Corticobasal degeneration (CBD). Parkinsonism typically progresses over many years, often developing into full-blown Parkinson’s disease in some cases. Symptoms include balance issues, stiffness in the arms or legs, slow movement, tremors, and cognitive decline. The rate of progression can vary between individuals, with symptoms starting subtly and worsening over time. Advanced stages of Parkinsonism can involve severe mobility issues and cognitive decline, lasting over a decade or more.
CTE develops from nerve fiber damage in the brainstem caused by head impacts and concussions, leading to a build-up of CTE pathology in the brainstem. Injuries that result in CTE are common in sports like American football, boxing, soccer, ice hockey, and rugby, all of which involve frequent concussive and subconcussive blows to the head. CTE diagnosis is challenging, as it can only be confirmed through a post-mortem brain examination. Research shows that the highest magnitude head acceleration events, such as rotational acceleration and cumulative load, increase the risk of developing CTE.
Warning signs of CTE include cognitive impairment, mood and behavioral changes, early signs of motor dysfunction, and issues with sleep. Cognitive decline, memory problems, executive dysfunction, changes in gait and balance, and probable rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder are common symptoms of CTE. It is essential for individuals experiencing these symptoms to seek the help of medical experts for proper diagnosis and management. While there is no single test available to diagnose CTE during a person’s lifetime, post-mortem examinations are currently the only way to confirm the presence of the condition.
Athletes in contact sports and military personnel are at a higher risk of developing CTE due to repeated head impacts. The cumulative effect of these impacts significantly increases the risk of developing CTE as opposed to isolated incidents. Research suggests that the magnitude and type of head impacts play a critical role in CTE development, with rotational acceleration being a significant contributing factor. The findings emphasize the importance of understanding the risks associated with playing contact sports and the potential long-term consequences on brain health, highlighting the need for preventive measures and improved safety protocols in sports to minimize the risk of CTE and other related conditions.
