Former Wales rugby legend Graham Price joins number of sports personalities who have welcomed debate about the effect of repeated concussions sustained during sport, following new research that suggests a possible link with dementia.
Dr Willie Stewart, a nueropathologist at the Southern General Hospital in Glasgow, examined the brain tissue of a former rugby player who died in his 50s. This revealed the types of abnormal proteins associated with head injuries and dementia usually found in that of retired boxers, and at an even higher level.
Dr Stewart said “I think it would be foolish to think there (is) no problem and that rugby is immune from brain damage”.
Graham Price, who retired from professional rugby in 1983, also raised concerns that rugby players too often accept getting knocked about as part of the game and are failing to take it seriously: “This is a serious issue and I’m glad people are now speaking about it more widely. There’s a feeling that in the modern game some payers are maybe going back onto the pitch when they should be off rugby for three or four weeks as used to be the case”
Price joins the list of other British ex-players who have shared their concerns. Former Scotland player John Beattie and former England player Jeff Probyn have also spoken out.
Although a direct link has yet to be established, the rugby community is taking steps to respond to concerns as the International Rugby Board (IRB) has launched a long-term study into the effects of head injury. It also introduced a new assessment scheme last year to allow medics to better asses injured players by asking a series of questions. This has so far resulted in a 25% increase in players being permanently removed from the field of play following a head impact.
Read the source article here
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/rugby-stars-welcome-sports-dementia-5752910
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