Contact sports linked to onset of Parkinson’s

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Author: Simge Eva DoganPublished: 1 August 2018

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Researchers at the Boston University School of Medicine, Massachusetts, US have found a link between engaging in contact sports such as American football, boxing and ice hockey – and developing neurodegenerative conditions, including Parkinson’s.

The study – published in the ‘Journal of Neuropathology and Experimental Neurology’ – found that engaging in contact sports increased the risk of developing Lewy body disease – a condition which is caused by deposits of protein forming inside brain cells and can lead to Parkinson’s.

After studying 694 brains, researchers concluded that those who had played contact sports for more than eight years developed neurological conditions at six times the rate of those that did not.

Dr Thor Stein, the author of the study, said: “We found the number of years an individual was exposed to contact sports, including football, ice hockey, and boxing, was associated with Parkinsonism and dementia.”

To read more on this subject click here.

For more information on the latest Parkinson’s research please visit the EPDA website.

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Contact sports linked to onset of Parkinson’s

News

Author: Simge Eva DoganPublished: 1 August 2018

Prep: Cook: Serves:

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Interviews

Kitty Fitton: “It’s vital that we keep our sense of humour, especially at times like this”

Health & Fitness

Sex, intimacy and Parkinson’s disease: an expert guide

Perspectives

Michael J Fox: “Now is our chance to honour Ali by finishing the fight he could not”

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Contact sports linked to onset of Parkinson’s

News

Author: Simge Eva DoganPublished: 1 August 2018

Last Month

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Share this story

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Interviews

Kitty Fitton: “It’s vital that we keep our sense of humour, especially at times like this”

Health & Fitness

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Perspectives

Michael J Fox: “Now is our chance to honour Ali by finishing the fight he could not”

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Does Parkinson’s disease start in the nose?

Study finds gene therapy may restore effects of Parkinson’s drug

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