THE COGNITIVE effects of sports-related concussions (SRC) have been widely debated, particularly in athletes, however, these effects have been underexplored in non-athlete populations. A new cohort study conducted between 2015 and 2020, analysed 15,214 UK adults aged 50–90 to explore long-term cognitive and behavioural outcomes associated with SRC and non-sports-related concussions (nSRC).
Participants were grouped by type (SRC, nSRC, or both), number of concussions, and their cognitive performance which was assessed annually across working memory, verbal reasoning, processing speed, and attention. Behavioural changes were measured using the Mild Behavioral Impairment Checklist and the results revealed contrasting findings between SRC and nSRC.
The SRC group showed no long-term cognitive or behavioural deficits and had superior performances in specific areas including working memory and verbal reasoning. Individuals with a single SRC demonstrated better attention and reasoning compared to those with no concussions. However, in contrast, participants with three or more nSRCs exhibited significantly worse processing speed, attention, and a faster decline in verbal reasoning over time.
These findings suggest that sports-related concussions might not pose the same cognitive risks for non-athletes as they do for professional athletes, whose repeated and severe injuries likely contribute to poorer outcomes. Instead, SRC may be associated with certain cognitive benefits, possibly due to the physical and social benefits of regular sports participation.
However, the study emphasises that nSRCs, such as concussions from falls or road accidents, are more strongly linked to cognitive decline. Repeated nSRCs can worsen processing speed and attention, highlighting the need for further investigation into non-sports-related brain injuries and their long-term effects.
While sports-related concussions in community populations do not seem to cause lasting cognitive harm, repeated non-sports-related concussions appear to have more negative long-term consequences, suggesting a need for increased awareness and prevention efforts.
Katie Wright, EMJ
Reference
Lennon MJ et al. Sports-related concussion not associated with long-term cognitive or behavioural deficits: the PROTECT-TBI study. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2024;DOI:10.1136/jnnp-2024-334039.
