Library of Research Articles
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Willie Stewart
FIELD Study: Neurodegenerative Disease Mortality among Former Professional Soccer Players
Daniel F. Mackay, Ph.D., Emma R. Russell, M.Sc., Katy Stewart, Ph.D., John A. MacLean, M.B., Ch.B., Jill P. Pell, M.D., and William Stewart, M.B., Ch.B., Ph.D
Background
Neurodegenerative disorders, such as dementia and Parkinson’s disease, have been reported in elite athletes who participated in contact sports, including soccer. However, the incidence of neurodegenerative disease among former professional soccer players has not been well characterised.
Methods
A large retrospective cohort study was conducted to address this knowledge gap. The study included 7,676 former professional soccer players, identified from Scottish player databases, and compared them with 23,028 matched controls from the general population. The controls were matched based on sex, age, and degree of social deprivation. Causes of death were determined using death certificates, and data on medications dispensed for dementia treatment were collected from the national Prescribing Information System.
Neurodegenerative Disease Among Former Professional Soccer Players: A Comprehensive Review
The landmark study examining neurodegenerative disease mortality among former professional soccer players represents a significant advancement in understanding the long-term health consequences of contact sports participation. This comprehensive retrospective cohort study has provided crucial insights into the relationship between professional soccer and brain health outcomes.
Health and lifestyle factors and dementia risk among former professional soccer players
Russell, E. R., Lyall, D. M. , Mackay, D. F. , Cronin, K., Stewart, K., MacLean, J. A., Pell, J. P. and Stewart, W. (2024)
Background
Neurodegenerative disorders have been observed in elite athletes from contact sports, including soccer. While former professional soccer players are known to have a higher risk of dementia, it is unclear whether this is linked to traditional, potentially modifiable risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, or hypertension.
Methods
This large retrospective cohort study compared 11,984 former professional soccer players in Scotland with 35,952 matched controls from the general population. Researchers analysed linked health data to assess the prevalence and impact of common dementia risk factors and their association with later dementia diagnosis.
Modifiable Dementia Risk Factors and Incidence of Dementia in Former Professional Soccer Players
This landmark study found that despite an increased risk of dementia among former professional soccer players, they had similar or lower rates of common risk factors compared to controls. The strength of association between these factors and dementia was also comparable or weaker. These findings suggest that the elevated dementia risk is likely driven by factors specific to the sport—such as repetitive head impacts—rather than lifestyle or vascular risk.
Pediatric traumatic brain injury and microvascular blood-brain barrier pathology
Russell, E. R., Lyall, D. M. , Mackay, D. F. , Cronin, K., Stewart, K., MacLean, J. A., Pell, J. P. and Stewart, W. (2024)
Background
Pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability in children and adolescents, often resulting in diffuse brain swelling and poor outcomes. Unlike adult TBI, the biological mechanisms driving severe swelling in children remain poorly understood.
Methods
This retrospective autopsy case series analysed brain tissue from 81 pediatric (aged 3–18) and 62 adult (aged 19–60) patients who died within two weeks of a single moderate or severe TBI. Researchers assessed blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption and vessel involvement using immunohistochemistry on archived tissue from the Glasgow TBI Archive.
Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury and Microvascular Blood-Brain Barrier Pathology
The study found that diffuse, bilateral brain swelling was significantly more common in children than adults (83% vs 34%). While BBB disruption occurred frequently in both groups, pediatric cases showed a distinct pattern: damage was concentrated in the brain’s smallest vessels—capillaries—whereas adults showed disruption in larger vessels. This unique microvascular vulnerability in children may underlie their greater risk of diffuse swelling and catastrophic outcomes following TBI.
FIELD Study: Neurodegenerative Disease Mortality among Former Professional Soccer Players
Daniel F. Mackay, Ph.D., Emma R. Russell, M.Sc., Katy Stewart, Ph.D., John A. MacLean, M.B., Ch.B., Jill P. Pell, M.D., and William Stewart, M.B., Ch.B., Ph.D. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2199-2582
Health and lifestyle factors and dementia risk among former professional soccer players
Russell, E. R., Lyall, D. M. , Mackay, D. F. , Cronin, K., Stewart, K., MacLean, J. A., Pell, J. P. and Stewart, W. (2024) Health and lifestyle factors and dementia risk among former professional soccer players. JAMA Network Open, 7(12), e2449742. (doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.49742) (PMID:39652348)
Pediatric traumatic brain injury and microvascular blood-brain barrier pathology
Fullerton, J. L. , Hay, J., Bryant-Craig, C., Atkinson, J., Smith, D. H. and Stewart, W. (2024) Pediatric traumatic brain injury and microvascular blood-brain barrier pathology. JAMA Network Open, 7(11), e2446767. (doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.46767) (PMID:39585695)
A history of traumatic brain injury is associated with poorer cognition and imaging evidence of altered white matter tract integrity in UK Biobank (n = 50 376)
Lyall, D. M. , Russell, E. R., Ward, J. and Stewart, W. (2024) A history of traumatic brain injury is associated with poorer cognition and imaging evidence of altered white matter tract integrity in UK Biobank (n = 50 376). Brain Communications, 6(6), fcae363. (doi: 10.1093/braincomms/fcae363) (PMID:39670110) (PMCID:PMC11635360)
Risk of chronic traumatic encephalopathy in rugby union is associated with length of playing career
Stewart, W. et al. (2023) Risk of chronic traumatic encephalopathy in rugby union is associated with length of playing career. Acta Neuropathologica, (doi: 10.1007/s00401-023-02644-3) (PMID:37872234) (Early Online Publication)
HEalth And Dementia outcomes following Traumatic Brain Injury (HEAD-TBI): protocol for a retrospective cohort study
Russell, E. R., Lyall, D. M. and Stewart, W. (2023) HEalth And Dementia outcomes following Traumatic Brain Injury (HEAD-TBI): protocol for a retrospective cohort study. BMJ Open, 13(7), e073726. (doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-073726) (PMID:37491097) (PMCID:PMC10373748)
The perils of contact sport: pathologies of diffuse brain swelling and chronic traumatic encephalopathy neuropathologic change in a 23-year-old rugby union player
Lee, E. B., Kennedy-Dietrich, C., Geddes, J. F., Nicoll, J. A.R., Revesz, T., Smith, D. H. and Stewart, W. (2023) The perils of contact sport: pathologies of diffuse brain swelling and chronic traumatic encephalopathy neuropathologic change in a 23-year-old rugby union player. Acta Neuropathologica, 145, pp. 847-850. (doi: 10.1007/s00401-023-02576-y) (PMID:37086326) (PMCID:PMC10175208)
Neurodegenerative disease risk among former international rugby union players
Russell, E. R., Mackay, D. F. , Lyall, D. , Stewart, K., MacLean, J. A., Robson, J., Pell, J. P. and Stewart, W. (2022) Neurodegenerative disease risk among former international rugby union players. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, 93(12), pp. 1262-1268. (doi: 10.1136/jnnp-2022-329675) (PMID:36195436)
Concussion leads to widespread axonal sodium channel loss and disruption of the node of Ranvier
Song, H. et al. (2022) Concussion leads to widespread axonal sodium channel loss and disruption of the node of Ranvier. Acta Neuropathologica, 144(5), pp. 967-985. (doi: 10.1007/s00401-022-02498-1) (PMID:36107227)
Detection of astrocytic tau pathology facilitates recognition of chronic traumatic encephalopathy neuropathologic change
Ameen-Ali, K. E. et al. (2022) Detection of astrocytic tau pathology facilitates recognition of chronic traumatic encephalopathy neuropathologic change. Acta Neuropathologica Communications, 10, 50. (doi: 10.1186/s40478-022-01353-4) (PMID:35410438) (PMCID:PMC8996534)
Dose-response association between device-measured physical activity and incident dementia: a prospective study from UK Biobank
Petermann-Rocha, F. et al. (2021) Dose-response association between device-measured physical activity and incident dementia: a prospective study from UK Biobank. BMC Medicine, 19, 305. (doi: 10.1186/s12916-021-02172-5)
Association of field position and career length with risk of neurodegenerative disease in male former professional soccer players
Russell, E. R., Mackay, D. F. , Stewart, K., MacLean, J. A., Pell, J. P. and Stewart, W. (2021) Association of field position and career length with risk of neurodegenerative disease in male former professional soccer players. JAMA Neurology, 78(9), pp. 1057-1063. (doi: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2021.2403) (PMID:34338724) (PMCID:PMC8329793)
Association of sex with adolescent soccer concussion incidence and characteristics
Bretzin, A. C., Covassin, T., Wiebe, D. J. and Stewart, W. (2021) Association of sex with adolescent soccer concussion incidence and characteristics. JAMA Network Open, 4(4), e218191. (doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.8191) (PMID:33904911) (PMCID:PMC8080231)
COllaborative Neuropathology NEtwork Characterizing ouTcomes of TBI (CONNECT-TBI)
Smith, D. H. et al. (2021) COllaborative Neuropathology NEtwork Characterizing ouTcomes of TBI (CONNECT-TBI). Acta Neuropathologica Communications, 9, 32. (doi: 10.1186/s40478-021-01122-9) (PMID:33648593) (PMCID:PMC7919306)
Not all adverse health outcomes in former contact sports athletes are concussion related
Russell, E. P., McCabe, T. and Stewart, W. (2021) Not all adverse health outcomes in former contact sports athletes are concussion related. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, 92(3), p. 229. (doi: 10.1136/jnnp-2020-324672) (PMID:33188135)
Sport associated dementia: Prevention remains the only cure
Stewart, W. (2021) Sport associated dementia: Prevention remains the only cure. British Medical Journal, 372, 168. (doi: 10.1136/bmj.n168) (PMID:33478970)
Mental health and suicide in former professional soccer players
Russell, E. R., McCabe, T., Mackay, D. F. , Stewart, K., MacLean, J. A., Pell, J. P. and Stewart, W. (2020) Mental health and suicide in former professional soccer players. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, 91(12), pp. 1256-1260. (doi: 10.1136/jnnp-2020-323315) (PMID:32694163)
Nilvadipine suppresses inflammation via inhibition of P-SYK and restores spatial memory deficits in a mouse model of repetitive mild TBI
Morin, A., Mouzon, B., Ferguson, S., Paris, D., Browning, M., Stewart, W. , Mullan, M. and Crawford, F. (2020) Nilvadipine suppresses inflammation via inhibition of P-SYK and restores spatial memory deficits in a mouse model of repetitive mild TBI. Acta Neuropathologica Communications, 8, 166. (doi: 10.1186/s40478-020-01045-x) (PMID:33076989) (PMCID:PMC7574534)
‘Concussion’ is not a true diagnosis
Smith, D. H. and Stewart, W. (2020) ‘Concussion’ is not a true diagnosis. Nature Reviews Neurology, 16(9), pp. 457-458. (doi: 10.1038/s41582-020-0382-y) (PMID:32647140)
Tau Immunophenotypes in chronic traumatic encephalopathy recapitulate those of aging and Alzheimer’s disease
Arena, J. D., Smith, D. H., Lee, E. B., Gibbons, G. S., Irwin, D. J., Robinson, J. L., Lee, V. M.-Y., Trojanowski, J. Q., Stewart, W. and Johnson, V. E. (2020) Tau Immunophenotypes in chronic traumatic encephalopathy recapitulate those of aging and Alzheimer’s disease. Brain, 143(5), (doi: 10.1093/brain/awaa071)
Genetic interplay with soccer ball heading
Smith, D. H. and Stewart, W. (2020) Genetic interplay with soccer ball heading. Nature Reviews Neurology, 16(4), pp. 189-190. (doi: 10.1038/s41582-020-0334-6) (PMID:32152459)
Astroglial tau pathology alone preferentially concentrates at sulcal depths in chronic traumatic encephalopathy neuropathologic change
Arena, J. D., Johnson, V. E., Lee, E. B., Gibbons, G. S., Smith, D. H., Trojanowski, J. Q. and Stewart, W. (2020) Astroglial tau pathology alone preferentially concentrates at sulcal depths in chronic traumatic encephalopathy neuropathologic change. Brain Communications, 2(2), fcaa210. (doi: 10.1093/braincomms/fcaa210) (PMID:33426528) (PMCID:PMC7784042)
Neurodegenerative disease mortality among former professional soccer players
Mackay, D. F. , Russell, E. R., Stewart, K., MacLean, J. A., Pell, J. P. and Stewart, W. (2019) Neurodegenerative disease mortality among former professional soccer players. New England Journal of Medicine, 381(19), pp. 1801-1808. (doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1908483) (PMID:31633894)
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy is a common co-morbidity, but less frequent primary dementia in former soccer and rugby players
Lee, E. B., Kinch, K., Johnson, V. E., Trojanowski, J. Q., Smith, D. H. and Stewart, W. (2019) Chronic traumatic encephalopathy is a common co-morbidity, but less frequent primary dementia in former soccer and rugby players. Acta Neuropathologica, 138(3), pp. 389-399. (doi: 10.1007/s00401-019-02030-y) (PMID:31152201) (PMCID:PMC6689293)
One-hundred years (and counting) of blast-associated traumatic brain injury
Kinch, K., Fullerton, J. L. and Stewart, W. (2019) One-hundred years (and counting) of blast-associated traumatic brain injury. Journal of the Royal Army Medical Corps, 165(3), pp. 180-182. (doi: 10.1136/jramc-2017-000867) (PMID:29326126)
Football’s InfluencE on Lifelong health and Dementia risk (FIELD): protocol for a retrospective cohort study of former professional footballers
Russell, E. R., Stewart, K., Mackay, D. F. , MacLean, J., Pell, J. P. and Stewart, W. (2019) Football’s InfluencE on Lifelong health and Dementia risk (FIELD): protocol for a retrospective cohort study of former professional footballers. BMJ Open, 9(5), e028654. (doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-028654) (PMID:31123003) (PMCID:PMC6538057)
Heading for trouble: is dementia a game changer for football?
Rutherford, A., Stewart, W. and Bruno, D. (2019) Heading for trouble: is dementia a game changer for football? British Journal of Sports Medicine, 53(6), pp. 321-322. (doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2017-097627) (PMID:28729242) (PMCID:PMC6579495)
Primum non nocere: a call for balance when reporting on CTE
Stewart, W. et al. (2019) Primum non nocere: a call for balance when reporting on CTE. Lancet Neurology, 18(3), pp. 231-233. (doi: 10.1016/S1474-4422(19)30020-1)
Chronic white matter degeneration, but no tau pathology at 1-year post-repetitive mild traumatic brain injury in tau transgenic model
Mouzon, B., Bachmeier, C., Ojo, J. O., Acker, C., Ferguson, S., Crynen, G., Davies, P., Mullan, M., Stewart, W. and Crawford, F. (2019) Chronic white matter degeneration, but no tau pathology at 1-year post-repetitive mild traumatic brain injury in tau transgenic model. Journal of Neurotrauma, 36(4), pp. 576-588. (doi: 10.1089/neu.2018.5720) (PMID:29993324)
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy — confusion and controversies
Smith, D. H., Johnson, V. E., Trojanowski, J. Q. and Stewart, W. (2019) Chronic traumatic encephalopathy — confusion and controversies. Nature Reviews Neurology, 15, pp. 179-183. (doi: 10.1038/s41582-018-0114-8) (PMID:30664683)
Subchronic pathobiological response following chronic repetitive mild traumatic brain injury in an aged preclinical model of amyloid pathogenesis
Ojo, J. O., Leary, P., Lungmus, C., Algamal, M., Mouzon, B., Bachmeier, C., Mullan, M., Stewart, W. and Crawford, F. (2018) Subchronic pathobiological response following chronic repetitive mild traumatic brain injury in an aged preclinical model of amyloid pathogenesis. Journal of Neuropathology and Experimental Neurology, 77(12), pp. 1144-1162. (doi: 10.1093/jnen/nly101) (PMID:30395237)
Building good policy from good science — the case for concussion and chronic traumatic encephalopathy
Giza, C. C., Stewart, W. and Prins, M. L. (2018) Building good policy from good science — the case for concussion and chronic traumatic encephalopathy. JAMA Pediatrics, 172(9), pp. 803-804. (doi: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2018.1645) (PMID:29987335)
Induction of a transmissible tau pathology by traumatic brain injury
Zanier, E. R. et al. (2018) Induction of a transmissible tau pathology by traumatic brain injury. Brain, 141(9), pp. 2685-2699. (doi: 10.1093/brain/awy193) (PMID:30084913) (PMCID:PMC6113646)
Multimodal characterization of the late effects of traumatic brain injury: a methodological overview of the Late Effects of Traumatic Brain Injury Project
Edlow, B. L. et al. (2018) Multimodal characterization of the late effects of traumatic brain injury: a methodological overview of the Late Effects of Traumatic Brain Injury Project. Journal of Neurotrauma, 35(14), pp. 1604-1619. (doi: 10.1089/neu.2017.5457) (PMID:29421973)
Mechanical disruption of the blood-brain barrier following experimental concussion
Johnson, V. E., Weber, M. T., Xiao, R., Cullen, D. K., Meaney, D. F., Stewart, W. and Smith, D. H. (2018) Mechanical disruption of the blood-brain barrier following experimental concussion. Acta Neuropathologica, 135(5), pp. 711-726. (doi: 10.1007/s00401-018-1824-0) (PMID:29460006)
Single severe traumatic brain injury produces progressive pathology with ongoing contralateral white matter damage one year after injury
Pischiutta, F. et al. (2018) Single severe traumatic brain injury produces progressive pathology with ongoing contralateral white matter damage one year after injury. Experimental Neurology, 300, pp. 167-178. (doi: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2017.11.003) (PMID:29126888)
Lifelong behavioral and neuropathological consequences of repetitive mild traumatic brain injury
Mouzon, B. C. et al. (2018) Lifelong behavioral and neuropathological consequences of repetitive mild traumatic brain injury. Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology, 5(1), pp. 64-80. (doi: 10.1002/acn3.510) (PMID:29376093) (PMCID:PMC5771321)
Impact of age on acute post-TBI neuropathology in mice expressing humanized tau: a Chronic Effects of Neurotrauma Consortium Study
Mouzon, B. et al. (2018) Impact of age on acute post-TBI neuropathology in mice expressing humanized tau: a Chronic Effects of Neurotrauma Consortium Study. Brain Injury, 32(10), pp. 1285-1294. (doi: 10.1080/02699052.2018.1486457) (PMID:29927671)
Negative impact of female sex on outcomes from repetitive mild traumatic brain injury in hTau mice is age dependent: a Chronic Effects of Neurotrauma Consortium study
Ferguson, S. A. et al. (2017) Negative impact of female sex on outcomes from repetitive mild traumatic brain injury in hTau mice is age dependent: a Chronic Effects of Neurotrauma Consortium study. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 9, 416. (doi: 10.3389/fnagi.2017.00416) (PMID:29311903) (PMCID:PMC5744460)
Traumatic brain injury: integrated approaches to improve prevention, clinical care, and research
Maas, A. I. R. et al. (2017) Traumatic brain injury: integrated approaches to improve prevention, clinical care, and research. Lancet Neurology, 16(12), pp. 987-1048. (doi: 10.1016/S1474-4422(17)30371-X) (PMID:29122524)
The chronic and evolving neurological consequences of traumatic brain injury
Wilson, L., Stewart, W. , Dams-O’Connor, K., Diaz-Arrastia, R., Horton, L., Menon, D. K. and Polinder, S. (2017) The chronic and evolving neurological consequences of traumatic brain injury. Lancet Neurology, 16(10), pp. 813-825. (doi: 10.1016/S1474-4422(17)30279-X)
Long-term health outcomes after exposure to repeated concussion in elite level: rugby union players
McMillan, T.M. , McSkimming, P., Wainman-Lefley, J., Maclean, L.M., Hay, J., McConnachie, A. and Stewart, W. (2017) Long-term health outcomes after exposure to repeated concussion in elite level: rugby union players. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, 88(6), pp. 505-511. (doi: 10.1136/jnnp-2016-314279) (PMID:27951526)
Acute or delayed treatment with anatabine improves spatial memory and reduces pathological sequelae at late time-points after repetitive mild traumatic brain injury
Ferguson, S., Mouzon, B., Paris, D., Aponte, D., Abdullah, L., Stewart, W. , Mullan, M. and Crawford, F. (2017) Acute or delayed treatment with anatabine improves spatial memory and reduces pathological sequelae at late time-points after repetitive mild traumatic brain injury. Journal of Neurotrauma, 34(8), pp. 1676-1691. (doi: 10.1089/neu.2016.4636) (PMID:27889957)
A history of concussions is associated with symptoms of common mental disorders in former male professional athletes across a range of sports
Gouttebarge, V., Aoki, H., Lambert, M., Stewart, W. and Kerkhoffs, G. (2017) A history of concussions is associated with symptoms of common mental disorders in former male professional athletes across a range of sports. Physician and Sportsmedicine, 45(4), pp. 443-449. (doi: 10.1080/00913847.2017.1376572) (PMID:28870119)
Evidence for acute electrophysiological and cognitive changes following routine soccer heading
Di Virgilio, T. G., Hunter, A., Wilson, L., Stewart, W. , Goodall, S., Howatson, G., Donaldson, D. I. and Ietswaart, M. (2016) Evidence for acute electrophysiological and cognitive changes following routine soccer heading. EBioMedicine, 13, pp. 66-71. (doi: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2016.10.029) (PMID:27789273)
Variation in structure and process of care in traumatic brain injury: provider profiles of European Neurotrauma centers participating in the CENTER-TBI study
Cnossen, M. C., Polinder, S., Lingsma, H. F., Maas, A. I. R., Menon, D., Steyerberg, E. W. and Stewart, W. (2016) Variation in structure and process of care in traumatic brain injury: provider profiles of European Neurotrauma centers participating in the CENTER-TBI study. PLoS ONE, 11(8), e0161367. (doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0161367) (PMID:27571205) (PMCID:PMC5003388)
Time to be blunt about blast traumatic brain injury
Stewart, W. and Smith, D. H. (2016) Time to be blunt about blast traumatic brain injury. Lancet Neurology, 15(9), pp. 896-898. (doi: 10.1016/S1474-4422(16)30058-8) (PMID:27291519)
Chronic repetitive mild traumatic brain injury results in reduced cerebral blood flow, axonal injury, gliosis, and increased T-Tau and Tau oligomers
Ojo, J. O. et al. (2016) Chronic repetitive mild traumatic brain injury results in reduced cerebral blood flow, axonal injury, gliosis, and increased T-Tau and Tau oligomers. Journal of Neuropathology and Experimental Neurology, 75(7), pp. 636-655. (doi: 10.1093/jnen/nlw035) (PMID:27251042)
Tackling concussion, beyond Hollywood
Smith, D. H. and Stewart, W. (2016) Tackling concussion, beyond Hollywood. Lancet Neurology, 15(7), pp. 662-663. (doi: 10.1016/S1474-4422(16)30037-0) (PMID:27302233)
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy: the neuropathological legacy of traumatic brain injury
Hay, J., Johnson, V. E., Smith, D. H. and Stewart, W. (2016) Chronic traumatic encephalopathy: the neuropathological legacy of traumatic brain injury. Annual Review of Pathology: Mechanisms of Disease, 11(1), pp. 21-45. (doi: 10.1146/annurev-pathol-012615-044116) (PMID:26772317)
Turning people into couch potatoes is not the cure for sports concussion
Calderwood, C., Murray, A. D. and Stewart, W. (2016) Turning people into couch potatoes is not the cure for sports concussion. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 50(4), pp. 200-201. (doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2015-095393) (PMID:26405112)
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy: a potential late and under recognized consequence of rugby union?
Stewart, W. , McNamara, P.H., Lawlor, B., Hutchinson, S. and Farrell, M. (2016) Chronic traumatic encephalopathy: a potential late and under recognized consequence of rugby union? QJM: An International Journal of Medicine, 109(1), pp. 11-15. (doi: 10.1093/qjmed/hcv070) (PMID:25998165)
SNTF immunostaining reveals previously undetected axonal pathology in traumatic brain injury
Johnson, V. E., Stewart, W. , Weber, M. T., Cullen, D. K., Siman, R. and Smith, D. H. (2016) SNTF immunostaining reveals previously undetected axonal pathology in traumatic brain injury. Acta Neuropathologica, 131(1), pp. 115-135. (doi: 10.1007/s00401-015-1506-0) (PMID:26589592)
The first NINDS/NIBIB consensus meeting to define neuropathological criteria for the diagnosis of chronic traumatic encephalopathy
McKee, A. C. et al. (2016) The first NINDS/NIBIB consensus meeting to define neuropathological criteria for the diagnosis of chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Acta Neuropathologica, 131(1), pp. 75-86. (doi: 10.1007/s00401-015-1515-z) (PMID:26667418) (PMCID:PMC4698281)
Blood-brain barrier disruption is an early event that may persist for many years after traumatic brain injury in humans
Hay, J. R., Johnson, V. E., Young, A. M.H., Smith, D. H. and Stewart, W. (2015) Blood-brain barrier disruption is an early event that may persist for many years after traumatic brain injury in humans. Journal of Neuropathology and Experimental Neurology, 74(12), pp. 1147-1157. (doi: 10.1097/NEN.0000000000000261) (PMID:26574669)
Traumatic brain injury: Age at injury influences dementia risk after TBI
Johnson, V. E. and Stewart, W. (2015) Traumatic brain injury: Age at injury influences dementia risk after TBI. Nature Reviews Neurology, 11(3), pp. 128-130. (doi: 10.1038/nrneurol.2014.241) (PMID:25534914)
Collaborative European NeuroTrauma Effectiveness Research in Traumatic Brain Injury (CENTER-TBI): A prospective longitudinal observational study
Maas, A. I.R., Menon, D. K., Steyerberg, E. W., Citerio, G., Lecky, F., Manley, G. T., Hill, S., Legrand, V., Sorgner, A. and Stewart, W. (2015) Collaborative European NeuroTrauma Effectiveness Research in Traumatic Brain Injury (CENTER-TBI): A prospective longitudinal observational study. Neurosurgery, 76(1), pp. 67-80. (doi: 10.1227/NEU.0000000000000575) (PMID:25525693)
Chronic neuropathological and neurobehavioral changes in a repetitive mild traumatic brain injury model
Mouzon, B. C., Bachmeier, C., Ferro, A., Ojo, J.-O., Crynen, G., Acker, C. M., Davies, P., Mullan, M., Stewart, W. and Crawford, F. (2014) Chronic neuropathological and neurobehavioral changes in a repetitive mild traumatic brain injury model. Annals of Neurology, 75(2), pp. 241-254. (doi: 10.1002/ana.24064) (PMID:24243523)
Amyloid imaging with carbon 11–labeled pittsburgh compound b for traumatic brain injury
Hong, Y.T. et al. (2014) Amyloid imaging with carbon 11–labeled pittsburgh compound b for traumatic brain injury. JAMA Neurology, 71(1), pp. 23-31. (doi: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2013.4847) (PMID:24217171) (PMCID:PMC4084932)
Repetitive mild traumatic brain injury in a mouse model produces learning and memory deficits accompanied by histological changes
Mouzon, B., Chaytow, H., Crynen, G., Bachmeier, C., Stewart, J., Mullan, M., Stewart, W. and Crawford, F. (2013) Repetitive mild traumatic brain injury in a mouse model produces learning and memory deficits accompanied by histological changes. Journal of Neurotrauma, 29(18), pp. 2761-2773. (doi: 10.1089/neu.2012.2498)
Axonal pathology in traumatic brain injury
Johnson, V.E., Stewart, W. and Smith, D.H. (2013) Axonal pathology in traumatic brain injury. Experimental Neurology, 246, pp. 35-43. (doi: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2012.01.013)
Chronic neuropathologies of single and repetitive TBI: substrates of dementia?
Smith, D.H., Johnson, V.E. and Stewart, W. (2013) Chronic neuropathologies of single and repetitive TBI: substrates of dementia? Nature Reviews Neurology, 9(4), pp. 211-221. (doi: 10.1038/nrneurol.2013.29)
span>Inflammation and white matter degeneration persist for years after a single traumatic brain injury
Johnson, V. E., Stewart, J. E., Begbie, F. D., Trojanowski, J. Q., Smith, D. H. and Stewart, W. (2013) Inflammation and white matter degeneration persist for years after a single traumatic brain injury. Brain, 136, pp. 28-42. (doi: 10.1093/brain/aws322) (PMCID:PMC3562078)
Partial interruption of axonal transport due to microtubule breakage accounts for the formation of periodic varicosities after traumatic axonal injury
Tang-Schomer, M. D., Johnson, V. E., Baas, P. W., Stewart, W. and Smith, D. H. (2012) Partial interruption of axonal transport due to microtubule breakage accounts for the formation of periodic varicosities after traumatic axonal injury. Experimental Neurology, 233(1), pp. 364-372. (doi: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2011.10.030) (PMID:22079153) (PMCID:PMC3979336)
Widespread tau and amyloid-beta pathology many years after a single traumatic brain injury in humans
Johnson, V.E., Stewart, W. and Smith, D.H. (2012) Widespread tau and amyloid-beta pathology many years after a single traumatic brain injury in humans. Brain Pathology, 22(2), pp. 142-149. (doi: 10.1111/j.1750-3639.2011.00513.x)
Acute and chronically increased immunoreactivity to phosphorylation-independent but not pathological TDP-43 after a single traumatic brain injury in humans
Johnson, V. E., Stewart, W. , Trojanowski, J. Q. and Smith, D. H. (2011) Acute and chronically increased immunoreactivity to phosphorylation-independent but not pathological TDP-43 after a single traumatic brain injury in humans. Acta Neuropathologica, 122(6), pp. 715-726. (doi: 10.1007/s00401-011-0909-9) (PMCID:PMC3979333)
Traumatic brain injury and amyloid-β pathology: a link to Alzheimer’s disease?
Johnson, V.E., Stewart, W. and Smith, D.H. (2010) Traumatic brain injury and amyloid-β pathology: a link to Alzheimer’s disease? Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 11, pp. 361-370. (doi: 10.1038/nrn2808)
A Neprilysin Polymorphism and Amyloid-beta Plaques after Traumatic Brain Injury
Johnson, V., Stewart, W. , Graham, D., Stewart, J., Praestgaard, A. and Smith, D. (2009) A Neprilysin Polymorphism and Amyloid-beta Plaques after Traumatic Brain Injury. Journal of Neurotrauma, 26(8), pp. 1197-1202.
Professor Damien Bailey
Traumatic brain injury and dementia
Owens, T.S., Corkill, R., Berg, R.M.G. and Bailey, D.M. (2018). Traumatic brain injury and dementia. Lancet Psychiatry 5: 782.
The changing nature of concussion in rugby union; looking back to look forward
Owens, T.S, Rose, G., Marley, C.J., Calverley, T.A., Stacey, B.S., Williams, P. and Bailey, D.M. (2019). The changing nature of concussion in rugby union; looking back to look forward. Concussion 3: 1-7
Dynamics of Modern Rugby: The molecular and neurological complications of recurrent concussion
Owens, T. and Bailey, D.M. (2020). The molecular and neurological complications of recurrent concussion. In: Dynamics of Modern Rugby (Ed: Davies, B. and Baker, J.S.)
Concussion history in rugby union players is associated with depressed cerebrovascular reactivity and cognition
Owens, T.S., Calverley, T.A., Stacey, B.S., Rose, G., Fall, L., Tsukamoto, H., Jones, G., Corkill, R., Tuaillon, E., Hirtz, C., Lehmann, S., Marchi, N., Marley, C.J. and Bailey, D.M. (2021). Concussion history in rugby union players is associated with depressed cerebrovascular reactivity and cognition. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and
Science in Sports 31: 2291-2299.
Impaired cerebral blood flow regulation and cognition in male football players
Marley, C.J., Owens, T.S., Tsukamoto, H., Stacey, B.S., Corkill, R. and Bailey, D.M. (2021). Impaired cerebral blood flow regulation and cognition in male football players. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports. 31: 1908-1913.
Elevated cerebral perfusion and preserved cognition in elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athletes: Evidence for neuroprotection
Stacey, B.S., Campbell, Z. and Bailey, D.M. (2021). Elevated cerebral perfusion and preserved cognition in elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athletes: Evidence for neuroprotection. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports 31: 2115-2122. Selected as Editor’s Choice.
Lower systemic nitric oxide bioactivity, cerebral hypoperfusion and accelerated cognitive decline in formerly concussed retired rugby union players
Owens, S., Marley, C.J., Calverley, T.A., Stacey, B.S., Fall, L., Tsukamoto, H., Iannatelli, A., Filipponi, T., Davies, B., Jones, G.L., Hirtz, C., Lehmann, S., Tuaillon, E., Marchi, N. and Bailey, D.M. (2023). Lower systemic nitric oxide bioactivity, cerebral hypoperfusion and accelerated cognitive decline in formerly concussed retired rugby union players. Experimental Physiology 108: 1029-1046. Selected for Press Release by the BBC and The Physiological Society.
From Monro and Kellie to mountains and concussion; the science of slosh
Bailey, D.M. (2017). From Monro and Kellie to mountains and concussion; the science of slosh. Journal of Applied Physiology doi: 10.1152/japplphysiol.01022.2016.
Uncoupling between cerebral perfusion and oxygenation during incremental exercise in an athlete with postconcussion syndrome: a case report
Imhoff, S., Malenfant, S., Nadreau, E., Poirier, P., Bailey, D.M. and Brassard, P. (2017). Uncoupling between cerebral perfusion and oxygenation during incremental exercise in an athlete with postconcussion syndrome: a case report. Physiological Reports 5: e13131.
Traumatic brain injury and dementia
Owens, T.S., Corkill, R., Berg, R.M.G. and Bailey, D.M. (2018). Traumatic brain injury and dementia. Lancet Psychiatry 5: 782.
Professor Karen Hind
Cumulative sport‑related injuries and longer term impact in retired male elite‑ and amateur‑level rugby code athletes and non‑contact athletes : a retrospective study
Hind, K., Konerth, N., Entwistle, I., Lewis, G., Theadam, A., & Chazot, P. (2020). Cumulative sport‑related injuries and longer term impact in retired male elite‑ and amateur‑level rugby code athletes and non‑contact athletes : a retrospective study. Sports Medicine, 50(11), 2051-2061.
Mental Health and Wellbeing of Retired Elite and Amateur Rugby Players and Non-contact Athletes and Associations with Sports-Related Concussion: The UK Rugby Health Project
Hind, K., Konerth, N., Entwistle, I. et al. Mental Health and Wellbeing of Retired Elite and Amateur Rugby Players and Non-contact Athletes and Associations with Sports-Related Concussion: The UK Rugby Health Project. Sports Med 52, 1419–1431 (2022).
The Incidence, Cost, and Burden of Concussion in Women’s Rugby League and Rugby Union: A Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis
King, D.A., Hume, P.A., Hind, K. et al. The Incidence, Cost, and Burden of Concussion in Women’s Rugby League and Rugby Union: A Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis. Sports Med 52, 1751–1764 (2022).
Concussion-Related Biomarker Variations in Retired Rugby Players and Implications for Neurodegenerative Disease Risk: The UK Rugby Health Study
Alanazi, N., Fitzgerald, M., Hume, P., Hellewell, S., Horncastle, A., Anyaegbu, C., Papini, M. G., Hargreaves, N., Halicki, M., Entwistle, I., Hind, K., & Chazot, P. (2024). Concussion-Related Biomarker Variations in Retired Rugby Players and Implications for Neurodegenerative Disease Risk: The UK Rugby Health Study. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25(14), 7811.
The Incidence, Cost, and Burden of Concussion in Women’s Rugby League and Rugby Union: A Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis
King, D.A., Hume, P.A., Hind, K. et al. The Incidence, Cost, and Burden of Concussion in Women’s Rugby League and Rugby Union: A Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis. Sports Med 52, 1751–1764 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-022-01645-8
Doug King, BN, PhD
It’s more than a head knock. Getting seriousness about concussion in emergency departments
King, Doug & Pearce, Alan. (2024). It’s more than a head knock. Getting seriousness about concussion in emergency departments.. 24. 6-9.
Traumatic brain injuries in New Zealand: National Insurance (Accident Compensation Corporation) claims from 2012 to 2016
King, D., Hume, P., Hardaker N., Pearce, A., Cummins, C., Clarke, T., Journal of the Neurological Sciences, Volume 399, 61 – 68
Female RNA concussion (FeRNAC) study: assessing hormone profiles and salivary RNA in females with concussion by emergency departments in New Zealand: a study protocol
Hardaker, Natalie & King, Doug & Hume, Patria & Stewart, Tom & Sims, Stacy & Basu, Indira & Shilton, Blair & Selfe, James. (2024). Female RNA concussion (FeRNAC) study: assessing hormone profiles and salivary RNA in females with concussion by emergency departments in New Zealand: a study protocol. BMC Neurology. 24. 10.1186/s12883-024-03653-9.
Use of the concussion check protocol for concussion assessment in a female soccer team over two consecutive seasons in New Zealand
King, D., Hume, P., Clark, T., Wether, J., Journal of the Neurological Sciences, Volume 460, 123011
The Incidence, Cost, and Burden of Concussion in Women’s Rugby League and Rugby Union: A Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis
King, D.A., Hume, P.A., Hind, K. et al. The Incidence, Cost, and Burden of Concussion in Women’s Rugby League and Rugby Union: A Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis. Sports Med 52, 1751–1764 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-022-01645-8
Effects of stricter management guidelines on return-to-play timeframes following concussion in professional Australian Rules football
Alan J Pearce, Doug A King, Adam J White, Catherine M Suter. Effects of stricter management guidelines on return-to-play timeframes following concussion in professional Australian Rules football. medRxiv 2021.01.25.21250431; doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.01.25.21250431
A systematic review of the effects of educational interventions on knowledge and attitudes towards concussion for people involved in sport – Optimising concussion education based on current literature
Conaghan, C., Daly, E., Pearce, A. J., King, D. A., & Ryan, L. (2020). A systematic review of the effects of educational interventions on knowledge and attitudes towards concussion for people involved in sport – Optimising concussion education based on current literature. Journal of Sports Sciences, 39(5), 552–567. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2020.1835223
Use of the King-Devick test for the identification of concussion in an amateur domestic women’s rugby union team over two competition seasons in New Zealand
King, Doug & Hume, Patria & Clark, Trevor & Pearce, Alan. (2020). Use of the King-Devick test for the identification of concussion in an amateur domestic women’s rugby union team over two competition seasons in New Zealand. Journal of the neurological sciences. 418. 10.1016/j.jns.2020.117162.
A review of concussion diagnosis and management in Australian professional sporting codes
Gunasekaran, P., Hodge, C., Pearce, A., King, D., & Fraser, C. (2019). A review of concussion diagnosis and management in Australian professional sporting codes. The Physician and Sportsmedicine, 48(1), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1080/00913847.2019.1624656
Dr Michael Buckland
Cumulative sport‑related injuries and longer term impact in retired male elite‑ and amateur‑level rugby code athletes and non‑contact athletes : a retrospective study
Hind, K., Konerth, N., Entwistle, I., Lewis, G., Theadam, A., & Chazot, P. (2020). Cumulative sport‑related injuries and longer term impact in retired male elite‑ and amateur‑level rugby code athletes and non‑contact athletes : a retrospective study. Sports Medicine, 50(11), 2051-2061.
Mental Health and Wellbeing of Retired Elite and Amateur Rugby Players and Non-contact Athletes and Associations with Sports-Related Concussion: The UK Rugby Health Project
Hind, K., Konerth, N., Entwistle, I. et al. Mental Health and Wellbeing of Retired Elite and Amateur Rugby Players and Non-contact Athletes and Associations with Sports-Related Concussion: The UK Rugby Health Project. Sports Med 52, 1419–1431 (2022).
The Incidence, Cost, and Burden of Concussion in Women’s Rugby League and Rugby Union: A Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis
King, D.A., Hume, P.A., Hind, K. et al. The Incidence, Cost, and Burden of Concussion in Women’s Rugby League and Rugby Union: A Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis. Sports Med 52, 1751–1764 (2022).
Concussion-Related Biomarker Variations in Retired Rugby Players and Implications for Neurodegenerative Disease Risk: The UK Rugby Health Study
Alanazi, N., Fitzgerald, M., Hume, P., Hellewell, S., Horncastle, A., Anyaegbu, C., Papini, M. G., Hargreaves, N., Halicki, M., Entwistle, I., Hind, K., & Chazot, P. (2024). Concussion-Related Biomarker Variations in Retired Rugby Players and Implications for Neurodegenerative Disease Risk: The UK Rugby Health Study. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25(14), 7811.
The Incidence, Cost, and Burden of Concussion in Women’s Rugby League and Rugby Union: A Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis
King, D.A., Hume, P.A., Hind, K. et al. The Incidence, Cost, and Burden of Concussion in Women’s Rugby League and Rugby Union: A Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis. Sports Med 52, 1751–1764 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-022-01645-8