Study Reveals Brain Risks for Combat Athletes from Poor Areas
Combat sports athletes hailing from impoverished neighborhoods may face heightened risks of brain alterations linked to degenerative diseases. A recent study published on August 13, 2023, in Neurology Open Access reveals that these athletes experience smaller brain volumes in critical areas associated with movement and memory.
Researchers conducted MRI brain scans on 100 professional combat sport athletes, all of whom had participated in at least ten professional fights. The study found that those from low-income backgrounds exhibited marked differences in brain structure compared to their counterparts from wealthier neighborhoods. Specifically, they demonstrated thinning in the outer layers of key brain regions, including the thalamus and hippocampus, which can indicate early signs of brain degeneration.
Lead researcher Brooke Conway Kleven, a postdoctoral scholar at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, stated, “It is well-known that high-impact sports such as professional fighting are at a greater risk of repetitive head injuries. We found that socioeconomic status may influence how the brain responds to these repetitive impacts.”
During a five-year follow-up, 20% of the participants reported issues with memory and cognitive function. The analysis highlighted that the athletes from disadvantaged neighborhoods faced greater shrinkage in these crucial brain areas, suggesting that the stresses associated with low income and limited resources could compound the dangers of repeated head trauma.
Conway Kleven emphasized the need to consider broader social factors: “Stressors related to income, employment, education, and housing quality may compound the risks of repeated head trauma. Athletes from marginalized or under-resourced communities may face a heavier burden when it comes to brain health.”
While the study establishes a significant association between socioeconomic background and brain health, researchers cautioned that it cannot definitively prove a cause-and-effect relationship. Further research is necessary to elucidate the mechanisms by which upbringing may influence the risk of brain damage.
Conway Kleven concluded that “the findings support a broader understanding of brain health—one that considers not just training or fight history, but also the social and economic context in which people live.” Recognizing these stressors could lead to more equitable strategies aimed at preserving long-term brain health for all athletes, regardless of their background.
For more information on traumatic brain injury, the National Institutes of Health provides extensive resources.
