Combat sports like boxing and mixed martial arts (MMA) have always been associated with risks of injuries like concussions and fractures.

However, a new study has found a link between participating in combat sports and long-term brain damage, specifically dementia. The research was conducted by scientists from London’s Royal Holloway University and published in the journal Neurobiology of Aging.

The Study

The study analyzed data from 231 boxers, MMA fighters and wrestlers, and compared it to a database of 339 healthy individuals. The participants in the study were from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Poland.

The research used three different types of medical scans to analyse the impacts of combat sport on the brain. The scans measured the brain’s electrical activity, the functioning of small blood vessels in the brain, and the cerebrospinal fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.

The study found that the fighters had higher levels of brain damage than non-combat sport athletes. The research team also looked at the association between the amount of fighting experience and the severity of brain damage.

They found that fighters who had sustained a higher number of concussions during their fighting careers had more pronounced brain damage.

The Link to Dementia

The researchers found that the combat sport athletes had “significant” reductions in brain activity and blood flow in areas of the brain that are important for memory, attention and cognitive function.

The findings suggest that participating in combat sports could increase the risk of developing dementia later in life.

Dementia is a disease that causes loss of cognitive function and memory that worsens over time. According to the World Health Organization, about 47 million people worldwide have dementia, with about 10 million new cases being diagnosed each year.

The symptoms of dementia usually develop slowly and gradually get worse over time. They include memory loss, confusion, disorientation, difficulty with communication and personality changes.

The Role of Concussions

The researchers found that the reduced brain activity in the fighters was linked to concussions sustained during their careers. Concussions are caused by a blow to the head or body that results in brain trauma.

Concussions can lead to a range of symptoms, from mild to severe, including headaches, dizziness, confusion, and loss of consciousness.

In recent years, there has been growing awareness of the risks of concussions in contact sports like football, ice hockey, and rugby. The risk of concussions in combat sports like boxing and MMA is even higher due to the nature of the sport.

Fighters are regularly punched and kicked in the head and body, which can cause serious brain injuries.

The Relevance of the Findings

The results of this study could have far-reaching implications for the sport of boxing and MMA.

While it is already known that these sports carry inherent risks of physical injury, this study adds further evidence of the risks of long-term brain damage and dementia. The findings could lead to changes in the rules and regulations of these sports, as well as greater awareness among athletes, coaches and medical professionals.

This study comes at a time when there is growing controversy over the role of combat sports in society. Critics have accused combat sports like boxing and MMA of glamorizing violence and promoting a culture of aggression.

Others, however, argue that these sports are legitimate and offer a valuable form of physical and mental training.

Conclusion

The study provides further evidence of the risks of long-term brain damage and dementia in participants in combat sports like boxing and MMA.

The implications of the study could lead to changes in the rules and regulations of these sports, as well as greater awareness among athletes, coaches and medical professionals. As the research indicates, the link between combat sports and brain damage is real, and needs to be taken seriously.