Rugby is clearly in disaster because it makes an attempt to handle the escalation of concussion and its penalties within the fashionable sport (World Rugby’s brain health service finds 25% of ex-players ‘at risk’ of problems, 30 April). Sadly the disaster will proceed except the regulatory authorities perceive, settle for and tackle the mind’s vulnerability to repetitive mind trauma. The human mind is a particularly fragile organ, having the consistency of soppy butter, whereas it features as an outstanding supercomputer. It’s resilient to some accidents however when these happen repeatedly within the fierce fashionable sport over a number of years, this may increasingly result in cognitive deterioration and dementia.
The upkeep of a wholesome mind should grow to be a public well being precedence at each degree, whereas each participant in danger ought to obtain common cognitive evaluation. If early cognitive impairment develops, critical consideration have to be given to early retirement. With out the implementation of those steps, this disaster will merely proceed.
Dr Donald Williams
Honorary fellow, Swansea College Medical Faculty
