Longitudinally assess recovery following concussion in male athletes with fhNDD.

Research suggests that a family history of neurodegenerative disease (fhNDD) may predispose an athlete to abnormal recovery following brain injury. However, no one has longitudinally assessed recovery following concussion in male athletes with fhNDD. 

Data from the NCAA-DOD Grand Alliance: Concussion Assessment, Research, and ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú (CARE) Consortium were used to compared male athletes with (n = 51) and without (n = 102) a family history of neurodegenerative disease (Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Non-Alzheimer’s Dementia, and Mild Cognitive Impairment). All athletes completed baseline ImPACT assessments prior to the beginning of their sporting season. Athletes that sustained a concussion were then re-evaluated 24-48 hours post-injury, prior to un-restricted return to play (RTP), and again 6 months post-injury. Athletes without fhNDD were double matched based on age, body mass index, sport category, and concussion history. 

Repeated measures ANCOVA models were used to evaluate performance at each post-injury timepoint, while controlling for baseline performance. A group × time interaction was observed for visual memory performance. Post-hoc univariate analyses revealed that male athletes with fhNDD demonstrated significantly poorer visual memory performance 24-48 hours post-injury compared to controls (p ≤ 0.005). Additionally, we found a main effect of group for impulse control, indicating that male athletes with fhNDD demonstrated an increase number of impulse errors at all three post-injury evaluations (p ≤ 0.004). We did not to observe any other group differences (p’s > 0.05). 

Our results suggest that male athletes with a family history of neurodegenerative disease may exhibit greater post-injury cognitive deficits compared to controls. Additionally, some deficits may persist for at least 6 months post-injury. Further research is warranted to investigate the interaction between family history of neurodegenerative disease and concussion.