Neil Wolfe, dementia sufferer and All Black, at his home in New Plymouth. Photo / Brett Phibbs
The Herald has uncovered a spate of dementia cases among rugby legends, raising the ugly possibility that head injuries suffered during their playing days have contributed to the disease.
READ:
• Rugby and dementia: The full story
• Head blows behind illness, say families
• Team of '64 'revered in the province'
• Your views: Should high school rugby games be 'touch' instead of tackle?
• Whose job it is to look after them?
WATCH:
• Rugby Players' Association Head Rob Nichol
• Michael Collins - Dementia cases 'terribly sad'
• The Vent: We'll hear a lot more dementia cases
Top UK neurologists and other medical experts are increasingly seeing persuasive evidence of a link between rugby and dementia.
READ:
• Ex-Lion adamant on dementia link
• Best of mates bonded by sad decline
ACC says it's "quite likely" there will be treatment claims in the future for concussion-caused chronic conditions like dementia.
READ:
• ACC bracing for claims
• Concussion leads to increased risk of suicide
• Midweek fixture with Dylan Cleaver: This is not an anti-rugby story
WATCH:
• Former team doctor Donald MacLeod on the long-term effects of playing rugby
New Zealand Rugby says the issue of concussion and potential related long-term health consequences remains complicated with no definitive answers.
READ:
• NZ Rugby keeping focus on today's players
• Rugby boss Steve Tew on dementia: 'It is an incredibly sensitive topic'
WATCH:
• Interview with NZ Rugby Union CEO on head injuries
We associate dementia with ageing but there are times this debilitating condition hits hard and hits early.
READ:
• Frustrating lapses warned loved ones all was not well
• Possible links between head-knocks and dementia 'of interest'
WATCH:
• Impact on family
OPINION: World Rugby trials new referees, but high standards remain a pressing concern.