Lewis Moody: Former England captain Lewis Moody revealed on Monday that he has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Moody, 47, retired from professional rugby in 2012 after a remarkable 16-year career that included stints with Leicester Tigers, Bath, England, and the British and Irish Lions. The flanker lifted nearly every trophy available and played in some of the most high-stakes matches in rugby history. With his diagnosis now public, many are asking: are athletes more prone to developing MND?What Is Motor Neurone Disease?Motor Neurone Disease is a group of neurological disorders that progressively destroy motor neurons, the nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movements such as walking, speaking, swallowing, and even breathing.Messages from the brain’s upper motor neurons are transmitted to lower motor neurons in the spinal cord, which then communicate with muscles. When these signals fail, muscles begin to weaken and shrink, a process called muscle atrophy. Damage to lower motor neurons can also cause stiffness and overactive reflexes, making voluntary movements slow and difficult. Over time, MND can result in the loss of mobility and the ability to control other bodily movements.Currently, there is no cure for MND. The disease is progressive and worsens over time, but certain treatments and interventions can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.Lewis Moody, Motor Neurone Disease: Are Athletes at Higher Risk?Recent research suggests there may be a link between contact sports and MND. A 2022 study from the University of Glasgow, which examined 400 former Scotland rugby players, found they had a higher likelihood of developing the condition. Additionally, researchers at Durham University discovered that rugby players who suffered repeated concussions exhibited biological differences that could make them more susceptible to MND.The MND Association notes that while there is a correlation between contact sports and MND, it does not necessarily mean that playing sports causes the disease. The studies indicate a greater prevalence among athletes, but they stop short of establishing a direct cause-and-effect relationship.Symptoms of Motor Neurone DiseaseMND often begins subtly, with symptoms appearing gradually. Early warning signs can include:Weakness in legs or ankles, causing difficulty climbing stairs or frequent trippingSlurred speech (dysarthria)Trouble swallowingWeak grip, making daily tasks like buttoning a shirt or opening jars challengingMuscle twitches and crampsWeight loss from shrinking arm and leg musclesInvoluntary laughter or crying at inappropriate times (pseudobulbar affect)Causes of Motor Neurone DiseaseThe exact cause of MND is not fully understood. It is not contagious and generally arises due to a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Around 10% of cases are inherited, known as familial MND, caused by a genetic mutation. Children of someone with a genetic mutation have a 50% chance of inheriting it, though not everyone with the mutation will develop the disease.Diagnosing Motor Neurone DiseaseThere is no single test to diagnose MND. Doctors typically rely on symptom observation and physical examinations. To confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions, they may use: Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction testsMRI scans of the brain and spinal cordBlood testsMuscle biopsiesLumbar puncturesEarly symptoms are often mild and non-specific, which can make diagnosis challenging. Anyone experiencing persistent symptoms should consult a doctor for proper evaluation.
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