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Brain Health
Understanding, Protecting and Optimising Brain Health Throughout Life
Brain health influences how we think, feel, perform, connect with others, and enjoy life. Whether you are currently playing sport or have retired from competition, understanding brain health is an important part of maintaining long-term wellbeing and quality of life.
Tackle Suicide exists to provide evidence-informed information, practical guidance, and access to support for athletes, families, and communities.
WHY BRAIN HEALTH MATTERS
For many athletes, physical fitness has always been a priority.
Brain health deserves the same attention. The brain controls memory, emotions, decision-making, sleep, relationships, and performance. Changes in brain health can affect every aspect of life. For current and former rugby players, and athletes from other contact and collision sports, concerns about concussion, repetitive head impacts, memory loss, mood changes, depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline have become increasingly important topics of discussion.
Research continues to investigate the relationship between sport-related head impacts and long-term brain health. While much remains unknown, there is growing recognition of the importance of protecting brain health throughout life.Importantly, brain health is influenced by much more than sport-related head impacts.
Sleep, exercise, nutrition, stress, social connection, alcohol consumption, medical conditions, purpose, and overall lifestyle all play significant roles in long-term brain health and wellbeing. The good news is that many factors that influence brain health are within our control.
Understanding the basics
CONCUSSION
A concussion is a traumatic brain injury caused by a blow to the head, neck, face, or body that results in forces being transmitted to the brain.Common symptoms may include:• Headache
• Dizziness
• Balance problems
• Confusion
• Difficulty concentrating
• Memory difficulties
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Fatigue
• Mood changes
• Sleep disturbances
Most people recover fully following concussion. However, some individuals may experience symptoms that persist beyond the expected recovery period and require additional support.
REPETITIVE HEAD IMPACTS
Athletes in rugby and other contact sports may experience thousands of head impacts during their playing careers.
Researchers continue to investigate the potential long-term effects of repetitive head impacts and why some individuals develop symptoms while others do not.
Although there is still much to learn, awareness, education, prevention, and ongoing research remain critical.
COGNITIVE HEALTH
Cognitive health refers to the brain’s ability to:• Remember information
• Focus attention
• Process information
• Solve problems
• Make decisions
• Learn new skills
Changes in cognitive function can occur for many reasons, including ageing, stress, poor sleep, mental health difficulties, medical conditions, medications, and neurological disorders.
Experiencing symptoms does not automatically mean that someone has a serious neurological disease.
Assessment by qualified healthcare professionals is important.
MENTAL HEALTH AND BRAIN HEALTH
Brain health and mental health are closely connected.Changes in brain health can affect mood, emotions, relationships, motivation, and overall wellbeing.Individuals experiencing brain health challenges may also experience:• Anxiety
• Depression
• Irritability
• Emotional instability
• Sleep difficulties
• Loss of motivation
• Social withdrawal
• Suicidal thoughtsSeeking help early is one of the most important steps anyone can take.
Brain Health Conditions
UNDERSTANDING CTE
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease associated with a history of repetitive brain trauma.
Researchers believe that abnormal accumulations of tau protein develop within certain areas of the brain over time.
There are several important points to understand:
• Not everyone who experiences concussion develops CTE.
• Not everyone with symptoms has CTE.
• Symptoms may have many possible causes.
• Research into CTE is ongoing.
• CTE can currently only be definitively diagnosed after death through examination of brain tissue.
There is still much scientists do not know about why some individuals may develop CTE while others do not.
Our aim is to provide balanced, evidence-informed information rather than fear or speculation.
DEMENTIA AND OTHER NEURODEGENERATIVE CONDITIONS
Dementia is an umbrella term describing conditions that affect memory, thinking, behaviour, and the ability to perform everyday tasks.
There are several different types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, and Lewy body dementia.
Most memory difficulties are not dementia, but persistent concerns should always be discussed with a healthcare professional.
OTHER BRAIN HEALTH CONCERNS
Athletes may experience a variety of brain health challenges throughout life, including:
• Persistent post-concussion symptoms
• Migraine disorders
• Sleep disorders
• Depression and anxiety
• Cognitive difficulties
• Neurological conditions unrelated to sport
Every individual’s situation is unique and deserves appropriate assessment and support.
SIGNS YOU SHOULD NOT IGNORE
Speak to a healthcare professional if you experience persistent:
• Memory difficulties
• Confusion
• Difficulty concentrating
• Mood changes
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Increased irritability
• Sleep disturbance
• Personality changes
• Loss of motivation
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
These symptoms may arise from many different causes and should never be ignored.
Need immediate support?
OPTIMISING BRAIN HEALTH
THE BRAIN HEALTH PLAYBOOK
Protecting and improving brain health is not only about avoiding injury.Many everyday habits can support brain function, emotional wellbeing, resilience, and long-term quality of life.
The following principles are informed by established health research and practical brain-health approaches advocated by leading experts in the field.
MOVE YOUR BODY
Regular physical activity is one of the most powerful ways to support brain health.
Benefits may include:
• Improved mood
• Better sleep
• Reduced stress
• Improved cardiovascular health
• Enhanced cognitive function
• Reduced risk of chronic disease
Aim to move your body every day.
PROTECT YOUR SLEEP
Sleep is essential for recovery, memory consolidation, emotional regulation, and overall brain health.
Good sleep habits include:
• Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule
• Limiting alcohol before bed
• Reducing screen use late at night
• Creating a dark, cool sleeping environment
• Seeking professional support for ongoing sleep problems
FUEL YOUR BRAIN
What we eat influences how we think, feel, and perform.
Focus on:
• Vegetables and fruit
• Healthy fats
• Lean proteins
• Whole foods
• Adequate hydration
Limiting highly processed foods may also support overall health and wellbeing.
CHALLENGE YOUR BRAIN
The brain benefits from lifelong learning.
Examples include:
• Reading
• Learning a language
• Music
• Education
• Problem-solving
• Coaching
• Mentoring
• Developing new skills
Use it. Don’t lose it.
MANAGE STRESS
Long-term stress affects both brain health and mental wellbeing.
Helpful strategies include:
• Exercise
• Mindfulness
• Breathing techniques
• Time outdoors
• Counselling or therapy
• Building supportive relationships
STAY CONNECTED
Human connection is one of the strongest protective factors for wellbeing.
Strong relationships can help support emotional resilience, mental health, and quality of life.
Connection protects.
Isolation harms.
LIVE WITH PURPOSE
Purpose gives meaning and direction to life.
Whether through family, coaching, mentoring, work, volunteering, faith, community involvement, or personal goals, having a reason to get up each morning matters.
Purpose supports wellbeing.
ATHLETE STORIES
LIVED EXPERIENCES
Behind every statistic is a person.
Tackle Suicide is committed to sharing the lived experiences of current and former athletes, families, caregivers, and supporters.
These stories help reduce stigma, encourage conversations, and remind people that they are not alone.
Topics may include:
• Concussion recovery
• Mental health challenges
• Retirement from sport
• Brain injury experiences
• Family perspectives
• Recovery journeys
• Finding hope and purpose
RESEARCH AND RESOURCES
ADVANCING KNOWLEDGE TO IMPROVE LIVES
Research plays a vital role in understanding brain health, mental health, wellbeing, and suicide prevention.
Tackle Suicide supports research, education, collaboration, and knowledge sharing to improve outcomes for current and former athletes.
Areas of interest include:
• Brain health
• Mental health
• Concussion
• Repetitive head impacts
• Athlete wellbeing
• Suicide prevention
• Quality of life
PROTECT YOUR BRAIN. PROTECT YOUR FUTURE.
Whether you are a current player, former athlete, family member, coach, healthcare professional, or supporter, understanding brain health is one of the most important investments you can make.
Together we can improve awareness, reduce stigma, support wellbeing, and help athletes live healthier and more fulfilling lives.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns or symptoms.
Information on this page has been informed by evidence and educational resources from organisations including:
• Concussion Legacy Foundation
• NHS
• CDC Heads Up Programme
• World Rugby Player Welfare
• Peer-reviewed scientific literature and ongoing brain health research