MND: What We Know, What We Don’t, and If It’s Linked to Sports

Evidence links repeated head impacts to some neurodegenerative diseases, but the connection to MND remains unclear, according to one researcher.

(L-R) Motor Neurone Disease suffers Jai Arrow, retired rugby league player, and deceased AFL player and coach Neale Daniher. AAP Image/Dean Lewins

Motor Neurone Disease (MND) has returned to the national spotlight following a series of high-profile developments.

Former NRL player Jai Arrow was forced to retire after being diagnosed with the neurodegenerative disease, and just weeks later, former AFL player Neale Daniher died after his 13-year battle with MND.

Daniher’s death drew tributes from across the country and the Victorian Parliament. He was also awarded Australian of the Year and established FightMND to find a cure for the disease.

Among those paying tribute was Labor MP Emma Vulin, who was diagnosed with MND in 2024. Speaking in Parliament, Vulin honoured Daniher’s contribution to MND awareness and fundraising, describing the lasting impact of his advocacy.

The developments have once again raised questions about what causes MND and whether participation in contact sports can increase the risk of developing the disease.

What is MND and How Does it Affect People?

MND is an umbrella term for a group of neurodegenerative diseases that affect the motor neurons in the brainstem and spinal cord.