Ex-Wales star Alix Popham offers hope to former rugby stars suffering with dementia by revealing the life-changing impact of experimental brain treatment in Mexico

Former rugby stars suffering from early-onset dementia and likely chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) have been given hope for the future.

It comes after ex-Wales star Alix Popham revealed the life-changing impact experimental brain treatment in Mexico has had on him following his devastating diagnosis in April 2020.

Popham was diagnosed with early-onset dementia after estimating his brain had suffered as many as 100,000 sub-concussions over the course of his 13-year professional career.

The 44-year-old is the first former professional sportsman to undergo the treatment in South America, carried out by pioneering US biotech company Neurocytonix for incurable neurological conditions.

‘It’s going a lot better. I don’t lose my train of thought nearly as often,” Popham said.

The Mexican treatment could give future hope to rugby stars with dementia

Popham said there was an improvement, which he noticed after three days of treatment

‘After day three I could feel positive signals. During my career and during my retirement, I suffered from headaches in the afternoon. Some afternoons I had to lie in a dark room.

‘It (the Mexico treatment) was a very positive step forward for me. There are so many ex-players who are struggling, suicidal and depressed and we need to give them hope.”

Popham first noticed something was wrong with his health when he couldn’t remember the way home from a bike ride.

He was eventually diagnosed with early-onset dementia and likely CTE and is one of 350 former rugby players suing the game’s governing body for damages.

Many other ex-sports stars are in the same boat, but Popham’s experiences provide reason for positivity.

Although the treatment is awaiting regulatory approval in Britain and the science has yet to be proven through clinical trials, Popham has said his life is now in a much better place.

The treatment in Mexico, which Popham first received in March 2021, is intended to stimulate brain regeneration to restore the structure of the nervous system. It is seen as a new approach in the treatment of neurological diseases such as cerebral palsy and traumatic brain injury.

“I’ve been four times in total: three times for treatment and once just for scans to monitor my progress,” Popham said.

“They are very happy with the way I am progressing and the other six players who have been treated are also showing positive signs.

The ex-Wales star has made four trips since 2021, including one for scans to monitor progress

The treatment is intended to stimulate brain regeneration to restore the nervous system

Popham and his wife Mel will try to fund a UK clinical trial through the charity Head for Change

‘It is comparable to an MRI machine. It is silent unlike an MRI and it is non-invasive. It’s quite relaxing when you’re in the tunnel. As a company, they know that science must be proven.

‘I am patient zero – the first professional athlete in the world to undergo this treatment.’

Football expert Chris Kamara was treated at Neurocytonix in Mexico earlier this year after his speech disorder affected his commentary.

Popham and his wife Mel will do everything they can to fund the clinical trial in Britain by raising money through Head for Change – the charity they co-founded following his diagnosis.