News Report: Wales Rugby International provides optimism following a life-altering experimental treatment.

Former Wales rugby player Alix Popham has disclosed that he had “game-changing” experimental treatment in Mexico that significantly reduced the symptoms of early-onset dementia.

Popham is the first athlete to test the therapy being carried out by American biotech company Neurocytonix, which is searching for treatments for neurological conditions that are incurable.

The 44-year-old was diagnosed with early onset dementia and probable chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in 2020 after he first became worried when he couldn’t remember his way home while out on a bike ride. Initial symptoms included short-term memory loss, raging headaches and emotional outbursts his wife Mel described as “Incredible Hulk moments”.

All of those symptoms have either improved or are not bothering anyone now that the groundbreaking experimental therapy has begun. Popham claims his headaches are disappeared, and his “emotional regulation” has improved significantly, according to his wife Mel. Lists are no longer necessary for him to get by during the day.

It all came about after Popham was contacted by an American businessman, recommending he look at a clinic in Monterrey, Mexico, pioneering a new treatment for neurodegenerative problems. NeuroCytonix, which was founded by Dr Roberto Trujillo, had achieved highly encouraging results, he was told.

Popham, who is one of 350 former rugby players suing the game’s governing bodies for damages, told BBC News: “It’s been a game-changer for me, for us. Things are a lot better.

According to The Times, Popham himself wants other players to have access to same care. “I feel bad about having it because a lot of other rugby players with brain damage haven’t. We intend to organize several large-scale fundraising events in order to persuade Dr. Trujillo to establish the similar facility in South Wales. After that, there will be a clinical trial in which retired athletes will receive care. We anticipate having this operational in the upcoming year. Those with neurodegenerative issues may live better as a result of this.