Dean Windass, a former Hull City, Bradford and Middlesbrough striker, has spoken up after it was discovered he was diagnosed with dementia at the age of 55 last year.
Former Premier League forward Dean Windass has opened up about his struggle with dementia at the age of 55, but he wants to raise awareness rather than compassion. The former Middlesbrough star was diagnosed with stage two dementia last year.
David May examined Windass’s condition on BBC Breakfast, highlighting its impact on former footballers. “I only spoke to Dean Windass yesterday, ex-professional footballer,” May said. “I asked Deano how he was. He has been diagnosed with stage 2 dementia. He’s the same age as me, and he’s scared about what the future holds for him.”
The discovery has inspired a surge of support for Windass, who spoke about his condition on the Greatness on Demand podcast. The former Bradford and Hull City forward wants to use the spotlight generated by his diagnosis to assist others.
“The onus is on me because I’m the one who’s been mentioned, it’s opened a massive can of worms and I get that,” added the actor. “It has nothing to do with Dean Windass, and it has nothing to do with attention; I receive plenty of it already. I only hope that folks get the help they deserve. If you have an issue, tell someone, because you can’t solve it on your own. If I can help folks, that is fantastic.
“I still train every day, and I don’t feel any difference. My health is fine. I still play football, but I don’t head the ball, and that’s the lesson of the story. There are people significantly worse off than myself. “I don’t want people to feel sorry for me,” said the Mirror.
May later revealed that Windass had given him permission to speak about his condition, and he appeared on BBC Breakfast to discuss the most recent studies revealing an increased risk of dementia among footballers who head balls. May stated, “Over my career, I probably headed the football about 20,000 times in total.” It is only now coming to light. I’d like to know where I’ll be in ten years; will I have the support of the governing authorities, PFA, for financing that these families do not currently receive?
“It is worrying. I am worried, of course. I have a family to care for, and I don’t want my children to look after me every day. Care is not cheap. Is there enough to support future generations? One in every three [footballers] has the chance of developing dementia. The message must get out there.”
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