Dean Windass has noticed only one change to body since dementia diagnosis
Dean Windass has noticed only one change to body since dementia diagnosis
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Iconic Hull City legend Dean Windass admitted dementia has left him struggling to remember names. Windass recently revealed he was diagnosed with dementia at the young age of 54. Now 55, he has joined forces with the Football Families for Justice Group, which David Beckham championed in the fight for more support for ex-players battling the disease.
The play-off hero's diagnosis was revealed a matter of months before Manchester United legend Denis Law passed away aged 84 after a lengthy battle with dementia. At present, Windass is coping well, admitting that not too much has changed since the heart-breaking news was revealed to him.
But he is worried about the future despite currently being mentally and physically able to live his life as normal. The only thing he does find difficult is trying to remember names. He recently told the Times: "Right now, beyond forgetting people's names, I'm not really aware of any change. But obviously, I'm worried about the future.".
He added: "Honestly, I'm good; I'm fine. A woman did come to the house after my diagnosis and did some more tests, and I did get upset when I couldn't do them. But call me in another ten years and if we're still having a conversation similar to this, then we'll know I'm OK.".
Dementia is known for gradually eroding cognitive abilities, affecting an individual's capacity for thought and rational processing. It also initially targets short-term memory before eventually undermining long-term recollection. The football world has been grappling with the potential link between heading the ball and dementia among former players. In response, the FA introduced a new rule at the beginning of the 2024-25 season, prohibiting deliberate heading in youth matches from U7 to U9 levels.
