Former professional footballer Dean Windass has been diagnosed with stage two dementia, as revealed by ex-Manchester United defender David May.
May shared the news after speaking directly with Windass, having received permission to discuss the diagnosis publicly.
“I only spoke to Dean Windass yesterday,” May said on BBC Breakfast. “He’s been diagnosed with Stage 2 dementia. He’s the same age as me and he’s worried sick of how it’s going to be in the future for him.”
Shortly after the news broke, Windass took to social media, sharing a video of himself singing in his car.
Former Premier League star Dean Windass scored over 200 goals during his playing days
PA
The former striker accompanied the video with a message of resilience, writing: “Just got to keep smiling and trying to help people.”
His positive approach has garnered support from fans across social media platforms, with many offering messages of encouragement and solidarity.
Stage two dementia is characterised by subtle but noticeable memory lapses, including difficulty remembering familiar names and misplacing everyday items.
Windass, who enjoyed a career spanning more than two decades, is best remembered for his spectacular volley in Hull City’s 2008 Championship play-off final against Bristol City.
That crucial goal secured Hull’s historic promotion to the Premier League, part of a remarkable career that saw him score over 200 goals in more than 600 appearances.
May raised concerns about the financial burden of dementia care.
“Care does cost a lot of money and the money that’s going into the PFA, is it enough money to care for the future generations, who one in three have a possibility of getting dementia?” he questioned.
May also revealed his own worries, noting he had “headed the football about 20,000 times” during his career.
Fans quickly rallied around Windass, with one supporter writing: “I’m so sorry to hear that Deano. My mum had Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia. Keep doing what you’re doing mate.”
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Other former players have voiced similar concerns, including Gary Pallister, who described suffering “sickening” migraines during his career.
Steve Howey, 53, formerly of Newcastle United and Manchester City, has revealed his brain shows signs of cognitive decline.
Recent research findings from the FA-supported HEADING study, examining 199 former male professionals, found limited evidence linking heading footballs to cognitive decline.
Former Premier League star Dean Windass has been diagnosed with dementia
PA
However, the study did note a small association between concussions and poorer cognitive function.
The findings come as campaigners continue to push for increased action regarding the connection between professional football and neurodegenerative disease.
Post comments (0)