Dean Windass reporting for Sky Sports
Former Premier League striker Dean Windass has been diagnosed with stage two dementia at the age of just 55.
The former Hull City and Bradford City forward's condition was revealed by ex-Manchester United star David May on BBC Breakfast. May later took to X to explain that his friend had given him permission to discuss his dementia to help raise awareness.
The symptoms of stage two dementia include experiencing subtle memory lapses, such as forgetting everyday phrases or names, and misplacing important objects like eyeglasses or car keys.
Windass, now a football pundit, then shared a video of himself singing in his car on social media, with the caption: "Just got to keep smiling and trying to help people."
May spoke about dementia live on TV, where he revealed Windass' diagnosis. "I only spoke to Dean Windass yesterday, ex-professional footballer," May said. "I asked Deano how he is. 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."
The striker enjoyed a goal-laden career in England and with Aberdeen in Scotland, but is perhaps best known for scoring the stunning volley that fired his hometown club Hull to the Premier League in the Championship play-off final against Bristol City in 2008.
Windass plundered nearly 200 goals in a career spanning two decades. The Yorkshire bulldozer battered defences up and down the land, becoming the third top scorer in Bradford City's history, during two spells with the Bantams, plus notching 89 goals for Hull.
Windass has been active on X since the news broke, sharing multiple well-wishing messages from fans. He has since posted a light-hearted message, reading: "Seriously I am ok was delighted to find out I had a brain just hope other families get the help what they want for the people they have lost".
Fans also sent their best wishes to Windass, with one Hull fan account writing: "Sending best wishes to @DWindass10 from the #hcafc faithful . Forever the man who gave our club the greatest moment in our history. Keep being the legend that you are." A second said: "We are all behind you Deano, you absolute legend!!!"
May continued to discuss the risks that professional footballers have of developing dementia, with studies showing they are 3.46 times more likely to do so than the general public. "Over my career, I probably headed the football about 20,000 times in total. It's only coming to light now," he added.
"I'd like to know where I'll be in ten years' time, will I have the care from the governing bodies, PFA, for funding that these families are not currently getting? It's worrying. I'm worried, of course I am.
"I've got a family to look after and I don't want my children looking after me day in day out. Care does cost a lot of money. Is there enough to care for future generations? "One in three [footballers have the] possibility of getting dementia. The message needs to get out there."
Caroline Scates, deputy director for Admiral Nurse development, Dementia UK, praised Windass for speaking up about his condition.
She said: "We're sorry to hear that Dean Windass has been diagnosed with dementia. By choosing to speak openly and publicly about his diagnosis, he will undoubtedly encourage others to seek support if they are concerned about symptoms they may be experiencing.
"There are estimated to be around 70,800 people living with young onset dementia in the UK – where symptoms occur before the age of 65. Obtaining a diagnosis of young onset dementia can be challenging, and it is often even harder to find age-appropriate support. But it is important to know that you are not alone and that expert care is available.
"We encourage anyone affected by young onset dementia to visit dementiauk.org/get-support for information resources and to find out how to access our national helpline and clinics services."
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