Former Premier League striker Dean Windass revealed this week that he has been diagnosed with Stage Two dementia.
Windass, who had a 20-year professional football career with clubs such as Hull City, Middlesbrough, and Aberdeen, scored his last Premier League goal at 39. He retired in October 2009, only 15 years before being diagnosed with dementia 12 months ago.
Now 55, he has explained that he sometimes forgets names and things his partner tells him. After turning to John Stiles, son of England 1966 World Cup hero Nobby Stiles, he decided to get his scans. Stiles died in 2020, aged 78, after living with dementia for years, and his son continues to campaign for change in football.
Windass’ diagnosis was first shared with his permission by former Manchester United defender David May on BBC Breakfast, who said: “I spoke to Deano [Windass] and he’s worried sick about how it is going to be in the future for him.” Though he has struggled to process the information, he hopes speaking publicly will raise awareness.
According to the NHS website, dementia refers to the symptoms that result from brain damage caused by diseases like Alzheimer’s. There are six common early symptoms that may appear before a dementia diagnosis. They are:
- Memory loss
- Difficulty concentrating
- Finding it hard to carry out familiar daily tasks, such as getting confused over the correct change when shopping
- Struggling to follow a conversation or find the right word
- Being confused about time and place
- Mood changes
The symptoms in question often begin mildly and become gradually worse over time. It’s important to note that dementia isn’t a natural part of ageing, and it’s vital to consult with a GP if you’re concerned about memory issues.
Father of two Windass, who netted 234 goals during his club career, is certain about the origin of his dementia, telling The Daily Mail: “I’ve been heading footballs for a job. Not in the games but in training. Crossing and finishing drills. They asked me how many times I’d headed the ball in 20 years. Bloody hell! Thousands and thousands of times.”
Man of the match Dean Windass celebrates Hull City’s victory in the 2008 Championship play-off final at Wembley Stadium
(Image: Getty Images)
Following his CT scan, the results were delivered to Windass via a Zoom call, where he recalled: “The conversation I had was that there was nothing to worry about at this stage but the scan has come back as mild grade two dementia. Immediately, I was like ‘oh f***, what does that mean?’
“I don’t know how it will affect my life in the years to come. I do forget names. I don’t know what’s around the corner. I live day to day.”
Windass also told the Mirror that he decided to go public with his diagnosis to help others. He said: “My phone has gone mad because everyone thinks I’m dying. I’m not dying. I’m all right.
“My son text to ask if I was okay. I don’t know what’s going to happen in five years or tomorrow. I just get on with it.”