- Former footballer Dean Windass has been diagnosed with stage two dementia
- He played a pivotal role in Hull City's promotion to the Premier League in 2008.
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Former professional footballer Dean Windass has been diagnosed with stage two dementia.
At this stage, people may experience subtle memory lapses, such as forgetting everyday phrases or names and misplacing important items like glasses or car keys.
Windass, known for his contributions to clubs such as Hull City, Aberdeen and Bradford City, enjoyed a prolific career as a striker.
He is perhaps best remembered for his pivotal role in Hull City's promotion to the Premier League in 2008, scoring a remarkable volley in the Championship play-off final against Bristol City.
In light of his diagnosis, Windass has joined a growing number of former footballers advocating for greater awareness and support around the link between professional football and neurodegenerative diseases.
Studies have indicated that footballers may be at increased risk of developing diseases such as dementia, potentially due to repetitive head impacts during their careers.
Former professional footballer Dean Windass has been diagnosed with stage two dementia.
Stage two dementia is often difficult to detect, as the symptoms can easily be attributed to normal aging. However, early recognition is crucial for effective management and planning.
Windass' career spanned more than two decades, during which he made more than 600 appearances and scored more than 200 goals.
His career began at Hull City, where he made his debut in 1991. He subsequently played for Aberdeen, Oxford United, Bradford City, Middlesbrough, Sheffield United and Oldham Athletic, before returning to Hull City to conclude his playing career.
Beyond his accomplishments on the field, Windass has been open about his personal struggles, including battles with depression and financial difficulties.
His recent diagnosis adds to the challenges he has faced, but he remains a prominent figure in football and uses his platform to raise awareness about mental health and, now, neurodegenerative diseases.
More to follow…