Dean Windass, 55, has been diagnosed with dementia

Former professional footballer Dean Windass has been diagnosed with stage two dementia, a condition that causes mild cognitive decline and memory lapses. 

The news was first shared by former Manchester United defender David May on BBC Breakfast, where he spoke openly about the growing concerns around dementia in football.

May later clarified on X (formerly Twitter) that Windass had personally given him permission to discuss the diagnosis publicly, hoping to raise awareness about the condition.

When speaking about dementia live on TV, May said: 'I only spoke to Dean Windass yesterday, ex-professional footballer. 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.'

Shortly after the news broke, Windass himself posted a video on social media of him singing in his car, accompanied by the caption: 'Just got to keep smiling and trying to help people.'

Stage two dementia is characterised by subtle but noticeable memory lapses, such as forgetting familiar names or phrases and misplacing everyday items like glasses or keys. While these symptoms can often be mistaken for normal aging, they mark the early signs of cognitive decline.

Windass, a prolific striker during his playing days, is best remembered for his remarkable volley in Hull City's 2008 Championship play-off final against Bristol City, a goal that secured the club's historic promotion to the Premier League. 

Over a career spanning more than two decades, Windass also played for Aberdeen, Bradford City, and Middlesbrough, amassing over 200 goals in more than 600 appearances.

In light of his diagnosis, Windass has joined a growing number of former footballers calling for greater awareness and support regarding the link between professional football and neurodegenerative diseases. 

Research has suggested that repetitive head impacts sustained during football careers may increase the risk of developing conditions such as dementia, adding urgency to ongoing efforts to better understand and address this critical issue.

Fans were quick to take to social media to support Windass, with one writing: 'I'm so sorry to hear that Deano. My mum had Alzheimer's and vascular dementia. Keep doing what you're doing mate, stay active body and mind my friend and of course you've got the Yorkshire grit, fighting spirit and great support.'

Another added: 'Awful news and at such a young age too thoughts with all his family and friends at this sad time.' While one supporter wrote: 'Another footballer with dementia. Very sad news.'

May also discussed the cost of care for dementia patients while on BBC Breakfast. He said: '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?'.

May went on to add: "Over my career, I probably headed the football about 20,000 times in total. It's only coming to light now. 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.'

May isn't the only one to mention the cost of care. John Stiles that his father, the legendary Nobby Stiles, was forced to auction off his medals to afford the resources he needed, according to The Manchester Evening News. 

Several other footballer's have spoken out about their concerns. Ex-Manchester United centre-back Gary Pallister has revealed he worries about the potential harm to his health, along with fellow former Three Lions defender Steve Howey.

Pallister, 59, described suffering 'sickening' migraines throughout his playing career. And Howey, whose clubs included Newcastle United and Manchester City, told of how scans show his brain has gone into cognitive decline.

Howey, 53, is now among a group of claimants pursuing legal action against the sport's governing bodies over brain injuries they allegedly suffered during their playing days. 

Researchers on a Football Association-supported study looking at the impact of head injuries on former footballers reported their initial findings in March last year.

The Health and Ageing Data in the Game of Football (HEADING) has been assessing the link between exposure to heading a football, other impacts to the head, and concussions with cognitive function among 199 ex-male professionals in England aged over 50.

In their first reported findings, the researchers said: 'This study generally does not support an association between exposure to heading a football and poorer cognitive function among former male professional players.

'An association between the number of concussions sustained and poorer cognitive function was present, although the effect size is relatively small.'

Yet neurological scientists have also given differing opinions, while campaigners on behalf of former footballers who have suffered with dementia are pushing for more action.