Footballer Dean Windass 'worried sick' as he's diagnosed with dementia at 55

Ex-Premier League ace Dean Windass has been diagnosed with dementia at 55, with the news being shared by former Manchester United player David May on BBC Breakfast. "I only spoke to Dean Windass yesterday, ex-professional footballer," May revealed.

"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."

Taking to Twitter/X, May confirmed he had Windass' blessing to go public with his condition, posting: "FYI I spoke to @DWindass10 last night and asked his permission. He was 100 per cent behind me mentioning that he had been diagnosed with stage 2 dementia. Deano has just done an article for a national newspaper which will be published soon.. Share the love."

Read more Strictly Come Dancing star dies after 'short illness'

The Hull City legend, who netted the decisive goal that elevated his hometown club to the top flight in 2008, endorsed May's tweet about his diagnosis and also retweeted a supportive message which said: "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."

Josh Windass shared a heartening clip singing Glen Campbell's 'Rhinestone Cowboy' from his car, captioning it: "Just got to keep smiling and trying to help people.", reports the Mirror.

Former footballer David May opened up about the dementia risks players face on BBC Breakfast, in light of new findings linking heading footballs to the disease. May expressed his concerns: "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? " He continued with the worrying statistics: "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?" May emphasized the urgency: "One in three [footballers have the] possibility of getting dementia. The message needs to get out there."

Kate Lee, Chief Executive of UK Alzheimer’s Society, told Birmingham Mail: “We are so sorry to hear that Dean Windass has been diagnosed with dementia and our thoughts are with him and his family at this difficult time.

“We cannot understate the impact of people in the public eye sharing their personal stories of the condition, and we are so grateful to Dean for speaking out. It’s a deeply personal thing but it really helps shine a light on dementia – a condition that one in three people born today will develop in their lifetime.

“Receiving a diagnosis can be frightening, but we believe it’s better to know. Our website alzheimers.org.uk has plenty of resources, including a downloadable symptoms checklist that people can take with them to their GP.

“Please get in touch with Alzheimer’s Society if you need support on 0333 150 3456 or visit alzheimers.org.uk”