Dementia: Doctor outlines changes to help prevent disease
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
The family of Joe Kinnear have announced that the former football legend is battling with “late stage” dementia. His family have gone public about the former Tottenham Hotspur defender’s progressive brain decline to raise awareness about the woefully overlooked link between the game and its detrimental health impact. Joe was diagnosed with an aggressive form of early onset vascular dementia in 2015, the year after leaving Newcastle United, and his condition is being made public on Wednesday with the blessing of his wife Bonnie and daughter Russelle.
Speaking exclusively to the Telegraph, his family shared light on the former footie star’s diagnosis and current health status.
Joe was diagnosed in his late sixties but has deteriorated to a “late stage” of his illness and the family are currently preparing to admit him into full-time care.
His wife Bonnie suspects football could be the cause of his progressive brain decline.
The hunch is based on seeing many of her husband’s team-mates and football friends succumb to a similar tragedy.
Bonnie suspects repetitive heading was the primary cause of Joe’s decline.
“I’ve been greatly saddened to see so many former players battling dementia,” she said.
“It’s just awful. They insure footballers against breakages, so why not against dementia? There must be enough money in football to help those who need it.
“And they must take further steps to make the game safer for those playing now and in the future. More has to be done in both areas. This is not about us – it’s about the whole of football.”
Joe’s daughter Russelle is also convinced of the link.
“Common sense tells you that the damage starts as soon as you start heading a ball,” she said.
“This is about educating schools, academies, parents and coaches. It has been totally heartbreaking. I feel like my parents have been robbed of so many good years together.”
Mounting evidence shows the devastating impact of the sport on the brain.
Source: Read Full Article