Football legend Denis Law diagnosed with mixed dementia
The news has been broken by his charity the Denis Law Legacy Trust
Last updated 19th Aug 2021
Footballing legend Denis Law has been diagnosed with dementia, according to his charity.
The Denis Law Legacy Trust say they are 'saddened' to hear the news that Law has 'mixed dementia'.
The term 'mixed dementia' means the person has more than one type of the disease. Law has revealed that in his case, that's Alzheimer's and vascular dementia.
In a statement, Law himself said:
“I am at the point where I feel I want to be open about my condition. I have been diagnosed with ‘mixed dementia.
"This has been an extremely difficult year for everyone and the long periods of isolation have certainly not helped.
“It is an incredibly challenging and problematic disease and I have witnessed many friends go through this. You hope that it won’t happen to you, even make jokes about it whilst ignoring the early signs because you don’t want it to be true.
"You get angry, frustrated, confused and then worried, worried for your family, as they will be the ones dealing with it."
He continues: "I recognise how my brain is deteriorating and how my memory evades me when I don’t want it to and how this causes me distress in situations that are beyond my control.
"I do understand what is happening and that is why I want to address my situation now whilst I am able, because I know there will be days when I don’t understand and I hate the thought of that right now."
Davie Hay, former Scottish footballer and manager, told MFR: "One of Scotland’s greatest all-time players.
"Gentleman as well. Other players who have played with him have been Billy McNeil, Stevie Chalmers and Bertie Auld – now Denis, it’s sad it’s happened to him.
"I think maybe heading those old sort of brick balls may be something to do with it.
"I think it’s possible because unlike the modern-day ball which appears to be lighter, it was morning training where you’re training with balls that when they got wet, they got extremely heavy.
"We played in the home championships, we played in the game where we beat Czechoslovakia to qualify at Hampden the previous year.
"It was a group we were together for five weeks so we got to know one another well.
"Apart from a great player, he was a great gent as well.
"He’s my boyhood hero. As a young kid watching him play against England and the great header he scored early 60s, and it was a great privilege to say I played with Denis Law."
Law says he wanted to make the news public as he doesn't want people to be saddened if he forgets places, people or dates.
He's revealed he is no longer able to sign autographs, and apologised to anyone who has sent memorabilia to him to be signed.
“I know the road ahead will be hard, demanding, painful and ever changing and so ask for understanding and patience as this will not be an easy journey especially for the people who love you the most” He concluded.
Kate Lee, Chief Executive at Alzheimer’s Society said:
“We have offered support to Denis Law and the whole family. We are incredibly thankful to the family for choosing to raise vital funds for us and hope Denis’s bravery in coming forward will encourage many others to seek the help they need, for which we are hugely grateful.
“We’ve seen too many sporting heroes impacted by the condition, which is why our Sport United Against Dementia campaign is needed now more than ever. It’s never been more important to fund crucial research and our vital support services and ensure that right now, past and present players, as well as fans, know our services are here and can get the dedicated dementia support they deserve.”
Mark Williams, Chief Operating Officer of Denis Law Legacy Trust said:
“Denis is a fantastic patron of our organisation, Denis Law Legacy Trust, and we're all very grateful for the time and effort he puts in to help us achieve our collective goals.
“As a player, his grit and determination took him from the streets of Aberdeen to the pinnacle of world football and everyone at the Trust knows he will use that same strength now to take on this illness. We wish him the very best and applaud his bravery in being so open about the matter.”