Hull City play-off hero Dean Windass revealed the only change he's noticed since his dementia diagnosis is that he struggles to remember people's names.

At the age of just 54, Windass was diagnosed with the condition. He has since started supporting the Football Families for Justice Group, a new initiative backed by David Beckham to obtain more help and support for former players impacted by the disease.

The now 55-year-old admits he is worried about the future but insists that he feels fine at present. But while he feels physically and mentally healthy, he often forgets people's names.

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In an interview with the Times, Windass was asked to outline how the disease is impacting him at present. He replied: "Right now, beyond forgetting people’s names, I’m not really aware of any change. But obviously, I’m worried about the future.”

He added: "Honestly, I’m good; I’m fine. A woman did come to the house after my diagnosis and did some more tests, and I did get upset when I couldn’t do them. But call me in another ten years and if we’re still having a conversation similar to this, then we’ll know I’m OK.”

Dementia is a progressive condition that causes a loss in cognitive functioning, thus impacting a person's capacity to think and reason. It also impacts a person's short-term memory and, over time, damages their long-term recollection.

There has been widespread concern that heading has made ex-players vulnerable to the disease. At the start of the 2024-25 football season, a new rule imposed by the FA banning deliberate heading in youth football matches from U7-U9 level was phased into the sport.

Given his recent diagnosis and the tragic passing of Nobby Stiles, the 1966 World Cup winner who died of dementia, aged 78, in 2020, Windass is convinced his condition was also caused by heading.

He added: "It probably is from heading balls. I always loved heading balls and I still do when I play in charity games. But I also got knocked out a few times during my career and things were different to the way they are now; a quick wipe with a wet sponge and you were back on the pitch.

"Look, I am concerned about what might happen down the line. But I just don’t know at the moment. We’ll have to see. I’m working on the after-dinner circuit and enjoying watching my boy. Today this isn’t about me. It’s about the people dealing with this disease right now and raising awareness for them.”