Sir Alex Ferguson reveals dementia fears after years of heading the ball

Sir Alex Ferguson says he worries about developing dementia because of the amount of heading he did during his football career.

The former Manchester United manager, who is 84, discussed his concerns in a rare interview, according to The Sun. Ferguson has also spoken about his brother Martin’s experience with dementia and has supported him throughout his illness, including buying a house in Glasgow to be closer to him.

The Scot has become a prominent supporter of dementia-related charities, including the legendary racer Jackie Stewart’s Race Against Dementia campaign.

“I was worried about it myself because I headed the ball a lot,” Ferguson told The Observer.

“All footballers have gone through that experience. Dementia is a challenge for anyone getting older. You worry about it a lot. I always say to myself: ‘I’m 84. If I get to 85, I’ll be all right.’”

Ferguson said he took encouragement from former professional boxer Jake LaMotta, who fought 106 times and lived to the age of 95. LaMotta was portrayed by Robert De Niro in Martin Scorsese’s 1980 film Raging Bull.

The former Manchester United manager also credited dementia charity Playlist for Life with helping to improve his brother’s quality of life.

“He recognises me, which is great,” Ferguson said. “In Glasgow, they started a music project, and the idea is that you give them a box containing all your favourite songs. They can simply press a button to play them, and it brings back all the memories.”

Ferguson retired from management in 2013 but has continued to follow Manchester United closely, regularly attending matches in person and supporting the club from the stands.

He has also experienced a number of serious health problems of his own. In 2018, Ferguson revealed that he had suffered a brain haemorrhage and had been given only a 20% chance of survival.

The Manchester United legend was taken to hospital urgently after suffering another illness before the club’s match against fierce rivals Liverpool in May.

Ferguson was seen wearing a medical boot last month, with the problem understood to have been caused by an issue with his Achilles tendon. Despite that setback, he has remained in good spirits while continuing to watch and support Manchester United from the stands.