There will be a minutes silence for Dave McAdam at todays Burton Albion v’s Leeds United match.
Here is some interesting stuff about Dave: THE family of a former Burton Albion footballer fear his dementia is linked to his career in the game. David McAdam, now of Mount Pleasant Care Home, in Winshill, is an ex-professional player who was diagnosed with the disease in 2008. His wife of 64 years thinks it may be linked to heading the heavy leather balls used back in the 1950s. Now 93, Mr McAdam played for Leeds, Burton Albion <http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/sport>, Wrexham and Matlock during a career which spanned more than 12 years.He was left back for Burton from 1951 until his retirement from the game in 1960 and at Leeds he played alongside the likes of John Charles and Tommy Burden. Talking of Mr McAdam's dementia, his wife Alice, said: "I started noticing changes in his behaviour quite a while ago – he didn't want to see his friends, even his brother from whom he was inseparable. "Things would go missing and end up in odd places. He would also get angry, which wasn't like him." For many years, Mrs McAdam devoted her days and nights to looking after Mr McAdam, with occasional help from carers. Three years ago, she and her family made the decision to move him to Mount Pleasant. He needs help with all personal care, including washing and dressing and was often awake in the small hours. Mrs McAdam added: "Dave was talent-spotted by Major Buckley to play for Leeds in 1948 at the age of 26. In those days they didn't get paid the huge amounts they do now. During the season they got £12 a week plus £2 for a win and £1 for a draw. Out of season, they often worked on the grounds to earn money." Before turning professional, Mr McAdam worked in Branston as a warehouseman and he returned to the company afterwards. Nowadays, he does not have the concentration to watch a football match and, in common with many people living with dementia, he doesn't like noise.Home manager at Mount Pleasant, Nikki Kelly, said: "We have a quiet lounge, which doesn't have a TV and David likes to spend time in there. He also clearly enjoys the outdoors and likes to be in our secure garden with other residents and carers whenever he can. "David joins in with some of our organised activities, especially if you link them to football. <http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/sport> "A game of dominoes is another great favourite, which he'll often play when his family visits. He puts his glasses on and you can see him concentrating and working out his next move. He can sometimes be aggressive – many people with dementia get very frustrated – but dominoes seems to calm him and gets him talking." Research on the links between football and dementia are limited, but calls are growing for more work to take place. What happens next? IT is hoped that the story of the McAdam family will further raise the profile of dementia and its possible links to heading heavy footballs. In the last month football fever has gripped fans throughout Europe, but people are also being asked to spare a thought for those players whose dedication to the game may have caused lasting damage to their brains.This summer is the 50th anniversary of England's World Cup win, but three of the outfield players on that winning team are living with cognitive impairment – Martin Peters, Nobby Stiles and Ray Wilson. The Football Association has also called for FIFA to investigate whether former players are developing dementia as a consequence of playing the game. There is also the Justice for Jeff campaign, started by professional footballer Jeff Astle's family, from Netherseal, after he died aged 59 with claims his illness was linked to heading footballs. He died from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a progressive brain disease found in individuals with a history of head injury. It is believed that the repeated low level brain trauma caused by heading footballs cause Mr Astle's illness.His death at the age of 59 years saw a huge rise in calls for the link between heading footballs and illnesses such as CTE and dementia to be investigated. Thirkers/098\ _______________________________________________ Leedslist mailing list Info and options: http://mailman.greennet.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/leedslist To unsubscribe, email [email protected] MARCHING ON TOGETHER
