Dementia

In his latest novel about a MMA fighter, John Vercher explores the reality – and the morality – of the devastating effects of repeated trauma on an athlete’s brain

More than half of the 1966 England football World cup team were later diagnosed with dementia. Members of the rugby World Cup winning side in 2003 can no longer remember their triumph. For many of our sporting legends, success comes at the highest price of all – the loss of their selves.

Wendy Mitchell was 58 when she was told she had early onset dementia. Seven years on, she shares what she wishes people would know about the illness.