Former Liverpool Striker John Aldridge Raises Concerns About Dementia and Alzheimer’s Among Players of His Generation
Former Liverpool striker John Aldridge has expressed his growing concern about the prevalence of dementia and Alzheimer’s among players from his generation. Aldridge, who is now 65 years old, revealed that several Anfield legends who have passed away in recent years showed signs of being affected by these conditions. Currently, there are four “proper Liverpool legends” who are experiencing problems related to dementia and Alzheimer’s.
One of these legends is former captain Ron Yeats, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s five years ago. Aldridge himself has undergone tests but acknowledges that there is little he can do at this stage of his life. He stated, “The damage has been done,” emphasizing the impact of heading the ball during his playing career.
Aldridge explained that he and his fellow players used to practice heading the ball every day, often with heavier balls. They would stay behind after training to head the ball 50 or 60 times. While he has experienced some problems himself and had tests done, Aldridge is more concerned about his family, as he has witnessed the devastating effects of these illnesses on loved ones.
Recently, legal teams representing more than a dozen players, including the family of England World Cup winner Nobby Stiles, appeared in the High Court in London for the first hearing in their claims against various football associations for brain injuries allegedly suffered during their careers. The Stiles family’s lawyers have argued that the sporting bodies did not take sufficient action to reduce heading the ball in training and matches.
In an effort to support former players living with dementia, Aldridge and other former Liverpool players helped launch the LFC Memories app. This app, which is part-funded by the LFC Foundation, utilizes sights and sounds from the club’s history to assist fans with dementia. It is the first app of its kind to be developed directly with a professional football club.
Despite these initiatives, Aldridge revealed that some of Liverpool’s greatest players are still struggling with dementia and Alzheimer’s. He expressed his concern, stating, “It seems that 70 to 80 percent of the lads from the 50s, 60s, and some 70s who were my heroes had dementia or Alzheimer’s problems.” He emphasized the importance of addressing these issues and supporting the players who made Liverpool great.
Aldridge, who is the chairman of the former players’ association Forever Reds, highlighted their efforts to assist ex-players in any way possible. The association recently raised £75,000 for former footballers and local causes through a Christmas dinner event at Anfield attended by 500 guests. Aldridge stated, “We help our ex-players in any way we can,” emphasizing their commitment to supporting former players in need.