Former Aston Villa and Norwich striker John Deehan have been tackling Alzheimer’s for the last six years. He made more than 400 appearances during his 15-year career between 1975 and 1990. His wife revealed that the former player still loves to talk about football but has a number of issues with his memory. She revealed his struggles with the disease and has asked for consideration for the family.
“Now seems like the right time to inform you that for several years my husband John Deehan, former Aston Villa, WBA, Norwich City, and Ipswich Town center-forward has been battling a neurodegenerative disease,” Linda Deehan, wife of former Aston Villa and Norwich striker John Deehan said. “John’s consultant has concluded that he has Dementia, namely Alzheimer’s Disease. John was only 58 years old at the time. John has good days and bad days. He endeavors to continue to live and enjoy a normal life, as best as possible, however almost every day we are confronted with a new challenge. If you come across him at a match or elsewhere, please don’t be afraid to interact with him.”
“Please understand that John may not be able to converse in the way he once did, but he still loves to talk about football and share a laugh,” she added. “Please be considerate if he is having a bad day and struggling. This disease plays tricks on his memory, so he may not be able to remember accurately, and he may find signing autographs a challenge. Even though things have not ended as we had planned, we continue to live our lives as best we can.”
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