Retired American football star claims Alzheimer's changed his life

A retired American football star who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease at the age of 49 has explained how brain damage has affected his life and personality.

Brent Boyd played for the Minnesota Vikings during the 1980s as an offensive lineman, during a period when the team's home pitch consisted of concrete covered with a thin carpet of astroturf.

Speaking to the Independent he explained that concussions were commonplace, as much a result of the floor as a collision with another player.

He told the newspaper: "You're doing your regular duties and you fall backwards and your head hits concrete. That will make you woozy."

Mr Boyd also noted that his brain damage has made him feel like he has lost his character and personality.

"It's one thing to limp and have a sore shoulder, but when your brain isn't working, functioning how it's supposed to, it robs your life," he explained.

Women over the age of 85 years old were recently identified as one of the higher risk groups for developing dementia.

The study published in the May issue of Archives of Neurology indicated that dementia is set to increase faster among this US demographic than any other.

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