Dean Windass reveals he has ADHD as well as dementia in an emotional interview as he releases his autobiography.
Windass initially learned that he had ADHD in the build-up to the launch of his second autobiography, and as he told the BBC, he could barely believe he had another condition.
ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how individuals focus, regulate their impulses, and manage their energy levels
Symptoms depend on the type; inattention causes challenges with focusing, organisation and time management, hyperactivity causes excessive energy or restlessness, and impulsivity causes a person to act without thinking or struggle to wait their turn.
People can be predominately one type or a mix of the two and symptoms are varied and unique to individuals.
While living with ADHD is challenging, people often find unique strengths within their condition, such as the ability to hyperfocus on something they find interesting, problem-solving skills and creativity.
‘I thought, “God, what’s going on?”,’ Windass said. ‘I’ve got dementia, now I’ve got ADHD – and what else have I got.
He added that after struggling at school, his diagnosis of ADHD – which impacts concentration and can cause hyperactivity and impulsivity – quickly made sense to him.
‘Even at school I couldn’t process things,’ he continued.
‘I can read and write, but if I read a book and you asked me what that book was about, I wouldn’t know.’
ITV INTERVIEW:
Reporter: “He’s the man who fired Hull to previously unimaginable highs. But in recent years, Dean Windass has endured some extreme lows. Dean’s battled alcohol problems and depression. And then last year, at just 55 years old, he was diagnosed with stage two dementia.”
Dean: “Well, it just said mild stage two dementia. Do you know? And I says, what’s that mean? Do you know? And he says, well, do you know you could be like that for two to five years? Could be like do you know it could get worse? But I never told anybody, because I didn’t want my family to know. I didn’t want my kids to know. There was only Kerry who knew my partner. I was just forgetting names and things like that. So I’d that’s when I thought, well, I’ll go in just to see what it’s about. And then yeah. Yeah. It scared me. I’m not gonna lie.”
Interviewer: “How did your loved ones, you know, your friends, your family, take the news?”
Dean: “Mum’s 82, so she she got a bit worried. And, obviously, the boys, they rang me up because, obviously, it was you know, they didn’t know till it come out in the in the press. Just try to be positive as as I can really. And that’s why when I brought the autobiography, I was you know, to to let people because I didn’t have the diagnosis when the book came out. So then I then put an extra one on on to it.”
Interviewer: “Has writing the book helped?”
Dean: “Not really. Not really. Bringing up bad memories. And what’s in the book is total honest honesty from my my mistakes I’ve made in my life. So, no, didn’t enjoy it one bit. I’m glad it’s over.”
Interviewer: “Are there things in there that you’re not particularly proud of then?”
Dean: “Yeah. Loads of things. Yeah. But I had to come out and say it because, you know, it’s I can’t relive all that now. You know, I’ve gotta move forward and, you know, there’s a lot of things in there that is is is wrong. You you know what I’ve done?”
Interviewer: “Could you give us an example of…”
Dean: “Drink driving, ten, eleven, twelve years ago. Not proud of it. Stupid. Do you know a lot of things drinking every day? My dad passing away. You’ve got me again. It’s a tough it’s a tough tough one to do, really. And the thing was, Chris, was at that many people. I was upsetting that many people what were close to me. And I just thought if I’m not here anymore, and then I can’t anybody. I know it’s a selfish thing, and I’m glad that I got through it. But at that time, you don’t think you just don’t think you just drink, and the answer’s not the bomb of a glass. And and then when I when I went to Sporting Chance, I came and I went I’m not I’m not putting myself through that again. I’ve got no respect back now. I’ve got my respect back off my kids and my mom. Do you know? So yeah. Hopefully, it’ll be like this for another ten, fifteen years, and it won’t get any worse.””
“I was hurting that many people, so I thought ‘if I’m not here anymore I can’t hurt anybody.’” #hcafc & #bcafc legend @DWindass10 opens up about his battles with depression, alcohol & recent dementia diagnosis. My report for @itvcalendar pic.twitter.com/blMvlkoZyJ
— Chris Dawkes (@chrisdawkesITV) May 12, 2025
Twitter users reacted as Dean Windass reveals he has ADHD as well as dementia in an emotional interview…
@benthambantam: Just watched you on the TV Deano, a great interview and you should be very proud of yourself. Will certainly be buying your book. Once a Bantam always a Bantam, Deano 🙏
@darrennorton60: Spoke well Deano, did a great job!
@p_bielby: Top man 👍
@OgilvieSport: Deano. Any chance I can send one to be signed or buy signed. Having had my own battles what you’ve done is incredible. Loved you as a player. Top bloke to boot.
@swingbowler: Watched it and brilliant the way you talked through it.
Following Dean Windass’s BBC Breakfast appearance, his book ‘Beyond The Final Whistle’ has seen unprecedented demand, with more copies expected on Amazon soon.
A former Premier League and EFL striker with a cult following, Deano talked about his career, defined by over 800 games and 200 goals across clubs like Hull City, Aberdeen, and Sheffield United.
His iconic £30m volley at Wembley secured Hull’s historic Premier League promotion.
The book explores the challenges of retirement—silence after years of adulation, leading to struggles with drink, divorce, and despair.
Deano candidly shares his journey of reinvention, focusing on mental health and resilience, aiming to help others. His authentic, straight-talking Yorkshire spirit shines through, detailing the wins and losses beyond the pitch.
@DWindass10 top shagger when in hull why not had a grand trip 50 k steps now off 2 Leeds st James for some treatment pic.twitter.com/K468lkxAj0
— jamie🍀🇮🇪 (@kingofthelepric) May 13, 2025
