Former Pars manager Calderwood reveals his battle with dementia

Decision to go public made to raiseawarenessof alzheimer’s disease

Former Dunfermline manager Jimmy Calderwood has revealed he has been diagnosed with alzheimer’s disease.

The 62-year-old was diagnosed two years ago and has decided to go public to help raise awareness of the illness.

The former Birmingham City player made the announcement with the support of charity Alzheimer Scotland.

Calderwood, who also managed Aberdeen, Kilmarnock and Ross County as well as several Dutch clubs, said: “If, by making this public, I can help others talk more openly about dementia, then that will be something positive. That is why I have spoken with Alzheimer Scotland and invited them along to join me today.

“I haven’t been comfortable with keeping this as a secret and when I recently heard that an old team-mate of mine in Holland is also living with alzheimer’s disease, it prompted me to go public.

“Right now I am still fine, except for being a bit forgetful with some names but I am determined to continue enjoying my life.”

Calderwood, who left his last management job as De Graafschap boss in early 2014, disclosed it was his partner, Yvonne, who noticed he was getting a “wee bit forgetful” and insisted he get checked out.

“I suppose I am a typical west of Scotland man of my generation and the last thing I think about is going to the doctor with anything I think of as just being minor,” he added.

Amanda Kopel, dementia rights campaigner and wife of the late Dundee United footballer Frank, said her “heart goes out” to Calderwood.

“Jimmy would have headed the ball as a player so this is no coincidence,” she said.

“This is another young man and I feel so sorry for him. I’m sure the likes of Aberdeen will provide support, which is what he needs.”

Miles Briggs, Conservative MSP for Lothian, posted on Twitter: “Very sad news about Jimmy Calderwood. More and more Scots under 65 will face such a diagnosis in future. “It’s time for @FrankKopelsLaw.” Jim Pearson, of Alzheimer Scotland, praised Calderwood for “sharing his story,” and making a “powerful contribution” to helping other families.

“If, by making this public, I can help others talk more openly about dementia, then that will be something positive. JIMMY CALDERWOOD

Former football player and manager Jimmy Calderwood is determined to continue “enjoying life” after his diagnosis.