Former football star Gordon McQueen’s dementia was linked to heading the ball, an inquest revealed. The Scottish and Manchester United icon was diagnosed with vascular dementia before passing away at 70. His daughter, Sky Sports presenter Hayley McQueen, shared that her father believed his football career may have contributed to his condition due to the repetitive heading of the ball.
McQueen, known for his time with St Mirren, Leeds, and United from 1970 to 1985, experienced symptoms like headaches and personality changes. Despite not recalling significant head injuries during his playing days, his family noticed a shift in behavior after he turned 60. Hayley described his struggles with swallowing, balance issues, cognitive decline, and confusion about time and tasks.
The inquest highlighted how McQueen’s brain examination post-mortem revealed the presence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a condition associated with long-term repetitive head injuries. Professor Willie Stewart, who studied McQueen’s brain, noted the typical symptoms of CTE, emphasizing the cognitive and behavioral changes that cannot be explained by other conditions.
Prof Stewart also mentioned a study linking certain playing positions, particularly defenders, to a higher risk of neurodegenerative diseases like CTE. The inquest was adjourned for further legal review, with conclusions expected on January 26.