Former Vikings quarterback Tommy Kramer revealed on Wednesday that he has been diagnosed with dementia.
The 69-year-old shared that he received the diagnosis just over a year ago from the NFL Cleveland Clinic, where doctors informed him he might have between two to ten years left.
Tommy Kramer Announces Dementia Diagnosis
He mentioned that during his recent annual check-up, doctors confirmed there had been no progression in his condition over the past year.
Kramer made his announcement on X and emphasized that he wasn’t seeking sympathy. “I’ve had a wonderful life and wouldn’t change anything. Nobody wanted to win more than I did, and I never gave up—this is how I plan to fight this challenge. Football is the life we chose, and sometimes things like this happen,” he stated.
With Brett Favre announcement yesterday, I feel it’s best I let everyone know that I was diagnosed with dementia just over a year ago at the NFL Cleveland Clinic.
Dr’s say I could have anywhere from 2 to 10 years, just had my year check up and it hasn’t advanced and I’ve been…— Tommy Kramer (@Kramer9Tommy) September 25, 2024
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He expressed his desire to raise awareness so that the NFL can better support future players dealing with illnesses like dementia.
Kramer’s announcement follows Brett Favre’s recent revelation that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Favre shared his news during a House Ways and Means Committee meeting on Tuesday, where discussions were held about the shortcomings of state welfare programs in aiding families in need.
Favre mentioned that he has returned over $1 million in fees for speeches he never gave and for radio advertisements funded by the Mississippi welfare system. He has denied any wrongdoing and is suing the state auditor and two sportscasters for defamation related to the situation.
What Is Dementia?
The Mayo Clinic defines dementia as a term encompassing a range of symptoms that affect memory, thinking, and social skills.
Dementia refers to a collection of symptoms that impact memory, cognitive abilities, and social interactions. For individuals with dementia, these symptoms disrupt their everyday lives. It is important to note that dementia is not a singular disease; rather, various diseases can lead to its development.
Memory loss is typically associated with dementia and is often one of the initial signs of the condition. However, experiencing memory loss alone does not necessarily indicate dementia, as there are multiple factors that can contribute to memory issues.
While Alzheimer’s disease is the most prevalent cause of dementia among older adults, there are other potential causes as well. In some cases, depending on the underlying cause, certain dementia symptoms may be reversible.
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