FORMER England star Kenny Sansom has been diagnosed with a form of dementia, according to former club Crystal Palace.
The ex-Eagles, Three Lions and Arsenal man, 62, has been diagnosed with a brain disorder called Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.
Kenny Sansom has been diagnosed with a brain disorder called Wernicke-Korsakoff syndromeCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The Palace statement read: “The family of Kenny Sansom wish to update Crystal Palace supporters on Kenny’s health, following reports earlier this year that he was hospitalised.
“Kenny is out of hospital and settled in new accommodation, but has been diagnosed with Wernicke–Korsakoff syndrome, a type of brain disorder and form of dementia.
“He is in the early stages of the illness, which is reversible and treatable.
“With the support of his family and carers, he is on the first steps of his road to recovery.
“Those closest to him are encouraged by his progress and the positive attitude he is showing in difficult circumstances.
“The family would like his and their privacy to be respected.
“As always, everyone at Crystal Palace Football Club wishes Kenny well, and we look forward to welcoming him back to Selhurst Park again soon.”
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS) symptoms include impaired memory, vision changes and ataxia – a degenerative disease of the nervous system that include slurred speech and incoordination.
Sansom is England’s second most capped full-backCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
WKS is often seen in people with a history of alcohol abuse and can lead to death or permanent brain damage if not treated.
Sansom has battled alcohol problems in the past and attended a rehab clinic in Ireland in 2017.
The Sun also exclusively revealed in June that Sansom was discharged from an Exeter hospital to continue his recovery from an attack that left him fighting for his life in May.
Former defender Sansom played 172 times for Palace between 1975 and 1980, winning the 1979 Second Division title before moving to Arsenal.
He appeared in 314 games for the Gunners over an eight-year period, leading them to the 1987 League Cup.
Sansom then played for Newcastle, QPR, Coventry, Everton, Brentford and Watford up to 1994 before some spells in non-league football.
Sansom also played 86 times for England, making him the second most capped full-back in the Three Lions’ history behind Ashley Cole.
England and Arsenal legend Kenny Sansom is fighting for life in hospital after ‘being beaten up in drunken row’
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
