Denis Law’s health battle with dementia left Man Utd icon losing memory & leaning on ‘strong’ wife before death at 84

MANCHESTER United legend Denis Law faced a tough battle with Alzheimer's and dementia in the years before his death on Friday, aged 84.

Denis revealed his dementia diagnosis in August 2021 and remained committed to bringing more awareness to the disease until his death.

He and his wife Diana spoke out about the challenges of caring for a partner with dementia as part of an Alzheimer’s Society campaign in March 2023.

Their moving joint testimony read: "When you get married, you never imagine that decades after making those vows of ‘in sickness and in health’ that you will end up testing them to the limits with dementia.

“We tackle everything together. But living with dementia means Diana has to take responsibility a bit more now although we still come as a team of course. It’s a change for both of us.

“It goes to show that dementia can affect anyone, no matter who you are.

"I’m extremely lucky to have enjoyed such an amazing career in football.

"Not many people have had the experiences I have had - including winning the World Cup! I have been shown such love from the public."

Denis was open about his diagnosis from the beginning, and recognised that his remaining days would be "hard, demanding, painful and ever changing".

He said at the time: "This will not be an easy journey especially for the people who love you the most.

"I recognise how my brain is deteriorating and how my memory evades me when I don't want it to and how this causes me distress in situations that are beyond my control.

"I do understand what is happening and that is why I want to address my situation now whilst I am able, because I know there will be days when I don't understand and I hate the thought of that right now."

Denis joined a string of other footballers diagnosed with the degenerative brain disease, including his former United teammate Sir Bobby Charlton.

A statement from the Law family on Friday night read: "It is with a heavy heart that we tell you our father Denis Law has sadly passed away.

"He fought a tough battle but finally he is now at peace."

"We would like to thank everyone who contributed to his well-being and care, past and much more recently.

"We know how much people supported and loved him and that love was always appreciated and made the difference. Thank you."

Law started his career at Huddersfield Town, had two spells at Manchester City and played for Torino in Italy.

But it was at Old Trafford from 1962-73 where he made his name scoring 237 goals in 404 games.

He won two titles with United and the FA Cup and helped them to the 1968 European Cup Final where they beat Benfica although missed out on the game due to injury.

Sir Bobby Charlton, Law and George Best were integral as the Red Devils become the first English side to win the European Cup.

Denis's old club issued a statement after his death that said: "Everyone at Manchester United is mourning the loss of Denis Law, the King of the Stretford End, who has passed away, aged 84.

"With 237 goals in 404 appearances, he will always be celebrated as one of the club’s greatest and most beloved players.

"The ultimate goal-scorer, his flair, spirit and love for the game made him the hero of a generation.

"Our deepest condolences go out to Denis’s family and many friends. His memory will live on forever more."

The recognition of a link between football and dementia has been growing ever since the death of West Brom striker Jeff Astle in 2002.

After his death, it was confirmed that he was the first British footballer known to have died as a result of repeatedly heading a football.

The inquest into his death therefore recorded a verdict of "death by industrial disease".

A study in 2019 found that professional footballers are three-and-a-half times more likely to die from dementia than people of the same age range in the general population.