Rugby: suffering from dementia at 42, former All Black Hayman is "at the bottom of the bucket"

That's a pretty heavy word.

And even just saying it felt like a shock to my body.

I noticed something was wrong.

Mood swings, forgetfulness, constant headaches… I got angry very easily

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I made very bad choices.

I was trying to reapply for my son's passport.

They asked me,

And I couldn't remember his name or his middle name.

I had a very bad concussion against Australia at Eden Park.

I couldn't get up and fell like a newborn foal.

After my career, I expected to have knee and back pain for the rest of my life, which would have been better.

I think any rugby player would agree.

But getting to 42 and having medical specialists telling you you have dementia... You're at the bottom of the bucket."

“It's very hard for people who live with brain damage, but also for those who take care of them.

I plan to push the fight forward every day and I know where I want to go,

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There are things you can do to improve your quality of life.

There is hope.

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