NFL Hall of Famer Roger Craig, 66, Reveals Vascular Dementia Diagnosis

Roger Craig revealed during his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame that he has been diagnosed with vascular dementia. Vascular dementia is caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, often from a stroke or damaged blood vessels, according to the National Institute on Aging.

The former San Francisco 49ers running back, 66, delivered his remarks via video on Aug. 8, while sitting onstage at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio.

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“Today, there is another chapter I want to share. I’ve been diagnosed with vascular dementia that my doctors believe may be related, at least in part, to the concussions I experienced during my career. The changes were gradual. At first, they were easy to dismiss as normal aging. Over time, my family noticed it too and ultimately led us to seek answers from my doctor,” he said in the video.  

Craig did not say when he was diagnosed or provide details about his symptoms or treatment.

He spoke about his diagnosis alongside the opportunities football gave him and the changes in knowledge about brain health since his playing days.

“Two things can be true. Football gave me opportunities beyond anything I can imagine. It helped shape the man I became. At the same time, we know more today about brain health than when I played. I hope sharing my story encourages people to pay attention to their health and seek help when something doesn’t feel right,” he said.

Craig played 11 seasons in the NFL, most notably with the San Francisco 49ers. While with the team, he won three Super Bowls, and in 1985 he became the first NFL player to record at least 1,000 yards both rushing and receiving in the same season. He retired after the 1993 season. 

What is vascular dementia?

Vascular dementia develops when problems with blood flow damage the brain, causing declines in thinking and other abilities, according to the Mayo Clinic. Memory loss can occur, particularly as the disease advances, but early signs can include slowed thinking and difficulty planning and organizing. People may struggle with tasks they once handled easily, and some develop problems with walking and mobility.

The condition mainly affects older adults. MedlinePlus, a service of the National Library of Medicine, notes that vascular dementia is the second most common cause of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease among people over 65. Vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s can also occur together.

Vascular dementia can result from strokes that damage areas of the brain, including small strokes that may cause no obvious symptoms when they occur, according to MedlinePlus.

There is no treatment that can repair brain damage caused by strokes, according to MedlinePlus. But some of the factors that can contribute to further vascular damage can be treated or changed. Controlling high blood pressure, treating related health conditions and not smoking can help reduce the risk of additional strokes.

People who notice changes in their ability to think, plan or manage familiar tasks should talk with a health care professional rather than assume the changes are an inevitable part of aging.