Kenny Sansom diagnosed with Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, a treatable form of dementia
Crystal Palace statement: "Kenny is out of hospital... 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."
Tuesday 8 December 2020 12:38, UK
Former England international Kenny Sansom has been diagnosed with Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome - a form of dementia - but is now out of hospital, Crystal Palace have announced.
The ex-Arsenal and Palace defender was hospitalised in May, with no details given on his condition other than the fact he did not have coronavirus.
A statement, written on behalf of Sansom, was posted on his Twitter account on Tuesday, which read: "Kenny Sansom is out of hospital and continuing the early stages of recovery from Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, a condition also known as 'wet brain'.
"Kenny is conscious and able to talk. He is in very good spirits and looking forward to hopefully a better future. He feels in a good place and is very grateful for people's support."
On Monday, his family provided an update via a statement on Palace's website. It 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."
The message was also put out on Palace's website, with Arsenal replying: "We're thinking of you and your family, Kenny. Wishing you all the best in your recovery."
Sansom started his career with the south London side and helped them win the Second Division in 1979, before joining the Gunners in 1980 where he won the League Cup seven years later.
He also played for Newcastle, QPR, Coventry, Everton, Brentford and Watford and appeared at the 1982 and 1986 World Cups, having won 86 England caps, before retiring in 1994.
