Wally Lewis' revelation about wife as NRL legend goes public with sad new details
The 65-year-old first revealed in 2023 that he'd been diagnosed with a form of dementia that's almost certainly been caused by CTE. The brain disorder can only be diagnosed properly after death, but has become common in athletes who played contact sports.
Speaking on LiSTNR's 'The Howie Games' podcast this week with host Mark Howard, Lewis revealed how he suffers bouts of memory loss and often catches wife Lynda's reaction when he repeats himself. He admitted it took him far too long to seek medical help, and doesn't want others doing the same.
'I'm just having some real issues with my memory," he said. "The first issues were probably six or seven years ago, but it took me over two years (to speak to the doctor).
"I didn't want to be seen as the guy who wasn't quite the full quid. I spoke to some doctors in Brisbane and went to Sydney, and it was a bit embarrassing. The doctor basically said, 'What are the issues that you're dealing with?', and I said, 'Mate, I can't remember things. I really can't remember things.' I had a short sleeve shirt on, and I had goosebumps… he said don't be embarrassed. I could feel my face go red the first time (I asked for help), and I thought, 'You idiot, don't be embarrassed to ask for help.'
'A lot of the footy guys have come (to me with symptoms). We all could be a little bit different, but I say, 'Have you spoken to a doctor yet?', and they say no. And I'll say, you're seeking answers from me and I can't give you the answers, but the best assistance is only going to come from the medical staff. It's been good since (getting help)."
Lewis recently married second wife Lynda, but his three children weren't in attendance at the wedding because they've sided with mother Jacqueline in a sad family situation. Lewis revealed this week how Lynda's support throughout his ordeal has been a game-changer.
'There is no cure. When (my doctor) delivered that sentence to me, it was a slap in the face," he said. "But by the same token, I was being a realist in not expecting marvellous things to happen.
'My partner Linda has been fantastic through it. She's been very patient, but the amount of times where I've seen this expression on her face… and I know that I've obviously said something (before) or said it wrong, and I said to her, 'Have I already said that?' and she'll say, 'Oh, two, three, four times.' I'm passed the embarrassed of being repetitive."
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Lewis' most harrowing insight came when he admitted he fears for his future. 'We all have cares and concerns with the hope we are not dealing with this in 10-20 years time," he said. "I am very hopeful and very determined that I can going to enjoy the rest of my life. But I don't want to be in a nursing home in the years to come.'
Lewis played 256 first-grade games across a legendary career, and represented Queensland 38 times in State of Origin. He played 34 Test matches for Australia before transitioning into a career in the media after retirement.
In recent years he's had to scale back his work for Channel 9, but is still involved on the 'QLDER' podcast with Darren Lockyer. The NRL world has been left devastated by Lewis' plight, but quick to commend his bravery and courage to speak out.
The #NRL Great Wally #Lewis with early #Dementia from concussion repeated knocks to the head when playing! Sad. Very sad. Serious action to rectify safety required!
— Jugador Apuestas (🎲)🇦🇺 (@JugadorSydney) February 27, 2024
Some very sad news. Wally Lewis, one of Queensland's greatest sportsmen, has been diagnosed with CTE, which is an advanced form of dementia. Due to his head collisions when he played Rugby League. https://t.co/tZVXetDtTI pic.twitter.com/PxRm8A6RrS
— OZAbbey (@9AbbeyOZ) July 31, 2023
Ex-#NRL Wally Lewis' sad diagnosis with #CTE emphasises urgent need for high-profile footballers @DavidPocock and @peterfitzsmons to campaign to end head knocks.
— Dr Michael Copeman (@drmcopeman) July 30, 2023
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