Jimmy Calderwood has been praised for going public about his Alzheimer's diagnosis

A former football manager has been praised for speaking publicly about being diagnosed with dementia.

Ex-Aberdeen and Dunfermline boss Jimmy Calderwood has revealed that he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s two years ago, aged just 60.

Jim Pearson, director of policy & research at Alzheimer Scotland, said that Calderwood’s story would help others suffering with the condition.

He said: “When well-known sportspeople like Jimmy, who are held in high regard in Scotland and beyond, share their story about living with dementia it helps to break down the fear, stigma and discrimination which continue to surround the condition.

“By sharing his story, Jimmy is making a powerful contribution to helping other people, their families and friends, to talk more openly and come forward earlier for help and support if they are worried about their memory or other changes that they have noticed. “

The charity has said that there are around 90,000 people living with dementia in Scotland, and it works closely with the Scottish Football Museum and Sports Heritage Scotland as many of these people were fans of the game or players.

Calderwood, who had a successful playing career in Holland before going on to manage at the top level in Scotland, said he wanted to help in any way he could.

He said: “I haven’t been comfortable with keeping this as a secret and when I recently heard that an old team mate of mine in Holland is also living with Alzheimer’s disease, it prompted me to go public.

“Right now I am still fine, except for being a bit forgetful with some names but I am determined to continue enjoying my life.”