Sir Alex Ferguson: I'm 82, I worry about dementia

Sir Alex Ferguson and his longtime friend, Denis Law, a legendary figure in Scotland and Manchester United, who was diagnosed with dementia in 2021.

Sir Alex Ferguson has been retired for 11 years from a remarkable and intense career in football that is considered one of the most significant in history.

He realizes that he’s in a difficult spot if he doesn’t score at least 70% on a general knowledge quiz he takes on YouTube.

It's one of the methods the ex-Manchester United coach uses to stay mentally engaged, alongside reading and enjoying music.

After witnessing several of his close friends and coworkers struggle with dementia, Sir Alex confesses that the progressive brain condition has begun to scare him.

Sir Alex Ferguson holding the FA Cup and the Premiership Trophy at Victoria Station in Manchester on May 12, 1996.

"I'm 82, so of course I have some concerns about it," he shared with BBC Breakfast. "Overall, my memory is pretty sharp—let's hope it stays that way!"

Sir Alex talked to the BBC about the situation on National Playlist Day, a campaign launched by the charity Playlist for Life, which was established by BBC Scotland host Sally Magnusson.

The goal of the campaign is to inspire individuals to put together a playlist featuring songs that bring back memories of significant moments in their lives.

Studies have shown that music can significantly influence individuals with dementia by aiding their connections to memories from their past.

At the very top of Sir Alex's favorite songs is "Moon River," created by Henry Mancini and first sung by Audrey Hepburn in the film "Breakfast at Tiffany's."

Sir Alex Ferguson discusses supporting families impacted by dementia.

Songwriter Johnny Mercer infused the well-known nostalgic tune with reflections from his own childhood. It's not surprising, then, that it reminds Sir Alex of his time playing football at the Harmony Row boys' club in Govan.

He first got to know some of his teammates at the nursery, and they've stayed close friends ever since. Every now and then, Sir Alex surprises them with a performance of "Moon River" when they come to see him.

"There was a moment when I was fully immersed in singing—my eyes shut, lost in my own world, really letting it all out," he reminisces with a smile. "But no one seemed to pay attention to me."

He admits that his vocal skills might not match his talents on the field.

"She Led The Band With Confidence"

Cathy, Sir Alex, and their children.

His playlist also features the song "My Own True Love," performed by Margaret Whiting, which is the theme from the classic 1939 movie Gone with the Wind.

It brings back memories of his deceased wife, Cathy, whom he encountered in 1964 when they were both employed at a typewriter manufacturing plant.

Sir Alex mentioned, "I was just around 21 or 22 when I went to watch Gone with the Wind. Back then, I was dating someone."

"She was an incredible partner, an amazing mother, and a wonderful grandmother. There’s no question that she was the driving force behind everything."

During their 57 years together, Sir Alex was in charge of United for 27 of those years. It's reported that Cathy played a significant part in encouraging him to continue coaching instead of stepping down in 2002.

In his autobiography, he recalled her telling him, "First, you're in good health. Second, I don't want you living here. And third, you're simply too young for that."

Football clubs from all over the country honored her memory when she passed away last year.

Sir Bobby Charlton was present at the ceremony to rename a stand in his honor before a game between Manchester United and Everton in 2016.

Last year, Sir Alex also went to the funeral of Bobby Charlton, a legendary figure in both England and Manchester United, whom he referred to as his "dear friend."

In 2021, another former player from Old Trafford, the Scottish legend Denis Law, was found to have Alzheimer's and vascular dementia.

Nobby Stiles, a former player for England and Manchester United who later served as a coach under Sir Alex Ferguson, passed away from dementia the previous year.

"It's a contemporary issue that affects us all," remarked Sir Alex. "I believe each of us knows someone nearby who is dealing with dementia."

In my opinion, the biggest influence here is their family, and we're on the sidelines observing everything.

"They have wonderful partners, amazing spouses - and they've had to bear all the challenges that come with it."