Yahoo News Why the Lionesses didn’t wear names on their shirts in last night’s match
If you tuned in to watch last night's England vs Australia match – which is one of the Lionesses' final fixtures before the upcoming World Cup – then you might have wondered why some of the players didn't have their names on their shirts.
As it turns out, the Lionesses were raising awareness for the Alzheimer's Society, which is a partner of the Football Association. "The names on 1 in 3 of the @Lionesses shirts are missing to represent the 1 in 3 of us born in the UK today who will develop dementia," the charity tweeted during the match. "Today’s match is dedicated to Alzheimer’s Society, raising vital funds to provide life changing support."
Speaking about the emotional campaign, England boss Sarina Wiegman said: "Tonight was a chance for both sets of players to come together in recognition of the many people living with dementia and their families and friends who help them."
Wiegman went on, "I’m very proud to see our players again continue to use their platform to show support for important causes – I hope it inspires fans to donate and support Alzheimer’s Society’s important work."
The move did not go unnoticed by fans, who took to social media to praise the Lionnesses for using their public position to raise awareness. "Absolutely brilliant," one fan said of the campaign, with another tweeting: "How quality is it that the @Lionesses are raising awareness for @alzheimerssoc with 1/3 players not having the names on their shirts!! Is there anything these women cannot do?"
According to the NHS, "dementia is a syndrome (a group of related symptoms) associated with an ongoing decline of brain functioning."
"There are many different causes of dementia, and many different types," the NHS website notes. "People often get confused about the difference between Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Alzheimer's disease is a type of dementia and, together with vascular dementia, makes up the majority of cases."
Dementia symptoms
The NHS explains that dementia symptoms may include problems with:
Memory loss
Thinking speed
Mental sharpness and quickness
Language, such as using words incorrectly, or trouble speaking
Understanding
Judgement
Mood
Movement
Difficulties doing daily activities
"Although there is no cure for dementia at the moment, an early diagnosis means its progress can be slowed down in some cases, so the person may be able to maintain their mental function for longer," the NHS points out. "A diagnosis helps people with dementia get the right treatment and support. It can also help them, and the people close to them, to prepare for the future."
For more information, or to donate to the Alzheimer's Society, head here.
This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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