Richard Hammond fears brain crash could trigger dementia

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 25 Oct, 07:08 · Archive

Television presenter Richard Hammond, who suffered a severe brain injury in a 2006 crash, says he is too frightened to undergo brain scans.

Richard Hammond has admitted being 'too scared' to undergo brain scans over concerns that his 2006 Top Gear crash could trigger early-onset dementia. The 56-year-old television presenter was left in a coma after surviving the crash in a jet-powered dragster travelling more than 300mph at Elvington Airfield near York.

While unconscious, Hammond experienced a vivid dream about being in the Lake District, walking on the hills above Buttermere. He recalled becoming increasingly aware that something was wrong, and approaching a distinctive tree overlooking the lake, he felt certain he was in trouble and decided to turn back. After regaining consciousness, he told his then-wife, Mindy, about the experience. She revealed that doctors had warned her at roughly the same time that he might not survive.

Speaking on the High Performance podcast, Hammond said the brain injury he suffered remains a concern as he gets older. He told host Jake Humphrey: 'The brain injury is with me forever, probably, and I do worry that it will lead to early onset dementia.' When asked if he had undergone medical scans to check his brain health, Hammond replied: 'No. I'm scared to death to do it but I absolutely should. I'm honestly too scared because I do lose stuff a lot.'

Richard Hammond fears brain crash could trigger dementia — Image: NW Evening Mail

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How it is being reported

Richard Hammond 'too scared' to get brain scans over dementia fearsRichard Hammond has admitted he is "too scared" to undergo brain scans over fears his 2006 Top Gear crash will trigger early-onset dementia.NW Evening Mail · 25 Oct, 06:00
Richard Hammond 'too scared' to get brain scans over dementia fearsRichard Hammond has admitted he is "too scared" to undergo brain scans over fears his 2006 Top Gear crash will trigger early-onset dementia.Westmorland Gazette · 25 Oct, 06:00

In this story: Richard Hammond · Top Gear · Elvington Airfield · York · Lake District · Buttermere · High Performance · Jake Humphrey

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