A FORMER kick-boxer who has a condition similar to dementia wants to raise awareness to other sportsmen.

Al Prout, from Colchester, was a competitive boxer and kick-boxer for 32 years, and was undefeated.

About three years ago, he started experiencing a temper, but could not understand why.

Just 18 months ago the 42-year-old was diagnosed with CTE, or dementia pugilisticar.

It affects his memory among other things, and has led to him feeling depressed and anxious.

His wife Mel, 38, said: "He could have had it for 10 years but we weren't aware until the symptoms became more apparent.

"The first symptoms were a temper, living with Jekyll and Hyde is the only way to describe it.

"He would get very frustrated but wouldn't know why.

"Then came the headaches, and his speech was slurred. It then led on to depression and anxiety.

"The memory loss was also a big side of it, I have to go with him to appointments as he would listen and have no recollection of what was said. "Gradually the memories he makes now will be harder for him to keep and store."

The condition is caused by multiple concussions, meaning anyone in a contact sport can develop it.

Al, who works in traffic management, is currently in hospital in Cambridge, and visits a dementia clinic there.

The condition, which is incurable, is difficult to manage and will worsen.

This realisation has taken its toll on Al's mental health.

Mel added: "He is not allowed to fight any more and he now has PTSD due to that element of loss.

"All he has ever done is fight and compete and having that taken away from him has been really hard for him.

"We have joined a gym with a punch bag but it's still difficult."

Al wants to visit gyms and speak to sportsmen who may not know about the condition.

He wants people to follow their dream careers, but to also understand the potential outcomes.

Mel said: "He has medication for tremors and for depression, statistics are high for people taking their own lives with this condition so that has to be monitored.

"He has mood stabilisers and tranquilisers to help him sleep as he averages on three hours a night.

"He is still holding down his job as his boss is amazing, but he has day to day anxiety and it's headaches that can be quite gruelling.

"Even though it's controlled with medication it can change quickly as he feels like a burden."

The couple have four sons who are aware of their dad's condition, and are being helped by a family support worker.

Bailey 17, Kieran 15, Blake, 11 and Kyle, nine, are all missing their dad in hospital.

Mel added: "Blake is sitting his SATs exams at the moment and just wants to know if his dad is OK.

"We have a family support worker to make sure the children are coping.

"As we are in hospital in Cambridge it's hard for them, but they are really good."

As it is Mental Health Awareness Week, the couple wanted to raise awareness of the potential consequences of contact sport.

A film called Concussion, starring Will Smith, tells the story of how CTE was first discovered in a former NFL football player.

The couple recommended sportsmen and women watch it.

Mel said: "Al always says to me you have got to talk to someone, because if you suffer in silence nobody can help you.

"It's an illness that no one can be blamed for."

Anyone who wishes to contact the couple for advice can call Al on 07882305751.