Former technical director Edgardo "Patón" Bauza surprised all his followers by making his first public appearance after receiving a diagnosis of a serious neurodegenerative disease. His son, Maximiliano Bauza, shared some details about his father's condition during a radio interview.
"It’s strange to see him sometimes, it’s like he’s not entirely there. It’s a strange situation. The reality is that I don’t know if he realized where he was and where it was, but I am sure that all the affection, the hugs, and the good energy he felt, it reached him," Maximiliano commented regarding the tribute his father received.
Maximiliano acknowledged that at first he was fearful of his father’s reaction, as it had been a long time since he had left the house. However, the tribute turned out to be a beautiful and respectful experience. "Honestly, I don’t regret going at all. It was very nice, very well taken care of, and respectful," he added.
Frontotemporal dementia is a disease caused by disorders that affect the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, resulting in alterations in thinking and behavior. This disease often manifests in unusual behaviors, emotional problems, communication difficulties, and issues with walking. It primarily affects people aged between 45 and 64 years, being progressive and limiting the life expectancy of those affected.
This disease is related to two Hollywood celebrities, Bruce Willis and Will Smith. The former was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in early 2023, which has affected his linguistic ability and daily life. Will Smith also addressed this theme in the movie "Concussion," where he plays Dr. Bennet Omalu, who discovers the effects of chronic traumatic encephalopathy in American football players.
The revelation about Bauza's illness generated shock among football fans. Maximiliano Bauza emphasized that, despite the physical repercussions of frontotemporal dementia on his father, this is the least evident to those who see him. The recognized former coach achieved significant successes in his career, such as winning the Copa Libertadores in 2008 with Liga de Quito from Ecuador and in 2014 with San Lorenzo.
