General Chat

Just watched Corrie and it quite upset me, Mike Baldwin is a shadow of his former self. This is going to be such a sad and moving storyline.He's one of the original characters too. What a way to go! Kath

Yeah, i think he ends up dying in Ken Barlows arms doesn't he? Of all the people in the street, well he's had enough spats with him over the years.

I didnt think it was actually that good - fast decline maybe, but not that fast , he has only been away 3 weeks and gone down like a stone. yes, altzheimers goes like that , but not often THAT quickly - My mother has it, if she declines that quickly, God help me! Jess

Oh I was dreading this happening. Ive watched the show since I was a kid and I actually met Mike (Johnny Briggs) years ago.He was absolutely lovely. He has that gorgeous boyish grin doesnt he - even though his in his 70s now. When they brought him home I couldnt bear watching, the bruises on his face and his clothes all dirty. It reminded me of my dear dad when he had a stroke. Corrie wont be the same without him.

No Corrie wont be the same,,,,but what a marvelous actor he is,He's playing a very convincing part dont you think?

I think he is one of the characters on there whose acting ability is really underestimated. He has such a range of emotions and is so convincing. Compare him to the likes of the Battersbys, who make me cringe they are so amateur.

I think he is playing this fantastically ! Davex

I couldnt see much of the screen because of the tears. It hurt so much to see - brought back memories. BUT with the scriptwriters using such a well-loved person in this storyline, it may make people more aware of the terrible disease. People remember Mike as the go-getter , sharp as a tack - thinking on his feet - this is highlighting how it can all go. I hate the diease - it robs you of the person twice.

How well put Sheila I hadnt thought of that it does rob you of the person twice your right Davex

is that really how they go? He was just sitting there while they were talking about him as though he wasnt there My uncle in canada is in his eighties and he has dementia. Dont know much about either subjects but my aunts says she has to do almost eveythng for him. When he comes down in the morning he has to open all the doors to find the living room. Must make you feel demoralised if you cant tell which is the broom cupboard from the lounge.

He played a 'blinder', I was in tears. Him looking out of the car window when they came around the corner.... wonderful. It made me think of my daddy. Deanna X

It can go as quickly as that - if there is a catalyst - such as a fall ( as in the case here) or a severe infection or illness - the bodies defenses are down. Often though it is a gradual process - it can be masked by other circumstances for many years - the person being aware that something is not right but still having the ability to KNOW that there is something wrong A doctor once described it to me this way : Imagine the brain as a house with all the room lights on, dementia and/or Alzheimers causes them to be switched off one by one, and gradually the whole house is in darkness. sometimes if you see the person everyday you dont notice these changes but an outsider does its heartbreaking

Yes, Johnny Briggs's acting was brilliant, so convincing. But I do feel for all those who are or have been affected by this terrible disease - it must be heartbreaking to watch these scenes.

Yes, it is very moving and he has in the story been showing symptoms for over a year, now all coming to a head following a stroke. The look of utter confusion on his face really brought a lump to my throat as that is exactly what it is like! Living with dementia is heartbreaking. Linda x

I was sobbing watching him tonight when he broke down and cried. It is ridiculous but Ive known Mike Baldwin most of my life and I really feel upset about this. The dreadful thing is nothing can be down for this condition - lets hope they make some inroads into something to help people soon. Its heartbreaking. An aquaintance of mine had it when she was only in her 50's - I didnt know as I hadnt seen her for more than a year then I met her with her husband in the supermarket, he was holding her arm and pushing the trolley. I stopped to say hello and she just stood there smiling at me but not speaking, I knew then something was wrong and the husband gave me a meaningful glance. Then it seemed to click who I was and she started asking me (I think) about my husband - just kept saying 'How is How is.' How bloody awful for people.

Johnny Briggs acting in this is superb it was hearbreaking at the end when he cried and Danny cried as well superb acting and well done Corrie for highlighting a genuine concern to lots of people. Davx

The saddest thing I thought was last night when the actress playing Penny said the line 'it is known as the long goodbye'. I thought a truer word was never spoken. Ann

oh Ann - its so true though. its when you visit and there is no recognition in their eyes, but then something triggers in their brain and they KNOW you - but these fleeting moments become less often and shorter. You wait on the phone call to say it is all over and feel guilty for thinking that way. All you want to do is remember them as the vital person you love - but often that memory is tainted by this illness. You pray for a miracle that you know is not going to happen - not in their lifetime. The anger you feel at the injustice of it is powerful - its hard not to feel bitter

I have got my precious lovely Mum with this dreadful disease and yes it is the long goodbye and yes you do lose them twice and it is heart breaking to watch them as I do..... Had to turn Corrie off tonight because I was crying so much.. I thank God for my family and all my lovely lovely friends that I have but most of all I thank my Husband who has been wonderful to my Mum all of our married life but especially now she has Alzheimers. I couldn't have coped without him... It is worse for those looking on than the actual Alzheimer Patient when it really sets in... A good story line brought in by Corrie script writers. Maisie

When I read they were going to do this I though to myself it is going to be so sad, my husbands mother died 2 years ago from this, she was a shell of her former self, it really frightens me I do hope I dont end up like that it must be frightening. I am sorry Mike is leaving but he said he gets very bad SAD doesnt he ??? and is going to spend most of his time abroad in the sun. But Corrie will not be the same without him.