General Chat

My Mum of 86 went to visit the doctor yesterday, she is terrified of getting Alzeimers, and thinks because her memory isn't as good, that she may have it, but I told the doctor I didn't think this was so. The doctor gave her a very simple test, she scored 28 out of 30 which was excellent. The doctor forgave her not knowing the date as she isn't working, and I couldn't have told her the exact date either!! Doc told her 3 words to remember, and she could remember 2 of them, when summing up the doctor forgot which word mum forgot, and said it was something else!! so mum did really well. The doctor said they would test her every 6 months.

The more that can be done to raise awareness can only be good, far too many people think this only affects the elderly. Early onset Dementia is far more common than you would think. I recently attended a forum and of the 9 people with the condition there, 4 were only 50 and had been diagnosed for some time. My husband falls within this group as we now realise he has been showing symptoms for 8 years. Linda x

My father died from leukemia way back in 1977. He was 47 and I was 18. It was a sudden thing. He had died within a month of first becoming ill and I remember a conversation I had with my mum outside the hospital. It was the Royal Marsden hospital in Surrey. and was in pleasant surroundings so we sat outside a while and my world had been turned upside down. There were alot of people being pushed about in wheelchairs and as we did not know just how seriously ill my father was I asked my mum if dad would have to come home in one of those and she said It would be better in one of those than not at all Always sticks in my mind as he never came home. But after hearing about these long drawn out illnesses maybe it was a blessing that he did not suffer for very long.

You're right, Bryan. The loss of dignity is upsetting to say the least. My father is suffering from dementia. He was a sharp, intelligent man who read extensively and solved the hardest crosswords. Now he solves a couple of clues and Mum does the rest by looking up the dictionary. He then rings me to tell me how well he has done. It breaks my heart. He also has cancer and when he is hospital he cries to come home, or goes looking for us. It is like dealing with a child. When one of us takes them shopping Dad must have someone with him as he will wander off and get lost. The more this is highlighted on popular shows and movies the more donations will be made to research and, what's more important, the more understanding we will have about this dreadfull illness. Susan

I watched it last night and tonight, too upsetting and wont watch it again whilst this story line is on (just too painful to watch). Thank god my Gran isnt a Corrie fan, it would break her heart as well. Donna

i've walked away from this thread,so many times, as like most contributers, i have watched a loved one suffer from alzheimer's. what i found so hurtful, was the loss of dignity, and i'me sure you know what i mean. johnny briggs, the ultimate professional, that he is, has obviously studied the desease, and his portrayal of the illness is both compassionate, and accurate. that's why we are all in tears. there are several countries, researching hard, to find a way of slowing down the dementia process, we can only pray that a breakthrough comes soon. bryan.

Big ((((((((((((((((((((hugs)))))))))))))))))))) for Maisie & all the others on here that I know are having to witness their loved ones going through this awful illness, it's a shame it isn't treated as such. Joan xxxxxxx

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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