Loose Womens Linda Robson has confessed that she is terrified of getting dementia – so much so that she regularly tests herself to check she isnt developing it.
The 60-year-old, who is currently supporting the Alzheimers Society, revealed that her fear comes from seeing her beloved mother, Rita, go through the disease.
She confessed to the Sunday Times, “One person develops dementia every three minutes in the UK.
“I test myself all the time to check Im not getting it. I try to remember numbers, things like that. Ive seen from first-hand experience how it turns lives upside down.
Lindas mother had the condition for years before passing away in 2012. She has confessed that the experience of seeing Rita go through the illness was a difficult one to go through.
The Loose Women star said, “It was awful seeing the woman I worshipped deteriorate. Theres not a day that goes by when I dont think of my mum.”
She continued, admitting that one of the worst parts was when Rita stopped recognising her and her family. Linda said, “Its terrible to watch your loved-one disappear before you. Its hard when they dont recognise you or their grandchildren.”
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Linda also confessed that seeing her mother Rita go through dementia has made her more determined than ever to help fight the disease. Discussing her support for the Alzheimers Society, she said, “Shes made me determined to do everything I can to help defeat dementia.”
Linda Robson isnt the only Loose Women panellist who has been hit by the impact of dementia. Ruth Langsfords father, Dennis, was also diagnosed with the disease in his 70s.
Speaking about how it affected her and her family, she has previously said, “When someone you love has dementia you feel like youve lost them long before they actually die.
“They may be sitting in a room with you but they arent necessarily aware of that. Its heartbreaking. You want to remember the vibrant person they were but you have to let the grief subside.”
While a diagnosis of Alzheimers or dementia can be frightening, the Alzheimers Society are keen to share that you can still live well with the disease.
Many people who get the illness can still function independently for years after being told they have it, and helpful tricks like a memory book and making your home more dementia-friendly can help you live a full life whilst battling the disease.
For more advice and support, and information on how you or a loved one can live well with dementia, visit the Alzheimers Society here.
From our sister site Woman and Home.
The post I test myself: Linda Robson reveals scary dementia fears following mums death from the disease appeared first on Woman Magazine.
