Linda Robson shares emotive health update about long-time friend Pauline Quirke, who's grappling with dementia.
Fresh Take:
Linda Robson shares an emotional update about her longtime friend, Pauline Quirke, who's been battling dementia. Pauline, 65, was diagnosed in 2021, and though her husband Steve announced it in January, the illness had been a struggle for both of them. As a friend since primary school and Birds of a Feather co-star, Linda has been a constant source of support. In a recent call with Charlie, Pauline's son, Linda learned that Pauline has been experiencing 'up days' and even recalled their friendship. During a chat on the Loose Women podcast, Linda shared her emotional reaction to this sweet moment.
Pauline and Linda rose to fame together in the 80s with the success of Birds of a Feather, a show that catapulted them to stardom. In the early stages of dementia, Pauline struggled to recognize her family members, but Linda managed to keep the diagnosis private out of respect for her friend's family. Now, their bond remains strong, with occasional joyous moments like the one shared by Charlie.
In recent years, dementia treatment has focused on slowing disease progression, managing symptoms, and improving quality of life. Current treatments, such as lecanemab (Leqembi) and donanemab, target beta-amyloid plaques in the brain. Moreover, cognitive training, lifestyle modifications, and caregiver support are essential to manage symptoms effectively. It is essential to stay informed about the latest research and clinical trials to access innovative treatments and contribute to developing new therapies for dementia.
Contextual Insights:- Estimated number of people living with dementia in the UK: over 850,000 (Dementia UK)- Expected increase in the number of people living with dementia in the UK by 2025: over 1 million- Currently, there is no cure for dementia, but treatments can slow its progression and manage symptoms.- Emerging treatments like CT1812, ALZ-801, HMTM, and blarcamesine are being developed to target different pathological mechanisms.- Cognitive training, lifestyle modifications, caregiver support, and medication for symptoms are critical to managing dementia effectively.- Participation in clinical trials and staying informed about the latest research are vital for accessing innovative treatments and contributing to new therapies.
- Linda Robson, in a recent chat on the Loose Women podcast, shared an heartwarming update about her longtime friend Pauline Quirke's health, revealing a heartbreaking diagnosis of dementia in 2021.
- Despite the emotional turmoil, Linda has remained a constant source of support for Pauline, who is currently experiencing up days, even recalling their friendship.
- In addition to the emotional toll, dementia also poses a significant challenge to mental health, affecting over 850,000 people in the UK, with the number expected to surpass 1 million by 2025.
- To combat this growing issue, ITV's health magazine, health-and-wellness section, and mental-health programming are shedding light on the latest research and developments, providing valuable insights for both patients and caregivers.
- One such development is the focus on treatments that slow disease progression and manage symptoms, such as lecanemab (Leqembi) and donanemab, which target beta-amyloid plaques in the brain.
- Beyond purely medical solutions, lifestyle modifications, cognitive training, and caregiver support are essential components in managing dementia effectively.
- To stay at the forefront of dementia treatment and contribute to the development of new therapies, active participation in clinical trials and staying informed about the latest research is vital.
