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Pauline Quirke’s family shares health update birds of a Feather Actor, who was diagnosed dementia In 2021.
The 66-year-old star’s fans were left in “disbelief” his diagnosis in 2021, but has said on several occasions that she is still talking and remains “funny and happy”.
Family members have said that they do not know which stage Quirke’s dementia His son Charlie said on BBC Breakfast: “And that’s the problem – no one tells you.”
He added, “My mother knows exactly who we are. Every time she looks at all of us, she smiles, laughs, says ‘I love you’, says ‘Hello’.”
Quirke’s husband Steve Sheen, who announced his retirement earlier this year, told the program on Monday (November 17) that the actor first suspected something was wrong after struggling to learn lines in November 2020.
“He started reading it and that day he called me and said, ‘The words aren’t going in.’ That’s where it all started,” he explained.
When Quirke was told he had dementia, Steve said, “They looked at each other and said, ‘No way, it’s long Covid. Got the flu’.”
He said: “I was quite surprised that this was possible for a woman in her sixties, and it can also happen to people in their fifties, forties, so it’s something you have to deal with and learn about.”
Sheen said that Quirke’s condition initially changed so slowly that he wondered if she was “okay”. However, four years after diagnosis, she said she is now “a little different”, which is why “awareness is important”.
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“We didn’t know how long it lasts or how long you live with it, or how bad it gets or how fast it gets,” said Sheen, who married Quirke in 1996.
“It’s so gradual that for the first year, two years, you’re thinking, ah, that’s OK. Now, we’re into year three or four, it’s a little different. That’s why awareness is important. We didn’t know how long it lasts or how long you live with it, or how bad it is or how early it happens.”
Charlie said the family wanted Quirke to speak out, whom he described as incredible, strong and courageous, and to raise awareness of dementia.
He will next month undertake a 140-kilometre walk for Alzheimer’s Research UK, stopping off at important places in Quirke’s life, including the headquarters of the children’s drama academy he started with Sheen in 2007.
Hilary Evans-Newton, chief executive of Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “We are honored that Pauline Quirke and her family have become ambassadors for Alzheimer’s Research UK, and delighted that her son Charlie has decided to take on this challenge for us.
“Like many people, Charlie knows all too well the devastation caused by dementia, following his mother’s diagnosis. But by taking on this trek, he will help bring hope for a cure to every family affected by dementia.
“As well as raising vital funds and awareness for dementia research, I’m sure this challenge will bring great joy to the public. Pauline is a national treasure, and we all have great memories of her on our screens. It will be a privilege to learn more about Pauline and her life as Charlie embarks on this journey.”
supporters To donate £5, £10 or £20 you can donate to Charlie Quirke’s Trek for a Cure by texting CHARLIE5, CHARLIE10 or CHARLIE20 to 70255. Alternatively, they can donate online at trek.charliestrek.org.
Quirke’s extensive career spanned decades, including roles in broad church, emmerdale And sculptor,
Her character of Sharon in the sitcom birds of a Feather He received a British Comedy Award, cementing his place in British television history. In 2022, she received an MBE for her contribution to entertainment, charity work and dedication to young people.
Get advice from a social scientist Here are the best ways to help a loved one with dementia,
Additional reporting by agencies