Jim Broadbent health: Award-winning actor on the 'shock' of a progressive disease
JIM BROADBENT stars in The Duke - a tale about a thieving taxi driver, who leverages a famed stolen painting to secure more investment in elderly care. As an ambassador for Dementia UK, Jim's goal compliments his character's.
Alzheimers Research UK explain 'what is dementia?'
Oscar-winning actor Jim Broadbent has been "connected" to dementia over the years; he is familiar with the "shock" a diagnosis can bring, and the heartache of losing a loved one to the progressive disease. The 72-year-old's late mother, Doreen, had Alzheimer's disease and passed away in 1995. Since then, Jim portrayed a devoted husband to novelist Iris Murdoch (played by Judi Dench), who had Alzheimer's, in the film Iris.
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He has also starred as Denis Thatcher, the dead husband of Margaret Thatcher – performed by Meryl Streep – who also battled with dementia.
Then there was a three-part psychological thriller, Exile, whereby Jim embodied a person who had the progressive disease.
Jim has said what a "privilege" it is to be an ambassador of Dementia UK.
Speaking on behalf of the honour, Jim said: "Over the years I have been connected with [dementia].
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"I have been more than impressed by the professionalism, commitment and positivity that [Dementia UK] bring to those who struggle with the shock and ever changing demands of having to care for a loved one diagnosed with dementia."
The helpful charity stated that by 2025, it is estimated that over one million people in the UK will have a dementia diagnosis.
"And almost all of us will know someone living with the condition," the charity added.
While there are many types of dementia, Alzheimer's disease – the kind that Jim's late mother had – is extremely common.
When a build-up of proteins in the brain interfere with the way messages are communicated, signs of the disease begin to surface.
Known as a progressive condition, the symptoms of the disease gets worse over time.
For instance, Alzheimer's disease can lead to difficulty with remembering recent events.
Other symptoms might include:
- Poor concentration
- Difficulty recognising people or objects
- Poor organisational skills
- Confusion
- Disorientation
- Slow, muddled or repetitive speech
- Difficulty performing everyday tasks such as cooking, paying bills, and shopping
- Problems with decision-making.
While there is no cure for the brain condition, treatment is available to help slow down the progression of the disease.
If you are concerned a loved one is suffering from symptoms of dementia, encourage them to book an appointment with their doctor.
The doctor will want to ensure any symptoms are not related to thyroid problems, for example, or vitamin deficiencies.
A doctor may also refer the person concerned to a memory clinic where further testing can be done.
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A dementia diagnosis can be distressing for the person and their loved ones.
If you have any questions or concerns, Dementia UK offers support via specialist dementia nurses.
Dementia UK’s Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline is on 0800 888 6678, or email helpline@dementiauk.org.
The helpline is open from Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm; and on the weekends from 9am to 5pm.
