February 7th 2025.
Pauline Quirke's battle with dementia has been progressing at a rapid pace, as disclosed by a close friend who has witnessed the impact of the disease on the actress's life. Earlier this year, Pauline, known for her roles in Birds of a Feather and Emmerdale, publicly announced her diagnosis and retirement from showbiz due to her condition.
Her husband, Steve Sheen, sadly shared the heartbreaking news in a statement, stating that Pauline received her diagnosis in 2021. He also requested privacy for the family during this difficult time and mentioned that they will not be giving any further interviews as Pauline spends time with her loved ones.
Now, a friend of Pauline has revealed that the actress is struggling to recognize even her closest friends and family members as her memory continues to deteriorate. Maurice Gran, who co-created Birds of a Feather with Laurence Marks, shared that he remains close to Pauline, who played the role of Sharon Theodopolopodous in the sitcom. The two have remained friends despite rumors of a feud between them, and even their co-star Lesley Joseph, who called Gran shortly before Pauline's diagnosis became public, has been a constant support for the actress.
In an interview with The Mirror, Gran shared that Lesley had called him to inquire if Pauline's husband had made any public statements about her condition. When he told her no, Lesley informed him that Steve would be announcing Pauline's diagnosis to stop the speculations and rumors surrounding their relationship.
The rumors of a rift between Pauline and her on-screen sister Linda Robson only intensified when Pauline declined to appear in further episodes of Birds of a Feather after its revival in 2014. However, Gran dismissed these rumors and stated that they were always exaggerated. He emphasized that Pauline and Linda are like sisters and any reports of a falling out between them are nothing more than sibling rivalry, which is common in any family.
Recently, Linda shared a heartfelt post on Instagram, expressing her love and support for her best friend Pauline. She shared a recent selfie of them alongside an old photo from their early acting days and mentioned how she has been in close contact with Pauline's husband for the past three years. Linda also requested privacy for Pauline and her family and stated that she will not be discussing the matter further.
Pauline is known for her long and successful career in the entertainment industry, appearing in shows like Broadchurch and Casualty. She also had her own comedy sketch show, Pauline's Quirkes, in the 1970s. In 2022, she received an MBE for her contribution to entertainment and work with young people.
Dementia, specifically Alzheimer's and vascular dementia, is the most common form of dementia in the UK. It is caused by the formation of plaques and tangles in the brain, which affects its proper functioning. The early symptoms include memory loss, difficulty finding words, becoming disoriented in familiar places, and trouble concentrating. Vascular dementia is characterized by problems making decisions, slower thought process, and mood changes. It can also make a person behave out of character. The risk of developing dementia increases with age, and it affects men and women equally. Leading a healthy lifestyle, including not smoking or drinking excessively, eating a balanced diet, and staying mentally and socially active, can significantly reduce the chances of developing these diseases.
Lewy body dementia, the third most common form of dementia, is caused by the appearance of tiny clumps of protein in the brain's nerve cells. It can cause mood swings, problems with thought processing, hallucinations, and difficulty balancing and walking. Although it can affect people under 65, it is more common in older individuals and affects men and women equally.
Currently, there is no cure for any form of dementia. However, getting an early diagnosis is crucial in accessing medical and social support for the person and their loved ones. If you are concerned about any of the symptoms, your GP can refer you to a specialist for further tests. For more information and support, you can also visit the Alzheimer's Society website or call their support line.
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