Actress Anne-Marie Duff is raising her voice for a much-needed overhaul in dementia care. Known for her incredible performances, the 54-year-old star shines a light on an issue close to her heart—her brother Eddie’s dementia journey. Diagnosed eight years ago, Eddie has been coping with the condition for almost 15 years now.
Speaking on ITV’s Good Morning Britain, Anne-Marie passionately called for a complete rethink in how we support those fighting this degenerative illness. “The support system is overburdened,” she told viewers. “We need a brand-new approach.” With an ageing population, the need for change is more pressing than ever.
Anne-Marie revealed the little signs that first made her suspect something was wrong with Eddie, from strange ways of making tea to getting on the wrong buses. His struggles to maintain a job led to financial instability, sparking a cascade of challenges. Initially, people thought Eddie might be having a breakdown, but it was much more serious.
The Alzheimer’s Society, with whom Anne-Marie collaborates, is pushing for better training for both professional and family carers. Understanding how to communicate with people like Eddie is crucial—asking someone with dementia if they “remember me” isn’t helpful, even if well-intentioned. Patience and understanding are key.
Sharing the emotional moment that led to a breakthrough, Anne-Marie described how Eddie’s panic attack brought him to their GP, igniting a journey towards proper diagnosis and care. Despite the support, Anne-Marie candidly shared how challenging it was to secure full-time care for Eddie, likening it to a Herculean battle.
For anyone worried about dementia, Anne-Marie encourages reaching out to the Alzheimer’s Society. Their Dementia Support Line offers guidance and support, proving invaluable during tough times. Let’s stand with Anne-Marie and push for systemic change in dementia care, giving our loved ones the support they truly deserve.