4 hours ago
3
PAULINE Quirke's son Charlie has shared a heartfelt message after his TV star mum's dementia diagnosis.
The Birds of a Feather actress's husband, Steve, revealed Pauline's 2021 diagnosis to the public this week.
5
5
Pauline will now retire from acting and the running of her performing arts schools.
Charlie, 30, has responded to the outpouring of love and support from the 65-year-old's fans.
He wrote on Instagram: "Hi all, I just wanted to say a massive thank you to all of you for your messages of support, kind words about my beautiful mum and stories you have.
"We, as a family are very moved and touched by all of them, and they have put a smile on all of our faces. We appreciate each and everyone of you. Thank you."
READ MORE ON PAULINE QUIRKE
After the diagnosis was made public this week, a tribute Charlie made to his mum while she secretly lived with the condition resurfaced.
He took to Instagram on the day she was awarded her MBE for services to charity and the entertainment industry.
In February 2023, the Birds Of A Feather actress met Prince William to receive the honour at Windsor Castle.
Pauline was originally awarded the medal in the late Queen’s final Birthday Honours in 2022.
Charlie wrote at the time: "To my beautiful mum. I can't start to tell you how proud I am of my mum getting her MBE today.
"Her services to charity, young people & the entertainment industry. To the most selfless, funniest and most caring person I know.
"Mad day to be honest. Here's to you mum."
The actress is best known for her character as Sharon Theodopolopodous in Birds of a Feather, which ran on the BBC and then ITV across nearly 30 years.
She was nominated for a number of BAFTA Awards for her roles in The Sculptress and ITV's Broadchurch.
In total, Pauline appeared in more than 60 TV and films, which also included Emmerdale and Casualty.
A statement from her husband Steve revealing the diagnosis read: "It is with a heavy heart that I announce my wife Pauline's decision to step back from all professional and commercial duties due to her diagnosis of Dementia in 2021.
"Pauline has been an inspiration through her work in the film and TV industry, her charity endeavours and as the founder of the very successful Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA).
"Her talent, dedication, and vision have touched countless lives and will continue to do so through the legacy of her work and through PQA where her vision and guidance has facilitated many young peoples’ progression and interest in the Arts and enhanced their self-confidence."
Is it ageing or dementia?
Dementia - the most common form of which is Alzheimer's - comes on slowly over time.
As the disease progresses, symptoms can become more severe.
But at the beginning, the symptoms can be subtle or mistaken for normal memory issues related to ageing.
The US National Institute on Aging gives some examples of what is considered normal forgetfulness in old age, and dementia disease.
You can refer to these above.
For example, it is normal for an ageing person to forget which word to use from time-to-time, but difficulting having conversation would be more indicative of dementia.
Katie Puckering, Head of Alzheimer’s Research UK’s Information Services team, previously told The Sun: “We quite commonly as humans put our car keys somewhere out of the ordinary and it takes longer for us to find them.
“As you get older, it takes longer for you to recall, or you really have to think; What was I doing? Where was I? What distracted me? Was it that I had to let the dog out? And then you find the keys by the back door.
“That process of retrieving the information is just a bit slower in people as they age.
“In dementia, someone may not be able to recall that information and what they did when they came into the house.
“What may also happen is they might put it somewhere it really doesn't belong. For example, rather than putting the milk back in the fridge, they put the kettle in the fridge.”
5
5
5
English (US) ·