Actress Julie Goodyear ‘slowly fades away’ as she grapples with dementia

When we think of the vibrant personalities that have graced our screens and lives, it's hard to imagine them any other way.

Yet, the reality of dementia is that it can touch anyone, even the most dynamic individuals like actress Julie Goodyear.



Her husband, Scott Brand, has recently shared the heart-wrenching journey of watching his once fun-loving wife 'slowly fading away' after her dementia diagnosis.

This personal story aligned with the United Kingdom’s Alzheimer’s Society's new campaign, poignantly voiced by British actor Colin Firth and titled The Long Goodbye.


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Julie Goodyear is ‘slowly fading away’ due to dementia. Credit: Julie Goodyear MBE / Facebook


The campaign shed light on the devastating progression of dementia, a condition that can feel like losing a loved one 'again, and again, and again’.

Brand's experience is a testament to this.

‘I miss the fun-loving wife that Julie had always been–the larger-than-life personality that brightened up everywhere she went and the smile that lit up every room,’ he said.

‘All of this is now slowly fading away, and it’s extremely painful for me to watch this deterioration.’

‘Julie now struggles recognising people, and everyone she meets is called “Scott”.’

‘Not being able to spontaneously go out as husband and wife, holding hands as we stroll along, going for meals together and going shopping–all these losses for me symbolise The Long Goodbye.



The 81-year-old was famous for wearing leopard-print clothes and looking glamorous on and off the screen. But her husband mentioned that because of dementia, she doesn't care much about her appearance anymore.

‘Julie has always been extremely glamorous, going nowhere without her make-up,’ he said.

‘But now the lipsticks and make-up go unworn, and clothes are no longer of interest, especially the leopard print.’



Her husband first talked about her dementia diagnosis last summer.

‘My darling wife and I have had to come to terms with this heart-breaking diagnosis,’ he shared.

‘Unfortunately, Julie has been suffering forgetfulness for some time, and we have been seeking medical advice and assistance, but we now know that there is no hope of a reversal in the situation—and that her condition will get progressively, and perhaps speedily, worse.’



‘We have taken the decision to publicly announce the diagnosis as Julie still loves visiting friends and eating out,’ he added.

‘Inevitably, she is recognised, and fans love to meet her–and she, them–but she can get confused, particularly if she is tired. I hope people will understand.’

Dementia is not just a single disease but a syndrome encompassing a range of symptoms that lead to a decline in brain function. It can affect memory, speech, thinking, emotions, and behaviour.

While Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, it's important to note that dementia is not a natural part of aging and can have various causes.



Recognising the early signs of dementia is crucial for getting the support and care needed. Dementia Australia highlighted some common early symptoms to watch for:
  • Memory loss, such as forgetting recently learned information or important dates.
  • Challenges in concentrating, planning, or solving problems, like difficulty following a familiar recipe or managing monthly bills.
  • Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, work, or leisure activities.
  • Confusion with time or place, such as losing track of dates, seasons, or the passage of time.
  • New problems with words in speaking or writing, like struggling to follow or join a conversation.
  • Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps may lead to accusing others of stealing.
  • Decreased or poor judgment, such as paying less attention to grooming or making unusual choices with money.
  • Withdrawal from work or social activities that were once enjoyable.
  • Changes in mood and personality, including becoming confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful, or anxious.
As dementia progresses, symptoms become more pronounced, and new challenges emerge.

Tip
Dementia Australia encourages reaching out for help, offering resources and assistance through their website and calling their helpline at 1800 100 500.

You can watch the Alzheimer’s Society’s advert below:


Credit: Alzheimer’s Society / YouTube


On a related note, talk show host Wendy Williams has been diagnosed with progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD).

Her health journey has been a public one, with one incident when she fainted during a live taping of her show. You can read more about Williams’ story here.
Key Takeaways

  • Julie Goodyear's husband, Scott Brand, has spoken about the pain of watching his wife with dementia slowly 'fading away'.
  • The couple has been open about the diagnosis to help others understand the changes in Julie's behaviour, especially when interacting with fans and friends.
  • Dementia symptoms include memory loss and changes in behaviour, personality, and physical abilities, not being a natural part of ageing.
  • Dementia Australia encourages anyone concerned about dementia to seek support and information through their resources.
What are your thoughts on Julie Goodyear’s diagnosis? Share your sentiments in the comments below.
 
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It is very sad when a family member is diagnosised with Dementia, sadly we have had to deal with that in our family. Losing a loved one is devastating but losing them day in and day out rips your heart out. It is like that for the family and so very hard on those you are losing. I have always loved Julie Goodyear on Coronation Street.
 
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Reactions: Vicki.E.
How very sad that such a bubbly, fun lady has lost the essence of herself. I have dvds of 'The Best of' Coronation Street and love watching Julie Goodyear as the cheeky barmaid Bet Lynch. It must be so heartbreaking for her husband to lose her this way 😢
 
people "THINK" they know what it is like to live with a dementure perso but they only think about "instances" they don't know or understand what it is like 24\7 and being abused and accused for no reason, it's not just daily routine that's affected but through the night also. there are "services" available they say but it's not all that simple mto access when needed.
 

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