EastEnders legend Dame Barbara Windsor diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease aged 80
EASTENDERS star Dame Barbara Windsor has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory, at the age of 80, her husband Scott Mitchell has revealed.
Dame Barbara Windsor, who starred in shows such as EastEnders and Carry On, has had to take medication for the degenerative brain disease, according to her spouse Scott Mitchell.
Scott, who has been married to Barbara for eightteen years, said she broke down in tears when the doctor told her the sad news.
He said: “When the doctor told us, she began crying then held it back, stretched her hand out to me and mouthed, ‘I’m so sorry’
“I squeezed her hand back and said, ‘Don’t worry, we’ll be OK’.”
He added: “I hope speaking out will help other families dealing with loved ones who have this cruel disease.
“Secondly, I want the public to know because they are naturally very drawn to Barbara and she loves talking to them.
“So rather than me living in fear she might get confused or upset, they’ll know that if her behaviour seems strange, it’s due to Alzheimer’s and accept it for what it is.”
Scott, 55, told The Sun he could not hide Barbara’s condition as it has slowly progressed since her 80th birthday last August.
He explained: “I can’t protect her any longer. I’m doing this interview — and I would like to make clear that I’m not being paid for it and it’s the only one I’ll be doing — because I know that rumours are circulating in showbusiness circles.
“And, since her 80th birthday last August, a definite continual confusion has set in, so it’s becoming a lot more difficult for us to hide.”
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When the doctor told us, she began crying
Express.co.uk has contacted a representative for Dame Barbara Windsor for comment.
More to follow…
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