Dame Barbara Windsor's husband praised for revealing her Alzheimer's diagnosis
Support has begun to pour in for Dame Barbara Windsor after her husband revealed the actress has been living with Alzheimer's.
In an interview with the Sun her husband Scott Mitchell explained how the 80-year-old EastEnders and Carry On star was diagnosed in April 2014.
Tim Parry, Alzheimer's Research UK director, has praised him for the decision to go public with the devastating news, something he said they have been left "saddened" by.
"Alzheimer's is the most common disease behind dementia, accounting for around two-thirds of cases of the condition in older people," he said.
Everyone at Alzheimer's Research UK would like to send their best wishes to national treasure Dame Barbara Windsor, her family and friends following her husband's announcement that she's living with Alzheimer's disease. https://t.co/lFtM8IvQ0Fpic.twitter.com/o1mG4ow0ss
-- AlzheimersResearchUK (@ARUKnews) May 10, 2018
"It's to be congratulated that Scott is speaking out to encourage other affected individuals and families to do the same when it's right for them.
"It's important to bring the disease out into the open as a crucial step towards us tackling it.
"Alzheimer's is a physical disease, in the same way that cancer or heart disease are, and there shouldn't be stigma in being open about it.
"Dame Barbara is a much-loved figure on our screens and in public life, and our hearts go out to her and her family.
"We hope she is able to maintain and enjoy her quality of life for as long as possible."
Mr Parry said there are more than 850,000 people in the UK living with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.
Sad news this morning as it's been confirmed that Barbara Windsor has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's.
'I want the public to know because they are naturally very drawn to Barbara and she loves talking to them.' Barbara's husband Scott says. pic.twitter.com/og2YoWNTNv
-- Lorraine (@lorraine) May 10, 2018
He said research can ensure that better diagnosis, prevention and treatments are developed, which will "end the fear, harm and heartbreak of dementia".
Television presenter Lorraine Kelly extended her sympathy, tweeting: "Such sad news about Barbara Windsor - a funny, kind, generous, big hearted woman.
"Alzheimer's is a very cruel disease. I hope she knows how much she is loved. Thoughts with her husband Scott."