My trial helps me… and others

I WAS as shocked as anyone to learn that the wonderful Barbara Windsor has Alzheimer’s, but perhaps more interested than other fans – because I too have recently been diagnosed with it.

I’m 66 – considerably younger than Babs, who’s 80 – but she and I are in the same boat along with a huge crew of almost a million in Britain alone. At least 42,000 of us are under 65.

My plan is to keep as healthy as possible and try not to dwell on what may or may not happen.

I lead a totally normal life, I eat well and have a happy tribe of close friends who are very supportive and don’t moan – well, they do sometimes – if I happen to be repeating myself.

And there are certainly plenty of reasons to be cheerful, even after my beautiful Tibetan terrier Harry died quite recently. His memory will live on through ‘Son of Harry’, his unnamed successor who we’ll collect from his breeder after we have seen The Rolling Stones in London later this month. Staying fit by walking the dog is important to me and exercise is known to delay the symptoms of dementia.

I am also eternally grateful to my team at St George’s Hospital in London, who enrolled me on to a trial very early on, looking at how language tests might help flag up early-stage dementia.

I go for regular check-ups and I’ve had my medication adjusted a number of times. I feel I’m getting the best care and hopefully by being a guinea pig I’m giving something back that will help others like me in future.