HEARTBREAKING
Coronation Street legend Julie Goodyear reveals she is suffering from dementia after ‘heartbreaking’ diagnosis
CORONATION Street legend Julie Goodyear is suffering from dementia, her husband has revealed.
The actress, 81 - who is best known for playing Bet Lynch in the ITV soap - was recently diagnosed with the condition.
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Her husband Scott said in a statement: “My darling wife and I have had to come to terms with this heart-breaking diagnosis.
“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.
“Inevitably she is recognised, and fans love to meet her - and she them - but she can get confused particularly if she is tired.
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"I hope people will understand.”
Dementia is a condition that refers to a group of disorders affecting brain functioning - and there are many different types and causes.
Alzheimer's disease is the most common form, affecting between 50 and 75 per cent of those diagnosed.
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Julie first joined Coronation Street in 1966 as iconic character Bet, returning in 1970 ahead of her lengthy stint on the show.
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While she quit the cobbles in 1995 - winning the NTA’s Lifetime Achievement Award - she has made cameo appearances since, much to the delight of fans.
In 2002 Julie made a high-profile comeback but lasted just two weeks before quitting.
At the time she said the pace of the show was too much for her.
The actress was last spotted on set in 2003 for a storyline in Blackpool, as she helped track down Jim McDonald following his escape from prison.
And while she has been occasionally mentioned since, that marked her final appearance on Coronation Street.
After quitting Corrie, Julie went on to roles in Hollyoaks, Revolver and Tug of War.
The actress also hit the headlines in 2012 when she joined Celebrity Big Brother alongside Coleen Nolan, Julian Clary and Martin Kemp.
She was last to be evicted shortly before the final, coming in seventh place.
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How is dementia treated?
There is no specific treatment for dementia and no way to reverse the damage to the brain that has already occurred.
However, treatment may help slow down the progression of the condition and the main aim is to treat the underlying cause to help prevent further problems, such as strokes.
Medicines and lifestyle changes will be encouraged including eating healthily, losing weight if necessary, stop smoking, get fit and cutting down on alcohol.
Support such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy is also beneficial, but despite treatment dementia can significantly shorten life expectancy.
The average survival time from diagnosis is around four years and most people will die either from complications of dementia, such as pneumonia, or from a subsequent stroke.
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