TV

Dementia patient tells Christine Lampard she won’t remember interview tomorrow

Wendy was diagnosed with early onset dementia at the age of 58

A woman living with dementia told Christine Lampard that she won’t remember speaking to her when she appeared on Thursday’s show.

Wendy was diagnosed with early onset dementia at the age of 58 and appeared on the daytime show alongside her daughter Sarah.

Wendy said she writes her memories down otherwise she will forget all the “wonderful things” she’s done.

Lorraine guests
Wendy told Christine she won’t remember the interview (Credit: ITV)

Read more: Fans call for Christine Lampard to replace Lorraine Kelly on her show

She’s also wrote a best-seller book through WhatsApp and email as her co-writer Anna Wharton lives “on the other side of the country” and Wendy can no longer use her phone.

Wendy said she has a “memory room”, which is full of family photos and objects that can remind her of memories she may have forgotten due to her dementia.

Speaking to stand-in host Christine, Wendy said: “Whenever I’m feeling anxious or when dementia takes hold of me, I go and sit in there and I instantly feel calm.

“I’m surrounded by all the people I love and all the places that I love.”

She continued: “If I don’t write things down I forget, so I forget all the wonderful things I’ve done.

Lorraine guest
Wendy said she has a “memory room”, which is full of family photos and objects that can remind her of memories (Credit: ITV)

“So for instance, tomorrow I will have forgotten about today except I will remember how I felt.

“We never lose our emotions so I remember those but I’ll forget the detail.”

Despite her illness, Wendy said she’s remaining positive.

She said: “I’m a glass half full person. And I always have been so I always try and see a positive because that’s what helps me cope.”

Her daughter Sarah revealed how she’s coping with her mum’s dementia.

Lorraine guests
Sarah admitted she found it “surreal” reading her mum’s book (Credit: ITV)

Read more: Lorraine Kelly mocked for looking like Deirdre Barlow in embarrassing throwback snap

She said: “It’s been absolutely amazing what mum’s achieved but it’s bittersweet because there are struggles supporting someone with dementia.

“The most important thing for me is to not try and jump in and support mum but try and let her be independent. That’s a tough balance to achieve at times.”

Did you watch Wendy’s interview? What did you think? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know!


Rebecca Carter
Associate Editor (News)

Related Topics