LINDA Robson has given a new update on her Birds Of A Feather co-star Pauline Quirke’s dementia battle after meeting up with the star.
Pauline‘s family announced in January that she had been diagnosed four years ago with the heartbreaking condition and would step away from the spotlight entirely.
Since that time, the much-loved actress’ best pal Linda, 67, has been giving updates on her friend’s dementia battle.
The pair first struck up a close friendship aged ten when they both went to the same drama school.
The two friends then famously starred in the 90s sitcom Birds of a Feather together, where they played sisters.
Today, Loose Women star Linda appeared on BBC Breakfast and opened up about how Pauline was doing.
Read More on Pauline Quirke
Talking about the last time they saw each other, she revealed: “We met up about three or four weeks ago at a restaurant.
“It was so lovely. She was just giggling, and just really enjoying it, she ate everything as well. I left there happy because she was happy, and I knew they were looking after her really well.”
Pauline’s son Charlie was also on BBC Breakfast, as he talked about his 140km walk which starts today which is to raise money for Alzheimer’s Research UK.
Linda added: “I’ve known him since he was in the womb, really, he’s a good boy.
“There’s so many people now that get dementia now, my mum for instance had it really, really bad and it’s the worst thing ever I think.’
Charlie then said: “We’ve got to raise awareness for it, and this trek is about my mum’s career and her life, and it’s just nice to be here with Linda, and get the ball rolling with the trek.”
VISITING PAULINE
Talking more about her recent meet up with Pauline, Linda told The Mirror last month: “We went to the house and her daughter Emily was there, her granddaughters were there, her husband Steve was there too and it was just really, really nice.
“We went to a little local pub and then they put us in a little private room so it was just us in there. And we had a really nice lunch, all of us.”
Linda revealed how Pauline still recognises her, and the pair enjoyed their time together.
She said that they shared jokes and even reminisced about their time acting on Birds of a Feather and in pantomimes over the years too.
“She’s being really well looked after and she did recognise me, which I was really pleased with as well. She’s doing well,” she said.
Linda also said that she hopes to see Pauline again before Christmas.
She added: “I love her so much.
“Fifty-seven years we’ve been best friends.
“We were both 10 when we met at primary school and we’re still friends now.”
FAMILY’S JOURNEY
Last month, Pauline’s beloved husband Steve also appeared on BBC Breakfast to talk about his wife.
He then revealed when they realised something wasn’t right with her health.
Discussing the first moment they noticed something was wrong, Steve said: “Around November 2020, a script came in, she started reading it and she phoned me on that day and said, ‘the words aren’t going in.’ That’s where it started.”
Steve, who has been married to Pauline for nearly 30 years, went onto explain that the family were in complete shock when doctors confirmed that she had dementia.
“We thought, ‘Can’t be. It’s long covid. You’ve got the flu’,” he revealed.
“It’s so gradual that for the first year, two years you’re thinking, ‘No she’s alright.’ Now, three or four years in, it’s a little bit different.”
How to reduce dementia risk
Eat a healthy diet
Prioritise a Mediterranean diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, nuts, legumes, and oily fish while limiting red meat, refined foods, and sugar.
Engage in regular physical activity
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. This can include activities like walking, dancing, swimming, or gardening.
Manage blood pressure
Keep your blood pressure at a healthy level through diet, exercise, and medication if necessary.
Quit smoking
Quitting smoking can significantly reduce your risk of dementia, as well as other health issues.
Keep socially engaged
Maintain an active social life, stay connected with loved ones, and participate in community activities.
Be mentally stimulated
Challenge your brain with activities like learning new skills, reading, or solving puzzles.
Get good sleep
Prioritise good sleep quality, as research suggests that sleep disturbances may be linked to an increased risk of dementia.
Limit alcohol consumption
Drinking too much alcohol can increase your risk of falls and other health conditions that are linked to dementia.
Manage diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes, manage it effectively to reduce your risk of dementia.
Address hearing loss
Address hearing loss, as it can be linked to an increased risk of dementia.
