John Suchet was on the Andrew Marr programme this morning. Normally I find this programme a bit 'heavy' for a Sunday morning, but I watched to see what he had to say.
He was reviewing the Sunday papers and highlighted the headline about the latest way to 'prevent dementia'. He spoke very well (again) and made the point, we all know, that there is no sure fire way to prevent, treat or cure dementia, and that these headlines do so much harm.
Again he expressed his concern about discussing his wife's illness without her knowledge or consent, a dilemma many of us have. What right have I to discuss my dad's illness? My family know that I do, some are happier about it than others (I know my mum has no problem with it), but how would my dad feel? I have no right to make that decision for him, but if we all kept quiet dementia would remain under the radar.
After John had spoken both Andrew Marr and his other guest looked terminally embarrassed, and Andrew quickly turned to the weather...
The stigma lives on...