Dementia early signs and symptoms as Pauline Quirke shares diagnosis aged 65

Actor Pauline Quirke has stepped back from all professional duties following a dementia diagnosis, her husband has announced. The Birds of a Feather star, 65, was diagnosed with the condition in 2021.

In a statement shared today, Tuesday, January 21, her partner Paul Sheen said: "It is with a heavy heart that I announce my wife Pauline's decision to step back from all professional and commercial duties due to her diagnosis of dementia in 2021."

Pauline has 150 performing arts centres in the UK, including a number in Birmingham, after founding the Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA). Mr Sheen continued: "Pauline has been an inspiration through her work in the film and TV industry, her charity endeavours and as the founder of the very successful Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA).

Get breaking news on BirminghamLive WhatsApp

"Her talent, dedication and vision have touched countless lives, and will continue to do so through the legacy of her work and through PQA where her vision and guidance has facilitated many young people’s progression and interest in the arts, and enhanced their self-confidence."

Some early signs of dementia have been described by the NHS. Different types of dementia can affect people differently, and everyone will experience symptoms in their own way.

Some early signs to look out for include:

• memory loss
• difficulty concentrating
• finding it hard to carry out familiar daily tasks
• struggling to follow a conversation or find the right word
• being confused about time and place
• mood changes

These symptoms are usually mild to begin with, but may worsen over time. These symptoms alone are not enough for a dementia diagnosis, and are instead often termed "mild cognitive impairment" (MCI). However, the NHS warns that people diagnosed with MCI can go on to develop dementia.

Dementia is most commonly caused by Alzheimer's disease, symptoms of Alzheimer's are similar to the early signs of dementia.

Common symptoms of Alzheimer's disease include:

• memory problems, such as regularly forgetting recent events, names and faces
• asking repetitive questions
• increasing difficulties with tasks and activities that require organisation and planning
• becoming confused in unfamiliar environments
• difficulty finding the right words
• difficulty with numbers and/or handling money in shops
• becoming more withdrawn or anxious

Research shows there are more than 944,000 people in the UK with dementia and 1 in 11 people over the age of 65 have it.