Ruth Langsford has spoken about the support that helped her family through one of the most difficult periods of their lives, opening up about her parents’ dementia diagnoses and the relief of finding people who understood what they were facing.
In an interview on the Happy Place podcast, the TV presenter spoke about caring for her mother, Joan, and her late father, Dennis, who were both diagnosed with dementia.
Ruth said local support had been especially important, highlighting Alzheimer’s Society services in the South West.
She told host Fearne Cotton: “I’m an ambassador for Alzheimer’s Society because they gave us so much help as a family.
“They really helped my mum, especially the Plymouth Branch at the time as she was living near there then when my dad was diagnosed with dementia. They got in touch with her and invited her to go along to Dementia Cafes with my dad.”
Ruth described how much it meant to see her mother meet other people in a similar position.
She said: “My mum met other partners at the cafe and then they would chat and somebody would say ‘oh what do we do’ then someone else says ‘oh well this is what I do’. You just need people that get it.”
Ruth has been an ambassador for Alzheimer’s Society for 17 years and has previously spoken openly about supporting both of her parents through dementia.
She has also met families affected by the condition at events including the charity’s annual Memory Walk fundraiser.
Explaining why she continues to talk publicly about dementia, Ruth said: “By me talking about it openly, going to events, writing about it in my book, talking to people at Memory Walk, you hope that you just plant these little seeds and people might learn something. Everything is about awareness.”
Her experience reflects the support offered through local Alzheimer’s Society services, including Dementia Advisers, Dementia Cafes and support groups aimed at helping people understand a diagnosis and remain connected to others.
Alzheimer’s Society south west regional manager Cat Medley praised Ruth for speaking so openly.
Cat said: “We’re grateful to Ruth for shining a light on what so many families in the South West and across the UK are experiencing. A dementia diagnosis can be overwhelming, but no one should face it alone.
“There are nearly one million people living with dementia in the UK. Alzheimer’s Society provides vital support to people living with dementia, funds groundbreaking research and campaigns to make dementia the priority it should be.
“We can’t reach everyone without the continued support of Ruth and our other incredible ambassadors. Our local teams are always here to offer practical advice, emotional reassurance and a community of people who understand.”
Anyone worried about dementia can call Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Support Line on 0333 150 3456. More information is available at alzheimers.org.uk/beat-dementia
