Anne-Marie Duff has revealed her brother Eddie’s struggle with early-onset dementia, diagnosed nine years ago at 56, though symptoms began 14 years earlier. Initially, Eddie’s issues manifested as confusion and job loss, leading to a misinterpretation of his behavior. Anne-Marie expressed her sadness watching him grapple with the incurable illness and live in state-funded housing as his condition worsened. Despite challenges, her family maintains moments of joy and love, even as Eddie’s recognition fades. Anne-Marie advocates for dementia awareness and support, highlighting the importance of understanding the disease affecting many families globally.
Anne-Marie Duff has opened up about her brother Eddie’s shocking diagnosis of early-onset dementia.
The Shameless star’s brother, now 56, was diagnosed with the disease nine years ago when she was in her 40s, but she believes her symptoms started 14 years ago.
Anne-Marie told the Sunday Times that she found Eddie struggling to cope with being late and taking the wrong bus, and eventually lost his job as a researcher.
She couldn’t understand why he couldn’t “get along” and wondered if it was alcohol, drugs, or if he needed psychiatric help.
But she had no idea he was suffering from early-onset dementia. Early-onset dementia is a disease that causes severe symptoms before the age of 65.
Anne-Marie shared her sadness as she recalled how Eddie struggled to accept and understand his incurable diagnosis at the time, speaking as if he would eventually recover.
Anne-Marie Duff has opened up to The Sunday Times about her brother Eddie’s shocking diagnosis of early-onset dementia.
The Shameless star’s brother, now 56, was diagnosed with the incurable disease nine years ago when she was in her 40s, but she believes her symptoms started 14 years ago.
“It was sad. He couldn’t accept it, he couldn’t fully understand it. When it’s very early on, it’s very aggressive,” Anne-Marie said.
When Eddie was diagnosed nine years ago, he had no job, no partner and no children to look after. As a result, he was placed in state-funded supported housing.
However, Anne-Marie said Eddie’s condition is progressing and he is now 56 years old and requires hard-to-find specialist accommodation with 24-hour care.
The actress said her brother was “wandering” and needed to stay in secure accommodation. She has his power of attorney.
But despite his worsening condition, Anne-Marie and her family still manage to find moments of joy and laugh together.
“Even if the memories are cobwebs, you will have memories to cherish,” she said.
She also said it was touching to see her parents go back to caring for their son the way they did when he was a child, adding: “They’re still raising him and shaving him. Just looking at it, something like that is such a beautiful thing,” he added.
Anne-Marie revealed Eddie’s condition on BBC Woman’s Hour in December.
Anne-Marie told the Sunday Times that she found Eddie struggling to cope with being late and taking the wrong bus, and eventually lost his job as a researcher.
But she had no idea he was suffering from early-onset dementia. Early-onset dementia is a disease that develops severe symptoms before the age of 65.
She told the BBC’s Nuala McGovern: And my heart goes out to those who are just going through the admin and all the logistics of it.
“He’s been living with this disease for about 14 years and he’s only a few years older than me, so you can see how young he was. He was diagnosed about eight or nine years ago.
“Well, that’s very, very difficult because you’re watching someone slowly disappear before your eyes.”
She continued: “But love never goes away, and I think it’s one of the gifts of all that love is so firmly present in this room.” It exists elsewhere…it’s almost like a completely separate element. It’s very beautiful.
Anne-Marie opened up about Eddie’s condition on BBC Woman’s Hour in December.
“He doesn’t know who I am, but he knows I love him. It’s very interesting…but I know the effect it has on the family.”
Anne-Marie went on to praise charities, saying: “The Alzheimer’s Society and all of those organizations are amazing.”
“And, again, I always beat the drum and say, if you’re going through something, if you’re a caregiver or if you’re living with Alzheimer’s disease, please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. If you have any questions, or just want to talk, give me a call. They are incredible.
“There is probably someone in our lives who is living with some form of dementia.”
