In next week’s episodes Debbie grows concerned about her memory loss and books an appointment at a private clinic, believing her symptoms may be related to the menopause.
After discussing a series of recent incidents, shown as flashback scenes, including a black out and fall, the doctor advises her that he wants her to have further tests as he is concerned she is showing symptoms of early onset vascular dementia.
A shocked Debbie decides to keep the potential diagnosis to herself and initially says nothing to her friends and family.
Coronation Street producers and the story team are working closely with Dementia UK on this long term storyline which will explore the effects of young onset dementia on Debbie and those close to her.
Over the coming months and years the soap will follow Debbie’s journey as she comes to terms with the diagnosis and what it will mean for her and the family.
Actress Sue Devaney said of the storyline: “It is an honour and privilege to be given this sort of storyline. A lot of people are saying, why give it to Debbie? She's so vibrant and she's so full of life. But I think that is where a good story lies because it's somebody that has everything and also words are important to Debbie. She has a quick wit and everything is so important, money and success. She's been dealt this hand of this illness and it is going to be interesting to follow her journey.”
Coronation Street Producer Kate Brooks said: “With one in two people being affected by dementia, we felt this was such an important story to tell for the simple reason that it resonates with so many people. Having a character as vibrant as Debbie Webster, and an actor of Sue Devaney's incredible talent and calibre, at the heart of this storyline, was key to unlocking the many emotions that come with navigating this diagnosis.
We're working closely with Dementia UK to ensure this story is told as truthfully and sensitively as possible - whilst never losing sight of the person behind the diagnosis. This is a story about family, about community, but ultimately this is a story about love, and how love can provide light, even through the darkest of times.”
Young onset dementia is any form of dementia that develops before the age of 65. As dementia is frequently considered a condition of old age, the early symptoms of young onset dementia are not always recognised and may be attributed to other causes.
Comment from Dr Hilda Hayo, CEO and Chief Admiral Nurse at Dementia UK :
“We are pleased to be working alongside Coronation Street on this storyline, which we hope will help debunk the myth that dementia is a condition just associated with old age.
“Our dementia specialist Admiral Nurses support many people like Debbie who are living with young onset dementia and understand the challenges that living with the condition can bring.
“The production team has worked closely with our Consultant Admiral Nurse for Young Onset Dementia to deliver a sensitive depiction of what it’s like to live with the condition. We hope this will encourage people to start having more conversations about dementia and to reach out for support from our Admiral Nurses when they need it.”
Glenda Young
Bestselling novelist published by Headline
X: @Flaming_Nora
BlueSky: GlendaYoung
BlueSky: GlendaYoung
Facebook: GlendaYoungAuthor
Fancy writing a guest blog post for us? All details here!
2 comments:
Petty comment reminding people that the petition got well over 2000 signatures, and this decision has been panned pretty much everywhere.
"Over the coming months and years the soap will follow Debbie’s journey ..." So Debbie will be with us for some time, gradually declining. That seems to make more sense. She will have to stop working, have carers etc. As long as Corrie doesn't speed it along for dramatic purposes, and gives the audience a chance to feel involved.
Post a Comment