Posted under Blog on May 24th, 2013 by Editorial Team / No Comments

Oscar-nominated actress Carey Mulligan has spoken candidly about her grandmother’s struggles with Alzheimer’s disease. Speaking at an Alzheimer’s Society lunch in Britain this week, the star of The Great Gatsby described the experience of watching her grandmother’s condition worsen over a ten-year period until she was unable to recognise loved ones.

As a result of her experience, the actress approached the Alzheimer’s Society in the UK, offering to help raise awareness of the issues surrounding the disease. She is now an ambassador for the charity. 

The actress spoke frankly to Channel 4 News about the process of her grandmother’s deterioration following her diagnosis about ten years ago: “She was a geography teacher and she was very passionate about our education….I remember her one day not being able to remember the different subjects I was taking for A-level and I remember thinking that as something she cared so much about, that wouldn’t something she easily forgot. And then it progressed from there, she would struggle to find her way home when she went out walking.”

Carey Mulligan is the latest well-known figure to lend her support to raising awareness of Alzheimer’s disease.  Recently, Hollywood star Seth Rogen led a fundraiser to help families struggling with Alzheimer’s care today, increase support groups nationwide, and fund cutting edge research through the Alzheimer’s Association. 

Tags: Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's society, Carey Mulligan, Dementia Week