Coronation Street to Air Groundbreaking Dementia Storyline
In a powerful and emotive new storyline, Coronation Street will next week air a dramatic trailer giving viewers a first look at Debbie Webster’s dementia storyline. The storyline, which has been produced in conjunction with Dementia UK, aims to shed light on the often-misunderstood condition of young onset dementia.
The storyline follows Debbie, played by Sue Devaney, as she begins to experience memory loss and books an appointment at a private clinic, believing her symptoms may be related to the menopause. However, after discussing a series of recent incidents with her doctor, including a blackout and a fall, Debbie is advised that she may be showing symptoms of early onset vascular dementia.
According to Coronation Street producers, the storyline will explore the effects of young onset dementia on Debbie and those close to her. The soap will follow Debbie’s journey as she comes to terms with the diagnosis and what it will mean for her and her family. The storyline aims to raise awareness and understanding of young onset dementia, a condition that affects an estimated 70,800 people in the UK.
Coronation Street producers and the story team are working closely with Dementia UK on this long-term storyline. The partnership aims to ensure that the story is told as truthfully and sensitively as possible, with a focus on the person behind the diagnosis. The storyline is set to resonate with many viewers, with one in two people being affected by dementia in their lifetime, either through caring for a loved one with the condition, developing it themselves, or both.
As stated by Kate Brooks, Coronation Street Producer: "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."
The storyline has been welcomed by Dementia UK, with Dr. Hilda Hayo, CEO and Chief Admiral Nurse at Dementia UK, stating: "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."
Sue Devaney, who plays Debbie Webster, has spoken about the importance of the storyline, stating: "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."
Young onset dementia is a condition 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. According to Dementia UK, an estimated 7.5% or 70,800 of the estimated 944,000 people living with dementia in the UK are living with young onset dementia.
Dementia UK has provided a range of resources and support for those affected by the condition. The Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline is available on 0800 888 6678 (Monday to Friday 9am-9pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am-5pm) or email [email protected]. The Young Dementia Network, hosted by Dementia UK, is an online influencing community of people who are passionate about improving the lives of people affected by young onset dementia.
In the UK, every three minutes, someone develops dementia. Furthermore, 53 percent of people in the UK know someone who has dementia. With this storyline, Coronation Street aims to encourage people to start having more conversations about dementia and to reach out for support when needed.
Dementia UK’s Admiral Nurses provide specialist support for people affected by dementia. The charity’s work with Coronation Street is part of a wider effort to raise awareness and understanding of the condition. As stated by Dr. Hayo, "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."
The storyline is set to spark important conversations about dementia and the support available for those affected. With young onset dementia being a relatively rare condition, Coronation Street’s portrayal of Debbie’s journey aims to shed light on the experiences of those living with the condition and provide valuable resources and support information for viewers.
For those seeking support or information on dementia, resources are available through Dementia UK’s website, including the Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline and the Young Dementia Network. By sharing Debbie’s story, Coronation Street hopes to provide an honest and emotive portrayal of life with young onset dementia, highlighting the importance of love and community in supporting those affected by the condition.
