Julie Goodyear the barmaid in Coronation Street diagnosed with Dementia

Julie Goodyear aged 81 who played Bet Lynch in the soap Coronation Street has been diagnosed with having dementia.

Goodyear played Bet Lynch for over 25 years and played the roll as a barmaid then a landlady at The Rovers Return.

Her husband broke the news about his wife saying: “My darling wife and I have had to come to terms with this heart-breaking diagnosis.

“Unfortunately, Julie has been suffering forgetfulness for some time and we have been seeking medical advice and assistance, but we now know that there is no hope of a reversal in the situation – and that her condition will get progressively, and perhaps speedily, worse.

“We have taken the decision to publicly announce the diagnosis as Julie still loves visiting friends and eating out. Inevitably she is recognised, and fans love to meet her – and she them – but she can get confused particularly if she is tired.”

Dementia isn’t part of growing older and their are several types of dementia the most common one is Alzheimer’s disease which is caused by specific changes in the brain, other Dementia include Vascular Dementia, Lewy Body Dementia, Fronto-temporal Dementia, Mixed Dementia.

Sadly for those that have Alzheimer’s there is no cure however there are medications to keep people stable and research on finding a cure for the disease is on-going.