Coronation St and dementia

[majjan]

Do you think that Corrie has been awful in handling Mike's dementia, I'm no expert but I think it's awful and Johnny Briggs has forgotten how to act. It's a serious issue and they've handled it like a pantomime-------it's no joke
jan

[alijangra]

I agree entirely.

[Minxie]

Yes I agree too. I dont often watch Corrie, but caught the bit when he wanders off to the house Bet Lynch had. And him then playing draughts with the boy.

But I also found it quite sad to watch as the character Mike Baldwin was always such a big character, and now how the illness has affected him. I know its just TV. But found it sad to watch.

[Postdog]

I'm no expert you say - I think that shows from the comment. Maybe if you'd experienced having to deal with someone with Alzheimer's, you'd realise it's not that far off, and far from johnny briggs, forgetting how to act, some of it is frighteningly real.

[4getmenot]

I think he is a brilliant actor and so many people will be gripped this week because of it. Shows how people with alzheimers can go downhill so quick. And gives people more knowledge of the whole thing. You're right it is no joke as we will see by Friday.

[Gee Bee]

Well said Postdog.........having recently lost a grandparent through dementia Johnny Briggs portrayal has been spot on

[chazza]

I agree with postdog too, having seen it first hand I think it has been accurately portrayed

[OBonio]

I was saying to my wife the other night how well I think the actor is doing with this role. And the storyline brings to light that Alzhemier's isn't necessarily a slow onset which is a common misconception. I think it's been well done all in all.

[dr pop]

Agree with Postdog wholeheartedly.Again having seen the real thing close up ,Johnny Briggs has ,at times, been frighteningly realistic

[majjan]

Thanks for all your comments. I have an ex father in law with full blown Alzheimer's and my mother has the early signs of dementia. What I think I object to most is the time scale and lack of subtlety in portraying this invidiously progressive degenerating process and the complete lack of adult and measured reaction from those close to him in dealing with his condition. Yes I know its a soap, but they've missed an opportunity to show what kind of help is out there.

That apart , the actor still does not convince me, sorry I can't agree that he's doing a good job

[4getmenot]

Good for you Majjan for taking all our comments to count. Some people ask a question and expect just to get an answer they want. :-) I guess people with Alzheimers suffer differently, deteriorating slowly or quickly, and we all compare it to corrie in a different way depending how our loved ones have suffered. Great question to debate on :-)

[libertie]

My friend recently lost her dear mum who suffered with Alzhiemers and she said that Mike Baldwin was portraying it so well that she could hardly bear to watch! She did also say though, that her mothers progression was much slower! Corrie did try to explain this by saying that Mike's illness progressed quickly because he suffered a small stroke while in the early stages of his Alzheimer's. Apparently the Alzheimes' Society have praised their handling of this devastating illness! Anyhow best wishes to you and your mum!

[alijangra]

As

[alijangra]

As a nurse with extensive experience of alzheimers I find it not to be an accurate portrayal. But thats my opinion and maybe its because I am more used to seeing sufferers in a clinical setting.

[beckyboo1976]

Like everything, we can only go by our own experiences and some differ from what is happening on Corrie and some don't. No matter what your views are on the storyline's portrayal of the disease, it should make you realise how fragile life is. Be grateful if you are healthy and feel compassion for those who aren't so lucky.

[beejaybee]

I think Johnny Briggs deserves an "oscar" for the way he`s played this role. It`s very true to life. Not all people with Altzeimers have the same degree of the illness, whereas others are worse. Inm some cases it`s very rapid & in others it`s a lot slower. The writers of Coronation St. have handled this story in a very sensitive & realistic way.

[Ethel]

The scriptwriters and Johnny Briggs have handled this issue superbly.
They have shown how devestating it is for loved ones as well as the patient, that lucid periods can be cruel because they bring awareness to the sufferer, that care is 24 hours and demanding.

I think they are also right to kill him off this week. They have made the point that Mike could carry on for 20 years or more, gettting worse, but as Coronation Street is primarily entertainment they are not dragging it out.

I can't see where they have made a joke or pantomime out of it.

[purpose]

Having had experience of relatives with this cruel 'disease', and having worked in a psychiatric dept of the local hospital as a student, I find the writing to be fairly accurate, although, for the purpose of the 'soap' format it seems to have been (necessarily) 'cleaned up' and condensed a little.

I find the 'acting' of Johnny Briggs to be shockingly bad, however.

[horselady]

The elderly lady next door to me has Alzheimers and I find the portrayal very accurate. Asking the same question again and again, forgetting our names when we've been neighbours for 28 years, I find it heartbreaking and often have a little weep when I think how she used to be.

[Kay]

I think Johnny Briggs acted suberbly. Like others here I lost my Dad to Alzeimers over a 2 year period. He went from being a strong and literate man to a child. Ok they may not have physical pain but the mental torment is abhorrent for them and their loved ones. My Dad's been gone for 18 years but I still found it upsetting to see Mike suffering. I too reckon JB deserves an oscar!