Loose Women star Ruth Langsford has spoken candidly about the impact of her mother Joan's Alzheimer's disease, revealing she has "learned to accept" the challenges it brings. The 65-year-old TV presenter said Joan, 94, cannot remember anyone's name but remains in good spirits at her dementia care home in Surrey.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Ruth explained that maintaining a positive outlook is essential. "You have to laugh, otherwise you'd cry. Acceptance is the hardest part, but I've learned that now," she said. "She's always in good spirits though, always smiling. She loves music and socialising – although she can't remember anyone's name."
Joan was diagnosed with Alzheimer's around eight years ago, roughly five years after Ruth's father Dennis died from complications related to his own decade-long battle with the disease. Ruth said her experience with her father has changed her approach to her mother's condition. "I used to rail against Dad's memory loss and confusion. Now I'm much softer and more accepting of Mum's because I've learned so much from coping with Dad's," she added.
The former This Morning host is supporting a new campaign launched by the Alzheimer's Society and the Daily Mail to encourage people to talk about dementia. She highlighted the scale of the issue, noting that one in three people will develop dementia, and called for more funding for research into a cure.
Ruth, who separated from husband Eamonn Holmes in 2024 after 14 years of marriage, has previously spoken about needing therapy following the split. Her emotional connection to the topic has also been visible on Loose Women, where she has struggled to hold back tears. Fellow panelist Coleen Nolan described the disease as the "cruelest disease" during a discussion about their mothers' experiences.
