Television presenter Ruth Langsford has shared a poignant and sobering update regarding her mother's ongoing struggle with Alzheimer's disease, explaining how personal tragedy has shaped her approach to the condition.
A Journey of Heartbreak and Acceptance
The Loose Women star, 65, disclosed that her 94-year-old mother, Joan, now lives in a dementia care home in Surrey. While Joan remains in positive spirits and enjoys music and socialising, Ruth Langsford admits her mum can no longer remember anyone's name. "You have to laugh, otherwise you’d cry," Ruth told the Daily Mail. "Acceptance is the hardest part, but I’ve learned that now."
This painful journey is one the ITV regular has walked before. Ruth's father, Dennis, died from complications linked to Alzheimer's disease roughly 13 years ago, after a decade-long battle. Her mother, Joan, was diagnosed with the same condition around eight years ago.
Learning from Past Experience
Ruth confessed that her experience with her dad's dementia has profoundly changed how she copes with her mum's decline. She revealed she used to "rail against" her father's memory loss and confusion, but now adopts a softer, more accepting stance with her mother.
"I know now it absolutely wasn’t helping him when I’d say, 'But you must remember that, Dad'. He’d look at me blankly because he literally did not," she explained. This hard-won perspective has been crucial in managing the emotional toll, which she says would otherwise leave her in tears.
Championing a Vital National Conversation
Driven by these deeply personal experiences, Ruth Langsford is now lending her voice to a major new campaign launched by the Alzheimer's Society and the Daily Mail. The initiative aims to get people across the UK talking openly about dementia, encouraging early diagnosis and support.
"One in three people will develop dementia, which is the UK’s biggest killer. It doesn’t get the funding it needs," Ruth stated emphatically. "Raising money for research into a cure is key... If just one person reads this and thinks: 'Dad is doing some odd things. Maybe I’ll take him to the GP to get him checked', I’ve done my job."
The presenter's advocacy follows a challenging period in her personal life, having undergone therapy after her separation from broadcaster Eamonn Holmes in 2024. Despite this, she has found the strength to speak out, using platforms like This Morning and Loose Women—where she once broke down in tears on air—to raise awareness.
While Joan often forgets when she last saw her daughter, Ruth finds comfort in the moments they still share, noting her mother continues to enjoy family visits both at the care home and relatives' houses. For Ruth, the mission is clear: to turn personal grief into public action against a disease that touches millions.
