Tim learns to live with Alzheimer's (From Salisbury Journal)

Tim learns to live with Alzheimer's

8:44am Monday 9th July 2007 in News By Jill Harding

AFTER a successful career in television, theatre and radio, when actor Tim Meats began forgetting his lines, he knew it was something more than stage fright.

But he had no idea he was one of an increasing number of people whose life would change forever because of Alzheimer's Disease.

Now, in Alzheimer's Awareness Week, the former Archers actor has chosen to share his experiences to give hope and support to other sufferers and their families while highlighting the work of the Alzheimer's Society.

"It started in September 2005 when I was playing the part of a judge in To Kill a Mockingbird at Salisbury Playhouse," he said.

"We'd had a rehearsal in the morning but when it came to running through it again in the afternoon, I couldn't remember my lines.

"I couldn't understand what was going on and started to fall to pieces - somehow I got through with the script on the desk in front of me but, obviously for an actor, learning lines is crucial."

During his long career, Tim, 60, from Salisbury, had worked at theatres all over the country.

He spent four years playing the part of Robin Stokes the vicar of Ambridge in The Archers and appeared in numerous television programmes including Specials, The Sweeney, Peak Practice, Lovejoy and Silent Witness.

But when his memory lapses caused work to dry up, he began suffering from depression and panic attacks.

"I was terribly defensive because I was so frightened," he added.

"I was so fearful I couldn't talk about it and it put a strain on my relationships."

As his memory deteriorated, Tim was forced to seek help.

"There was a time I was wandering round Salisbury Playhouse trying to find a glass of water and I couldn't remember where to go," he revealed.

"I'm in that building almost every day, and to get lost somewhere so familiar was terrifying."

Tim and his wife, Henrietta, embarked on a series consultations with doctors at Salisbury and Southampton hospitals.

Tim underwent numerous scans and tests and, eventually, the couple were given the devastating diagnosis of Alzheimer's.

"The doctors told us what it was and that they wanted to see Tim again in a few months and it felt like we stepped out of the hospital into a black hole," admitted Henrietta, who is costume supervisor at the Playhouse.

"We didn't know where to go or what we were supposed to do. One of the problems was that when we told people about Tim losing his memory, they would say we all do that sometimes, I'm always forgetting things' and you start to hope.

"But, suddenly, we had to face the fact it was Alzheimer's and be realistic about the future."

Tim began taking the drug Aricept which is currently the subject of a judicial review in the High Court.

Patients and their families are hoping to overturn a recommendation from the National Institute of Clinical Excellence that it should only be provided by the NHS once dementia is moderate or severe. He also started going to a support group run by Dr Marie Mills and Elizabeth Bartlett of the Salisbury branch of the Alzheimer's Society, where he can share his experiences with other people with dementia.

"They have been truly wonderful," said Henrietta.

"While the diagnosis was a shock, we now know it's not the end.

"We do think about the future sometimes but Tim can still do so much it's important to enjoy these times and live in the present."

The Alzheimer's Society says the number of cases of the disease is on the increase, with more people in their fifties and sixties being affected.

The charity's role is to provide information, support and practical help, and they are also campaigning for the drugs which can delay the onset of the condition.

"I'm sure the Aricept is making a difference," insisted Tim.

"I walk the dog and volunteer for Oxfam, and sometimes I don't think about it at all.

"I try to be as independent as possible and now I'm not scared when I'm out on my own.

"My wife has been a wonderful support to me - I couldn't have done this without her.

"It's always there in the background but I'm determined it's going to stay behind me and not take over my life."

London Welsh Male Voice Choir held a concert in aid of the Alzheimer's Society at Salisbury Cathedral on Saturday, July 7.