Sometimes, it’s not the obvious moments that signal something is wrong — it’s the small, deeply personal ones.
For Charley Webb, that realisation came when her mum, Helen, forgot something she never would have before.
That single moment made the Emmerdale actress stop and think: this wasn’t normal, and it wasn’t something to brush off.
Appearing on Good Morning Britain, the 37-year-old opened up about her mother’s battle with early-onset dementia and the emotional fight it took just to get a diagnosis.
The Moment That Raised Alarm Bells
Charley explained that Helen was officially diagnosed at 64, but the warning signs had been creeping in long before then.
One particular lapse stood out — something highly personal that Charley chose not to reveal — and it instantly felt different from everyday forgetfulness.
She shared that while others around her tried to reassure her that everything was fine, her instincts told her otherwise.
Even when people suggested she was overreacting, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something serious was happening.
Feeling Dismissed While Pushing for Answers
Getting doctors to take those concerns seriously wasn’t easy.
Charley described how the process dragged on, especially because her mum was considered “young” for dementia.
Instead of clear answers, they were given alternative explanations — including infections — that delayed the real diagnosis.
She admitted it often felt like her GP both listened and didn’t listen at the same time.
Looking back, she strongly urges others in similar situations not to accept vague reassurances or walk away without proper investigations.
A Shared Story That Struck a Chord
Charley’s honesty prompted host Ed Balls to share his own experience, recalling how his mum — normally a confident cook — once tried to serve an uncooked chicken casserole.
That moment, he said, was when he knew something wasn’t right.
The exchange highlighted just how often dementia first reveals itself through unsettling, everyday moments.
Why Early Diagnosis Really Matters
Charley stressed that anyone suspecting dementia in a loved one should push for clarity as soon as possible.
She explained that early-onset dementia is frequently misdiagnosed because symptoms can overlap with other conditions, making persistence essential.
According to Dementia UK, dementia is a progressive brain condition that affects memory, reasoning, communication, mood, and behaviour.
Early-onset dementia typically appears between the ages of 35 and 65 — a fact that often leads to delayed recognition.
Making the Heartbreaking Decision About Care
As her mum’s needs became more complex, Charley faced one of the hardest decisions of her life: moving Helen into a residential care home.
While it came with guilt, she admitted it also brought relief.
Knowing her mum was safe and properly supported allowed Charley to see her in a more stable, healthier environment — even if the emotional weight of that choice never fully disappears.
Speaking Out After Years of Silence
Charley later appeared on The Life of Bryony podcast, where she explained why she eventually chose to speak publicly about her mum’s illness.
Keeping it private had left her feeling incredibly isolated, and she realised that sharing her experience might help others feel less alone.
She admitted the diagnosis was one of the loneliest moments of her life — a feeling she wouldn’t wish on anyone else.
Wanting to Protect Her Mum’s Dignity
Despite opening up now, Charley confessed she struggled deeply with whether to go public at all.
Her mum loved glamour, makeup, and looking polished, and Charley worried she wouldn’t want her illness discussed openly.
Even knowing Helen wouldn’t fully understand the conversation, Charley said she still felt protective, torn between raising awareness and honouring her mum’s privacy.
Grieving Someone Who Is Still Here
One of the most raw moments came when Charley spoke about grief — not after loss, but during it.
She admitted she still hasn’t fully processed what’s happening, explaining that dementia forces families to grieve twice: once while the person is still alive, and again when they’re gone.
That emotional toll has made visiting her mum incredibly difficult.
The Guilt of Honest Feelings
Charley bravely admitted something many carers feel but rarely say out loud: she doesn’t enjoy visiting her mum. Instead of comfort, the visits remind her of everything she’s lost.
She compared herself to her sister, who finds the visits uplifting, and confessed feeling selfish for struggling so much.
Even knowing people might judge her, Charley chose honesty — acknowledging that pretending otherwise would only deepen the pain.
The Question That Never Has a Good Answer
Since Helen’s diagnosis, Charley says the most frustrating question she’s asked is, “How’s your mum?”
While she knows it comes from kindness, she explained there’s no easy response.
Dementia doesn’t improve.
There’s no good update to give.
Every conversation feels like repeating the same explanation on a loop, which can be emotionally exhausting.
Sharing the Pain to Help Others
Charley first spoke publicly about her mum’s condition back in 2023, describing how her family had endured “hell” while grieving the woman Helen used to be.
Appearing on This Morning, she reflected on the emotional devastation of receiving the diagnosis.
Now, by continuing to speak openly, Charley hopes to raise awareness, support Alzheimer’s charities, and let others know that their complicated feelings — guilt, sadness, frustration, and grief — are valid.
What Comes Next
For Charley, the journey isn’t about closure — it’s about survival, honesty, and helping others feel less alone in one of life’s most painful experiences.
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