Emmerdale star Danny Miller has opened up about his dad’s ongoing battle with dementia. According to the NHS, dementia is a syndrome (a group of related symptoms) associated with an ongoing decline of brain functioning. There are many different causes of dementia, and many different types.
Danny shared an emotional video to Instagram, reminding followers about the importance of valuing time with family. He said: “If you are lucky enough to still have a relationship with your parents, you still have them around whether they are together or separated just cherish that moment whenever you talk to them. One day that might not happen. I will tell you now, from my experience it will hurt.
“My dad has dementia for those people that don’t know, and I have just had to pull over after visiting him just to calm down and reevaluate everything. If I can show a side of my vulnerability and my experience with dementia then maybe someone else will want to speak out about it or another illness that has taken your mum or dad away from you.”
The ITV star spoke about the difficulties of having a parent with dementia, he said: “I just had a visit with him and it was quite a poor visit. My friend spoke about her mum and she said it is almost like a selfish need to go and see them and tick a box that you have seen them. It is really hard.”
Danny also reflected on his memories of his dad before the dementia diagnosis, he shared: “I would do anything in the world to let him rant at me and not feel fed up that he was ringing me or not look at him and go ‘oh here we go, I will call him back later’, dementia is so cruel. If anyone else can resonate with this video or relate to this video then I am really sorry you are going through the same situation.”
The 35-year-old actor has captured the hearts of audiences since he first appeared on Emmerdale in 2008. His character, Aaron Dingle, has been at the centre of several gripping storylines. It’s been a whirlwind year in Emmerdale with Aaron’s ex Robert making a dramatic return to the village.
In this year’s TV Choice Awards, Danny won the award for best soap performance for his portrayal of Aaron Dingle. He has been praised for several powerful storylines over the years, including his portrayal of Aaron’s journey with his sexuality.
After Danny’s latest family update, fans and co-stars have been sending supportive messages. Charley Webb, whose mum is currently battling dementia, said: “Proud of you” alongside a red heart emoji.
Coronation Street and Emmerdale star Paula Lane, said: “It really hurts…thank you for sharing” and Alzheimer’s Research UK posted: “Thanks so much for sharing this Danny, sending you and your dad all our love. We promise our work won’t stop until everyone is free from the heartbreak of dementia.”
A fan posted: “I’m in the same place with dad right now. He’s just been moved to end of life care. It’s my 50th this weekend and I’m meant to be going away and I’m absolutely crucified with guilt and fear. Those visits though, the one where you get that brief glimpse of “him” are absolute treasure.”
Research shows there are more than 944,000 people in the UK who have dementia. 1 in 11 people over the age of 65 have dementia in the UK.
The number of people with dementia is increasing because people are living longer. It is estimated that by 2030, the number of people with dementia in the UK will be more than 1 million.