Following her revelation that her mother, veteran actress Caridad Sanchez, has dementia, Cathy Babao described their current situation as "a long goodbye."
In an interview with ABS-CBN News, she explained, “She remains physically strong. There are good and bad days pero paulit-ulit siya. It’s a long goodbye. Overtime, you slowly lose the person. You just prepare for it. ”
According to the World Health Organization, dementia is "a syndrome in which there is deterioration in memory, thinking, behaviour and the ability to perform everyday activities."
Caridad remarked that it is essential that we overcome the stigma over dementia.
“Why keep it a secret? Hindi naman nakakahiya if we can help others with their journey. I know there are other families going through it but who don’t speak about it," she stated.
Cathy added that acceptance of the health condition leads to being equipped with the means to properly care for those who have it.
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"Kaya nga dapat may early detection, awareness and acceptance, so we can arm ourselves with the right information and access to right medicines and care. I believe my mom will be happy too knowing she was somehow able to help,” she stated.
WATCH ON TV PATROL: Beteranang aktres na si Caridad Sanchez mayroong dementia ayon sa kanyang anak