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Featured Image Credit: Alzheimers Society
Topics: BBC, Documentaries, Health, TV And Film, Tyla Recommends
Rhiannon Ingle
Topics: BBC, Documentaries, Health, TV And Film, Tyla Recommends
Warning: This article contains discussion of Alzheimer's Disease and dementia which some readers may find distressing.
It's now Dementia Action Week and the BBC has just released an 'incredibly moving' documentary about the heartbreaking disease that affects nearly one million Brits, according to the Alzheimer's Society.
There are said to be 34.5 million people who know someone currently living with dementia across the UK, and one in three of those born in the UK will go on to develop dementia in their lifetime.
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So, to help shine some light on Alzheimer's, BBC Two has put together a doc all about the story of Carol Jennings, who went on to change the lives of millions all from a single letter.
The Jennings are the first family in the world to be diagnosed with hereditary, early onset Alzheimer’s, a discovery which many think will be the key to finally unlocking a cure.
When a mutant gene causing Alzheimer’s was discovered in the Jennings family, it went on to lead scientists on a journey to develop a cure and left family members with a 'terrible dilemma'.
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However, that discovery also revealed a 'devastating truth' for the family: the hereditary gene is being passed through each generation.
In case you hadn't already guessed, the doc is The Jennings v Alzheimer’s and viewers are beyond moved by it.
Check out the official trailer here:
Fans of the programme have since rushed in to share their praise for the programme with one X, formerly Twitter, user writing: "Incredibly moving and fascinating documentary on @BBCTwo about genetic Alzheimer’s Disease, The Jennings vs Alzheimer’s.
"Carol Jennings was an amazing lady who did so much for the diagnosis and treatment of the disease."
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A second gushed: "An extraordinary story of a courageous woman and family. We wouldn’t be on the cusp of breakthroughs in Alzheimer’s Disease without them. Wonderful that we get to pay tribute tonight."
"Truly amazing how one person made such a difference," penned a third while a fourth admitted: "It was really hard to watch it all the way through. But I could tell something brave and important was happening."
A fifth commended: "What a wonderful legacy for Carol and her father - lives that have made a real difference #DementiaActionWeek."
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"Mum and I watched this, truly moving," wrote another, while a final Twitter user added: "This is an extraordinary and moving story. We owe so much to Carol and her whole family."
If you've been affected by dementia or Alzheimer's and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact the Alzheimer’s Society via 0333 150 3456 or visit their website for more information.