Renowned Nollywood actress, Joke Silva, has shed light on her husband’s struggle with dementia.
News About Nigeria confirms that Silva, who has been married to the legendary actor Olu Jacobs for over three decades, revealed the challenges she faces in dealing with his fading health.
During a conversation with media personality Nancy Isime, Silva shared that her husband is often not fully present due to dementia, with moments where the person she married is absent for about 80% of the time.
Silva disclosed, “Olu Jacobs currently battles with dementia. We have been married for 37 years, but we have known each other for 42 years. We were dating for about 4 or 5 years before we got married.”
The actress candidly expressed the difficulties she has encountered in supporting her husband’s health.
In the early stages of his condition, they were unaware that dementia had set in, questioning his behavior and wondering what was happening to him.
However, as the deterioration progressed rapidly, Silva found it immensely challenging to witness the changes.
“When it comes to my husband’s health, I have to be very honest, it has not been easy,” Silva shared. “In the early years when it first started, we had not realized that it had started. We were like, ‘why is he behaving like this? What is happening to you?’ But when the deterioration became rapid, you did not want to see me at that time. I always used to cry my eyes out.”
Dementia is a neurological disorder that affects cognitive function, including memory, thinking, and behavior.
It can be emotionally and physically demanding for both the person living with the condition and their loved ones.
