Jack Nicholson health: Actor living out his ‘sad last days’ amid dementia fears

Jack Nicholson stars in the 1980 classic horror The Shining

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As the most nominated male actor in Academy Award history, the star has and will go down in history as one of Hollywood’s greats. But now at the age of 84, the star seems to have disappeared from public life, with reports that his health is far from ideal. In fact, a source close to the actor reportedly told Radar that the star is living out his “sad last days” at his Los Angeles mansion.

Despite no official confirmation from the star, or his spokespeople, Radar was told by a close friend that Jack “doesn’t leave his house anymore”, with his son and daughter taking over caring responsibilities.

The inside source continued to say: “The Mulholland Drive community is pretty close-knit, and they are all worried about him.

“Physically he is fine — but his mind is gone. It’s really sad to see such a super talented actor, like Jack, go out this way.”

Closer Weekly also received a comment from a friend of the star after he made a rare comment following the sad death of basketball player Kobe Bryant.

After news of the tragic helicopter crash that killed Kobe and eight others Jack released a statement that read: “I was used to seeing and talking to Kobe… It kills you.

“We’ll think of him all the time, and we’ll miss him.”

Following this, a source said that the star is “making up for lost time” with his family and children, after living his life to the fullest.

Although fans are left wondering what exactly is going on with the star, considering the last film he appeared in was back in 2010, it can be safe to assume he is firmly retired from the entertainment industry that brought him so much success.

As we age, memory loss and forgetfulness becomes more common. Bupa explains that normal age-related memory loss does not tend to cause people too much bother, as long as they are given enough time to learn and remember things.

However, in some cases memory loss is the first symptom of a more serious condition such as dementia.

The Mayo Clinic explains that dementia is used to describe the group of symptoms that affect not only memory, but thinking and social abilities. These symptoms are so severe that they interfere with an individual’s daily life.

There are multiple different types of dementia, the most common being Alzheimer’s disease.

The NHS explains that the symptoms of dementia include the following:

  • Difficulty communicating or finding words
  • Difficulty with visual and spatial abilities, such as getting lost while driving
  • Difficulty reasoning or problem-solving
  • Difficulty handling complex tasks
  • Difficulty with planning and organising
  • Difficulty with coordination and motor functions
  • Confusion and disorientation.

Sadly for individuals with dementia, symptoms can also lead to psychological changes including depression, anxiety, paranoia and hallucinations.

Currently, there are around 900,000 people in the UK with dementia. And as the Alzheimer’s Society explains this is projected to rise to 1.6 million by 2040.

Despite the list of lengthy symptoms, early diagnosis of the condition means that its progress can be slowed down, meaning the person may be able to maintain their mental function for longer.

Delaying the onset of dementia by five years would halve the number of deaths from the condition, meaning that 30,000 lives a year could be saved.

The NHS explains that it is pivotal to look after your general health, especially after a dementia diagnosis.

Things such as getting enough sleep every night, eating a healthy balanced diet, exercising regularly and talking to a GP if you experience any symptoms are all ways in which you can protect your mental and physical health, even after a dementia diagnosis.

The NHS provides these tips for those trying to cope with dementia:

  1. Have a regular routine
  2. Put a weekly timetable on the kitchen wall or fridge, and try to schedule activities for when you feel better (for example, in the mornings)
  3. Put your keys in an obvious place, such as a large bowl in the hall
  4. Keep a list of helpful numbers (including who to contact in an emergency) by the phone
  5. Put regular bills on direct debits so you don’t forget to pay them
  6. Use a pill organiser box (dosette box) to help you remember which medicines to take when (your pharmacist can help you get one)
  7. Make sure your home is dementia-friendly and safe.

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