Sarah Rafferty Says It’s ‘Hard to Watch’ Her Family ‘Struggle’ with Alzheimer’s Disease: ‘A Long Goodbye’ (Exclusive)

**Sarah Rafferty Speaks Out on Alzheimer’s Disease Amid Family Struggles**

Actress Sarah Rafferty has opened up about the profound impact that Alzheimer’s disease has had on her family, sharing her experiences with the hope of encouraging conversations around brain health. In a recent interview with PEOPLE, the 53-year-old star of *My Life with the Walter Boys* discussed the Alzheimer’s diagnoses faced by both her father and grandmother, revealing the emotional toll it has taken on her family.

Alzheimer’s disease ranks as the most prevalent form of dementia, stemming from complex changes in the brain that lead to cell damage. The condition progressively deteriorates a person’s memory, thinking abilities, and behaviour, severely hindering everyday tasks. Rafferty described witnessing her loved ones grapple with the disease as a profound and frightening experience. “It was really hard to watch my beloved grandmother and my father struggle through this,” she remarked. “It’s scary.”

Rafferty recounted how her father became her grandmother’s primary caregiver following her diagnosis, illustrating the heavy burden placed on family members. Tragically, shortly after her grandmother’s passing, her father was himself diagnosed with the disease. This heartbreaking sequence of events has been central to her advocacy for Alzheimer’s awareness.

She recalled a specific incident that highlighted her father’s condition. “I remember a particular moment when we were driving home from a familiar place in our neighbourhood,” she shared. “He was following my husband and me in the car, but then lost his way. We didn’t know where he was for a while, which was quite alarming for us.” Such episodes not only underscored the severity of her father’s diagnosis but also the urgent need for open discussions around cognitive decline.

Reflecting on societal attitudes, Rafferty noted the stigma that has historically surrounded discussions of memory problems. “Back then, there was so much stigma around talking about memory and thinking issues and Alzheimer’s disease,” she stated. “That stigma persisted throughout my father’s experience.” At 90 years old, her father continues to battle the disease, leading Rafferty to describe their journey together as “a very long goodbye.”

Despite the challenges, Rafferty believes in the critical importance of recognising the early signs of Alzheimer’s. Initially, she admitted, it was easy to dismiss her father and grandmother’s memory issues as simple signs of ageing. However, her perspective shifted as she witnessed the progression of their conditions.

To raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease, Rafferty has partnered with Eli Lilly and Company to focus on early symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease (ESAD). Together, they aim to encourage families to discuss symptoms with healthcare providers sooner rather than later. “There are now more treatment options like Kisunla available to people, especially those in the early stages of Alzheimer’s,” she explained. “If they act early, it can really make a significant difference.” She emphasised that early intervention was not a luxury her family had during their struggles.

Rafferty’s advocacy also touches on the necessity of normalising discussions about brain health with medical professionals. “We really need to normalise having a conversation with doctors because the sooner you act, the more options you have,” she stressed. By encouraging these dialogues, she hopes to shine a light on the importance of timely intervention in the face of Alzheimer’s disease.

On a personal note, Rafferty is taking proactive steps regarding her own brain health in light of her family’s journey. “I have spent a lot of time thinking about brain health and adopting habits to take care of my brain,” she shared. This includes maintaining a balanced diet, managing stress, exercising regularly, and ensuring adequate sleep. She also engages friends in these discussions, acknowledging that sometimes difficult conversations are necessary for overall well-being.

Through her personal experiences and newfound advocacy work, Sarah Rafferty seeks to inspire others to confront the realities of Alzheimer’s disease. By sharing her family’s journey, she hopes to empower individuals and families to take action, mitigate risks, and embrace conversations that could lead to better outcomes for those who may be affected.