Naughty Boy reflects on how dementia can ‘shake’ families

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Naughty Boy has told of the heartbreaking effect dementia can have on a family, following his mum’s heartbreaking diagnosis three years ago. In an exclusive interview with Express.co.uk, the I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! star, 41, opened up on his mum’s life-changing dementia diagnosis.

I wouldn’t wish what I have experienced on anyone

Naughty Boy

The DJ and music producer spoke candidly about caring for his mum, Zahida, since the life-changing diagnosis.

The star said: “I’m proud to have been a part of Dementia UK’s ‘I live with dementia’ campaign which shows that dementia doesn’t just impact the person with the diagnosis – but everyone around them too.

“I’ve witnessed first-hand how a diagnosis can shake the whole family and I’m working with Dementia UK to help raise awareness of the need for more support for families with dementia.”

He went on: “I wouldn’t wish what I have experienced on anyone.”

The DJ and music producer spoke candidly about caring for his mum, Zahida, since the life-changing diagnosis.

Naughty Boy, real name Shahid Khan, also told how their dynamic has changed since her diagnosis.

Shahid said: “Having moved in with my mum to care for her, following her diagnosis of vascular dementia, we have become closer than ever – not just physically, but mentally and emotionally.

“Our relationship truly has changed for the better.”

He went on: “She often shares stories of her past, particularly about her younger years and I get to learn new aspects of her life that I never knew before.

She recently told me that she used to write poetry in college; she recited one of her poems in Urdu to me – it was really beautiful,” the star said.

The DJ also candidly spoke about the impact his mum’s dementia diagnosis has had on his life.

Shahid admitted it is a “huge responsibility”, but hailed his family and close friends for their support.

He said: “Caring for my mum has been the biggest adjustment in my life.

“Having this huge responsibility of looking after this person and ensuring they’re safe and well can be overwhelming at times.

“I wouldn’t be able to cope without our live-in carer, as well as the supportive friends and family I have around me,” he admitted.

Recently, Shahid revealed that his mum has gone through 3 live-in carers who had been employed to support her following her dementia diagnosis.

Talking to Dermot O’Leary and Alison Hammond on This Morning, the star spoke honestly about caring for his mum.

He said: ‘It’s easy to start thinking like a victim but it’s when I started talking that everyone changed.

“I’m not alone in this. We have a live-in carer for my mum, for the past three years and before I was Googling dementia, initially we went through 13.

“But everyone needs to have that respite because, during Covid I was working from home as well,” he explained.

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