Renowned Nigerian actress, Joke Silva, has candidly shared the challenges she and her husband, veteran actor Olu Jacobs, have faced due to his ongoing struggle with dementia.
In 2021, Joke Silva first opened up about her husband’s battle with Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), which has persisted for a couple of years. This particular form of dementia leads to a gradual deterioration in cognitive abilities, reasoning, and independent functioning, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.
During a recent interview with media personality and actress, Nancy Isime, Joke Silva delved deeper into how the illness has impacted their marriage.
“It hasn’t been easy, ” she said. “It’s almost as if the person you married 80 percent of the time is no longer there”.
She continued, “But the thing is this when he was there, he was an amazing man; my husband is an incredible father to his children and an amazing husband, he was practically my best friend. I could share anything with him.”
Joke Silva fondly described her husband as an exceptional father and an extraordinary husband, always fulfilling his responsibilities without fail. She emphasized that Olu Jacobs has been her closest companion and the pillar of their marriage. However, in light of his current ailment, she sees herself taking on the role of a caretaker for her beloved husband, akin to caring for a father.
“So in this journey now, it’s like I am looking after my father, that’s the way it is because the husband I knew is no longer there, but this man that is here is somebody that I still love but love in a different way,” she added.
Regrettably, there are currently no treatments available that can effectively halt or slow down the brain cell damage associated with dementia with Lewy bodies. This harsh reality adds another layer of complexity to the struggle faced by the veteran actors.
Despite the absence of a medical solution, Joke Silva expressed her unwavering support and love for her husband. She acknowledged that their relationship has evolved, with the once vibrant and affectionate love they shared taking a different form. Nevertheless, she remains steadfast in her commitment to stand by him and provide the care and compassion he needs during this challenging chapter of their lives.