Dementia is a thief, slowly taking memories, personality, and independence. But for Julie Goodyear, the legendary soap star, one thing remains constant—the love of her husband, Scott Brand.
Their journey began with a diagnosis in 2023. Brand recalls the pain of hearing there was no cure, only decline. Julie, once sharp and full of life, now forgets names, wears the same clothes for days, and relies on a wheelchair. The woman who adored glamour no longer touches her makeup.
Brand, decades younger, quit his job to care for her. The emotional weight is heavy. “Watching her fade is unbearable,” he admits. Simple outings, once joyful, now risk confusion if strangers approach. Nights out with friends? Impossible. Even a drink is off-limits—he must stay alert in case she needs him.
At first, pride made him refuse help. But as Julie’s condition worsened, he crumbled under the pressure. The Alzheimer’s Society became his anchor, offering practical advice and emotional support. “Without them, I’d be lost,” he says.
A recent photo of Julie sparked debate. Some fans were shocked by her aged appearance; others found beauty in her smile. Brand ignores the critics. To him, she’s still the woman he married in 2007—the one who made him laugh, even if she “exhausted” him with her energy.
Their love story defies convention. After three failed marriages, Julie found happiness with Brand, a man who adored her fiery spirit. Now, as dementia rewrites their story, his commitment never wavers. “I’ll never leave her side,” he vows.
