Lady Barbara Windsor has a hard time remembering the names of her friends & # 39;

Lady Barbara Windsor is now struggling to remember the names of her friends as her battle with Alzheimer's continues, said a friend of the actress.

The actress, aged 81, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2014, but her husband, Scott Mitchell, decided to reveal the diagnosis to the public five months ago.

Eastenders co-star Kellie Shirley told the Sunday Express that her old friend can no longer remember his name.

She said, "A big part of the acting profession is to remember certain things. Your memories are a big part of who you are. That's why I feel for Barbara. She remembers so much about the past, as clear as the day, but she will not remember my name.

"We still have fun moments. It's not dark all the time, but it's hardcore. It's a cruel illness that robs you of memory.

"Every time I'm in town for an audition, I'll meet Barbara and Scott for a cup of tea. I've always done that. I'm training with Scott so we meet on a Friday, run together and catch up. I find the race so boring that chatting makes the time go faster. & # 39;

The 37-year-old actress admitted that she found the "resilience" of her former "inspiring" mentor in the fight against dementia.

A representative from Barbara was contacted for a comment.

Kellie, Scott and a handful of former co-stars of the Eastenders legend will participate in the London Marathon this year in order to raise £ 100,000 for research on Alzheimer's disease.

Her husband, 19, revealed in January that Queen Vic's beloved owner now needed "daily care".

Scott, 55, told the Sun that the star of Carry One can not be left alone and that she needs the help of caregivers.

It has been reported that the acting legend thinks she's in Stoke Newington, where she was raised, rather than at home with Scott and that this can make her very emotional.

"I felt very guilty about leaving her, so I could get stuck in the house for two or three days. When I had my first caregivers, I still felt a sense of guilt, "Scott said.

"But I also realized that it is very important for me to take some rest, otherwise you will not be able to stay strong. You must stay strong for the other person.

He also revealed that watching television helped Barbara, as well as listening to a radio station designed for people with dementia.

"It's very easy and you can create playlists. Barbara's career and her songs are very diverse. She really likes it, she connects with that, "he added.

The recruitment consultant said that his wife often apologized for the Alzheimer's disease.

Barbara apologized to her husband every night with these haunted words: "I'm sorry for that."

Scott said to the mirror, "She thanks me for taking care of her. I tell him: "You do not have to thank me". Barbara can not be left alone anymore. It's reality. She must have constant care.

"She can not take care of herself, but we sit, eat, watch TV and have normal conversations."