Neighbours star reveals heartbreak over dementia diagnosis

Neighbours star Takaya Honda has opened up about the heartbreak and guilt of coping with his mother Rhonda’s battle with dementia.

Neighbours star Takaya Honda.

Neighbours star Takaya Honda has opened up about the heartbreak and guilt of coping with his mother Rhonda’s courageous battle with dementia.

“There really is no sugar coating it. It is a heaviness that I carry with me at all times and even saying that makes me feel guilty because I am aligning my mum with a negative, but ultimately it is the truth of it.” Takaya, who plays David Tanaka on the popular Channel 10 soap, said.

“Even happy occasions can become sad because you become aware that this is a moment she dreamed of, but can’t experience it in the way that she dreamed of.”

Rhonda was diagnosed with younger onset Alzheimer’s, 11 years ago, aged 52. She is now mostly non-verbal and in full time care in Queensland.

Takaya Honda and his mum Rhonda. Pic: Supplied.

Takaya said his mother’s battle had impacted his life dramatically.

“I cared for mum for a few years and had to do things for her that I never imagined having to help my mum with,” he said. “It impacts me daily when my friends and colleagues talk of their mums and I feel a pang go through my body, but I can’t outwardly show it because I don’t want them to feel bad for sharing with me a lovely story about their mum. It impacts me because it is something I can do nothing about, but I have to live with it.”

Takaya, an ambassador for Dementia Australia, is taking part in the Memory Walk and Jog, a fundraising and awareness event, at Alexandra Gardens on Sunday.

People can register on the day from 7am or sign up or donate online at www.memorywalk.com.au