Renowned actor Sean Connery, best known for his role as James Bond, passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 90 in October 2020.
His wife, Micheline Roquebrune, revealed that he had been suffering from dementia, which may have made him more susceptible to infections.
The death certificate, obtained by TMZ, stated that Connery's cause of death was respiratory failure due to pneumonia, old age, and an irregular heartbeat or atrial fibrillation.
Following his death, those close to Connery shared additional details about his health.
Roquebrune disclosed to the Mail on Sunday that her husband had been battling dementia, which had taken a toll on him.
She expressed that his final wish was to pass away peacefully without any fuss.
It is believed that severe dementia can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of infections such as pneumonia.
Sir Jackie Stewart, a friend of Connery, also opened up about the actor's health struggles in his final years.
Stewart revealed that Connery had experienced significant discomfort during this period.
Speaking on Good Morning Britain, he emphasized the devastating impact of dementia on individuals, highlighting the challenges it poses and the suffering it causes.
Dementia is a debilitating illness that can result in mood changes, confusion about time and place, and a decline in physical abilities.
According to the Alzheimer's Association, individuals in the severe, late-stage of dementia require constant assistance with daily personal care.
They may experience difficulties with walking, sitting, swallowing, and communicating effectively.
There are various causes of dementia, with Alzheimer's disease being the most common.
This disease is characterized by the accumulation of plaque, composed of a protein called beta-amyloid, in the brain.
The presence of this plaque leads to the deterioration of brain function and cognitive abilities.
Sean Connery's battle with dementia sheds light on the challenges faced by those suffering from this devastating condition.
His passing serves as a reminder of the importance of raising awareness, providing support, and investing in research to better understand and combat dementia.
