Home and Away star reveals why she doesn’t want to be tested for the devastating genetic condition that claimed her mother: ‘There is no cure’

By MARTA JARY FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA

Published: 15:47 BST, 20 May 2025 | Updated: 15:50 BST, 20 May 2025

Jessica Redmayne has revealed that she would rather not know if she will end up having dementia like her mum. 

The Home and Away star, 32, saw her mother’s long battle with the illness, and does not want to find out if the same fate awaits her even though testing is available. 

‘It is a scary thing to think about,’ she told the Daily Telegraph on Tuesday. 

‘Because there is no cure, there would be no point in me knowing’ the former Hi-5 singer continued. 

You would hate to know that you had an expiry date if you were told that you were going to get sick in 10 years and that is it.

‘I would just rather live not knowing and continue to live my life, because it would be a bit terrifying.’

Jessica Redmayne (pictured) has revealed that she would rather not know if she will end up having dementia like her mum

Jessica’s mother Tina, who died in 2023, was left her unable to recognise her daughter during her own battle. 

The actress previously revealed her family has been struggling ever since her mum was diagnosed with early onset dementia in 2014.

‘Dad said to me, everyone has their s**t, and this is ours. It changed my perspective on the world,’ she told The Daily Telegraph.

‘To know they’re going to inevitably forget who you are, and have no concept of me being her daughter is incredibly challenging.’

She then described the heartbreak she felt when her mother no longer recognised her as her daughter. 

‘She got to a point where she still knew my name, but didn’t realise I was her child. She thought I was her best friend, she couldn’t grasp she had kids’ she said. 

Dementia is a neurological condition where a person’s brain slowly loses its ability to remember, think clearly, and do everyday tasks, leading to confusion and difficulty recognising loved ones.

Jessica rose to fame in 2016 as a member of the popular children’s group Hi-5, but left them the following year.

The Home and Away star, 32, saw her mother’s long battle with the illness, and does not want to find out if the same fate awaits her even though testing is available. Pictured with mum Tina

The actress previously revealed her family has been struggling ever since her mum was diagnosed with early onset dementia in 2014

She has since appeared on several popular Australian TV shows, including Wentworth, Fisk and Neighbours.

The Melbourne native was also as Harper Matheson on Home and Away. 

Jessica is taking part in the Memory Walk & Jog event which raises awareness and funds for dementia sufferers. 

Previously Dementia Australia appointed Redmayne their ambassador. 

She hoped by sharing her story she will help others who are experiencing a similar situation. 

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Home and Away star reveals why she doesn’t want to be tested for the devastating genetic condition that claimed her mother: ‘There is no cure’

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