THE devastated wife of a man missing from his Swanage home for more than a week has spoken out about the medical condition he is struggling to cope with.

Gerald Turner has Lewy Body, a terrible condition with symptoms of both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.

The little-known disorder was highlighted four years ago after actor Robin Williams, who also suffered from Lewy Body, took his own life.

Now Jane Turner has spoken of her fears that her 67-year-old husband is dead.

She told the Daily Echo: “Not only does Gerald have Lewy Body but he also had Type 1 diabetes and had no insulin with him. The chances of finding him alive are very, very slim.”

Mrs Turner said the condition means her husband suffers hallucinations and visual disturbances but, unlike many other dementia patients, is acutely aware of his condition and deterioration.

She added: “I just think it’s become too much for him. He’s been suffering from anxiety and depression because of Lewy Body yet there is very little that can be done to help him.

“I want to raise awareness of this terrible illness so that something can be done to help other people - it is a living hell.”

Mr Turner, 67, went missing at around 3am on Sunday March 4 from his home in Church Hill.

Police, joined by representatives from HM Coastguard, DorSAR (Dorset Search and Rescue), Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue and Wessex 4x4 have carried out searches across the area.

Locations searched include Townsend Nature Reserve, Holborn Park and area from Anvil Point to Dancing Ledge.

On Wednesday March 7 police released CCTV footage showing a man walking across High Street in Swanage towards Priests Road at 6.30am. It is believed the man is Gerald.

Local police searches are still being carried out and Mrs Turner urged members of the public to continue to keep an eye open for her husband.

Anyone with information or knowledge as to Mr Turner’s whereabouts is asked to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.