A RETIRED banker has died from a type of dementia which causes sufferers to swallow food and household items without chewing them.

Martin Heppell, 66, was found dead in the kitchen of his home in Shelford Road, Gedling, on December 12, with his mouth full of apple and bread.

He had battled with Pick's disease for the past six years.

His wife Hillary, 65, has called for more to be done to raise awareness of the condition following an inquest into her husband's death.

She said: "It is a difficult disease to live with, and not that many people are aware of the condition. I do think more should be done to raise awareness of the illness.

"As Martin's carer I ended up doing things I never thought possible, he was a lovely man, but his condition gradually worsened. At times it was horrendous."

A post-mortem examination found undigested pieces of food which had not been chewed in Mr Heppell's stomach and a doctor confirmed he died as a result of asphyxia after choking on bread and apple.

Mr Heppell enjoyed drawing, and his wife said he would often try to eat crayons or pencils, although his urge to put things into his mouth was sporadic and he could be calm for hours at a time.

After Mr Heppell was diagnosed with the disease at the age of 60, the couple found there was no medication because not much research had been carried out into the causes and cures.

"It is similar to Alzheimer's disease, but there was no medication for Martin to take, and at times not that much support," said Mrs Heppell. She did, however, praise the Radford Care Group, who provided help and social evenings for both her and her husband.

"The group provided a very welcomed break from the 24-hour care," she said.

Mrs Heppell said her message to other carers who are living with the disease was to "not lose hope" and to "take whatever help there is available".

Notts coroner Dr Nigel Chapman recorded a verdict of accidental death.

Speaking to Mrs Heppell during the inquest, he said: "You did all you could and looked after him very well for a number of years.

"Mr Heppell was suffering from a condition which is a form of dementia, which causes patients to want to put things in their mouths, this played a part in his death.

"I am very sorry for your loss."

Pick's disease was named after Arnold Pick, a professor in psychiatry at the University of Prague, after he discovered the disease in 1892 by examining the brain tissue of patients.

Carers or patients suffering with the illness – which attacks the frontal lobes of the brain – are encouraged to contact the Pick's Disease Support Group for advice and support, by visiting www.pdsg.org.uk