Former newsreader Alastair Stewart has revealed he has been recognized with dementia, after struggling a collection of strokes.
The 71-year-old journalist, who has appeared on TV screens for almost 5 many years, mentioned he started to really feel “discombobulated” round “six to nine months ago,” and so went to see his physician.
Stewart mentioned: “I wasn’t becoming forgetful but things like doing your shoelaces properly… making sure your tie was straight, remembering that the call time for your programme is four o’clock and not five o’clock, not turning up early or late, and stuff like that.”
He additionally mentioned his “very short-term memory is tricky” and “motor skills [are] very tricky”.
Stewart informed GB News that scans revealed he had had a collection of minor strokes which led to a analysis of vascular dementia.
Dementia is brought on by diminished blood circulate to the mind and has signs together with slowness of thought and issues with focus.
One in 11 folks within the UK aged over 65 have dementia, in line with the NHS.
The veteran broadcaster mentioned he has stopped smoking, is taking lengthy walks along with his canines and finishing phrase puzzles all in a bid to enhance his bodily and psychological well being.
Stewart mentioned the factor he had discovered “most difficult to deal with” was the influence on his spouse of 43 years, Sally, saying she had been diminished “almost to a carer”.
He mentioned she had to ensure he was prepared earlier than showing for the interview and that his “tie was done properly”.
Alzheimer’s Research UK government director Samantha Benham-Hermetz mentioned: “Our thoughts are with Alastair Stewart and his family, following the news he has vascular dementia. We applaud Alastair’s brave decision to share his diagnosis publicly and raise awareness, while also urging others to seek help if they have their own concerns about dementia.
“By talking so overtly and truthfully about his expertise, we hope this can put an extra highlight on the determined want to seek out new remedies for all types of dementia.”
Despite being the second most typical type of dementia, behind Alzheimer’s illness, there are at the moment no remedies for the syndrome, which impacts round 180,000 within the UK.
Stewart, who spent greater than 35 years with ITN, joined GB News in 2020, however introduced his retirement in March.
Stewart and his spouse have 4 kids collectively and reside in Hampshire.
Source: information.sky.com”