One of the nation's longest-serving newsreaders has admitted they can no longer tie their shoelaces because of dementia.
Legendary TV presenter Alastair Stewart, 72, has revealed he struggles with simple tasks such as tying his shoelaces and getting dressed. The veteran broadcaster, who presented on ITV News for 35 years, now has to rely on wife Sally for help with daily tasks as he can longer do them himself.
He explained: "I've covered the Gulf War and run the very first television Leaders' debate, but now I can't tie my own shoelaces or choose my own shirt." He added: "After I was diagnosed, the psychologist told me, ‘When you go to bed at night, try to think back on your day and find three things that have made you happy.’
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"And for me, they always involve being with my grandchildren. They are like my medicine."
Previously speaking about his symptoms, Alastair said: "I wasn't becoming forgetful, but things like doing up your shoelaces properly, making sure the tie was straight, and remembering the call time for your programme."
Alastair said he's also found it difficult to write emails and regularly makes spelling and punctuation errors. He's also struggled with tying his tie and telling the time on an analogue clock.
The presenter retired from TV last year after decades on our screens, having worked with ITV News for 35 years, Channel 4 for three, and GB News. He then announced he had been diagnosed with vascular dementia - an illness caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, which damages and eventually kills brain cells.
Now his wife helps to care for him at their Hampshire home, and she has to drive him around since he can no longer get behind the wheel. Speaking of Sally's caring nature, Alastair told the Telegraph: "It is demeaning and soul destroying, and she comes to it from a position of enormous calibre and talent.
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"She is a beautiful, intelligent woman. I hate reducing her role in life to being my carer." The devastating diagnosis came after scans revealed that he had had a series of "minor strokes that are called infarct strokes".
At the time, speaking to The Telegraph, Alastair told The Telegraph: "There's no point feeling self-indulgent about it. I won't condemn myself to an awful life in the short term." He is now a spokesperson for Alzheimer's Research UK to help boost the profile of the charity and push for a cure for Alzheimer's and vascular dementia.
He also urged people to seek medical help if they feel the early signs. He said: "Don't ignore it. Go to your GP. And if you've got it, don't be 'Johnny-b****cks-brave' about it. Go and talk to somebody."
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