Much-loved newsreader and TV presenter Alastair Stewart has candidly shared details about his ‘humiliating’ battle with dementia, shedding light on his initial symptoms and the evolving role of his wife, Sal. Alastair, renowned for his extensive broadcasting career, notably with ITV News spanning over four decades, became a household name in British television journalism since joining ITN in 1980. After retiring from ITV News in 2020, he transitioned to GBNews.
In a heart-wrenching interview with The Times, Alastair expressed, “One of the greatest cruelties of dementia is that it reduces the woman you fell in love with, and had a sexual relationship with for so many years, to a carer.” He emphasised that his wife Sal, whom he married in 1978, now not only embodies his lover and life partner but also dictates his daily routines, leading to a sense of humiliation. Alastair recalled the early signs of his health decline when acquaintances started noticing changes in him.
His agent observed grammatical errors and spelling mistakes in his emails, a departure from his usual precision. Colleagues in his production team raised concerns about his dishevelled appearance and incorrect attire hours before his scheduled workday. Seeking medical advice, Alastair underwent assessments by a GP and psychiatrist, eventually receiving a diagnosis of vascular dementia. This condition stems from impaired blood flow to the brain, triggering cognitive deterioration through damage to the brain’s blood vessels, often resulting from strokes or other circulatory disorders.
Manifesting as memory loss, impaired reasoning, attention deficits, and slowed cognitive functions, vascular dementia also brings emotional challenges like depression and mood swings. Alastair likened the experience to a grieving process, stating, “It’s like a bereavement: part of me has died.” Drawing parallels with his past struggles with alcoholism, he acknowledged the burden his condition places on Sal, expressing regret for the impact on their relationship.
Sal, highlighting the stigma associated with dementia, remarked, “It wasn’t nice to hear he had dementia, but it wasn’t a shock: we had all noticed he’d been acting oddly.” Acknowledging the complexities of their situation, Sal found divulging Alastair’s diagnosis more daunting than sharing her own battle with breast cancer. Their story reflects the profound emotional and practical complexities involved in navigating dementia within a loving partnership.
The couple’s poignant journey serves as a reminder of the multifaceted dimensions of dementia’s impact on individuals and their loved ones, shedding light on the challenges they face with dignity and resilience in the face of adversity. Alastair’s openness about his health struggles not only raises awareness about dementia but also underscores the importance of compassion and understanding for those grappling with similar circumstances.