10 September 2023 , 12:22
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Retired ITV News legend, Alastair Stewart has opened up on how his recent dementia diagnosis has impacted his wife of almost 50 years, Sally. He said it was 'difficult' to see his 'brilliant' wife and the most important person in his life"almost reduced to a carer".
Speaking to GB News' Camilla Tominey, Alastair told viewers he has been diagnosed with vascular dementia and explained how his "very short term memory" has become "tricky" while his motor skills are also "very tricky". The 71-year-old retired from ITV News after 47 years in March of 2023 but regularly appears on GB News, where he decided to reveal his health news.
He told Camilla of his wife Sally, who he married in 1978: "The thing I've found the most difficult thing to deal with is the impact it's had on Sally."
Discussing how – despite the ongoing strikes, the NHS is "out there" but "having a tough time" – one evening one of his consultants called to remind him of an appointment and wife Sally told the doctor "aren't you meant to be on strike?"
Alastair Stewart revealed the impact his dementia diagnosis has had on his beloved wife (Instagram)This prompted Camilla to ask what the impact on the family had been like since the diagnosis and Alastair said mentioned children, Alex and Clem, saying: "The family has been utterly brilliant."
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But with the support of the family comes heartbreak. He explained: "I think to me you said about the shock and the impact upon you, the thing I find most difficult to deal with, genuinely, is the impact it's had on Sally, my wife, we've been married nearly half a century and you know, your life partner, your lover all of those descriptions that are personal and intimate, that person, is reduced to, and I choose my words carefully, almost to a carer.
"Like this morning, we had a conversation about what I wanted to say to you but her role this morning was to make sure I was ready when the car came, that the tie was done up and the shirt, suit, tie was all matching, that woman – who spent almost as long as I did in this industry as a top technician, brilliant production assistant – I find that tricky because your health, through no fault of your own, is reducing that single most important person in your life to the role of a carer."
Alastair went on to reiterate that if a person does think there's something wrong to go to the doctor, but remember that loved ones are there for you too. He also added during the interview that his team at GB News were supportive and "drew together as one and backed me" and remains as a contributor to the channel.