Jackie Stewart's Heartbreak: Wife Stolen by Dementia

Formula One icon Sir Jackie Stewart is sharing the profound emotional toll of his wife Helen's ongoing battle with dementia. Diagnosed in 2014, Lady Stewart, now 84, experiences significant memory loss and violent episodes, particularly in the evenings, a phenomenon known as 'sundowning'. Sir Jackie describes the devastating experience of watching his beloved wife of over 60 years being "stolen from you by degrees."

Stewart has taken a proactive stance against the disease, launching his charity 'Race Against Dementia' in 2016. He has personally donated over £20 million to fund 65 research projects, driven by the urgency of the situation as dementia is now the leading cause of death in the UK. He expressed frustration that a cure has not yet been found, noting that one in three people born today will die with the condition.

Despite his personal challenges, including a stroke in 2023, Stewart, known as 'The Flying Scot', remains a passionate figure in the Formula One world. Having won three world championships, he continues to attend select races, embodying resilience and dedication both in his sport and in his fight against dementia.