In a deeply emotional interview, former ITV News anchor Alastair Stewart has shared a candid and heartbreaking update on his life after being diagnosed with vascular dementia. The 72-year-old broadcasting legend, who spent over three decades as one of the most familiar faces on British television, revealed the devastating impact the condition has had on his daily life, describing the overwhelming challenges he now faces with even the simplest of tasks.

A Shocking Diagnosis: The Beginning of the Struggle

Alastair Stewart’s journey with dementia began quietly, with subtle signs of cognitive decline gradually creeping into his life. Initially, he started arriving too early for work, a small but telling indicator that something was amiss. Over time, he began making unusual mistakes—things that were once second nature to him. His inability to tie his shoelaces, use an analogue clock, or even fasten his belt became daily frustrations. “It’s very demeaning that I can’t even do up my bloody shoelaces anymore,” he said, opening up about how the simplest actions now pose insurmountable obstacles.

The realization that his mind was no longer functioning the way it once had was a painful one. “There was a general sense of discombobulation,” he admitted. For someone who had spent a lifetime in the fast-paced world of television news, this loss of control over basic tasks was a profound blow.

Living With Dementia: The Struggles and Frustrations

For Alastair, short-term memory loss has become one of the most difficult aspects of living with dementia. He shared how the condition has made even routine activities—like changing passwords—an insurmountable challenge. “If you’ve got dementia, changing your password can be very complicated,” he said, highlighting the struggles many people with cognitive decline face in an increasingly digital world.

His wife, Sally, who has been by his side through it all, described how frustrating it is to see her husband, once a sharp and highly skilled journalist, grapple with his condition. “He gets very frustrated,” she said. “When a big story breaks, I can see him following it in every way he can, but there’s very little he can do about it.”

Despite these challenges, Alastair continues to follow the news and remains passionate about current affairs, but he is painfully aware of the limitations dementia places on his ability to engage in the world the way he once did. His decision to step away from broadcasting was a necessary one, though it hasn’t been without personal cost. The adrenaline of breaking stories and meeting extraordinary people is something he deeply misses.

Going Public: A Desire for Honesty

In his interview with The Times, Alastair explained why he chose to make his diagnosis public. “I was fed up with lying to my friends about why I was withdrawing socially,” he confessed. For someone who had spent his life in the public eye, it must have been a monumental decision to share such a deeply personal experience. But his desire to be honest about his condition has resonated with many, offering a glimpse into the reality of living with dementia.

Alastair’s decision to be open about his struggles is not just about transparency; it’s also about breaking the stigma surrounding dementia and aging. By sharing his journey, he hopes to encourage others who are facing similar challenges to speak out and seek help.

The Role of Family and Support

Alastair’s diagnosis has undeniably altered the course of his life, but it is clear that his family remains his rock. His wife Sally, whom he met during their time at Southern Television, has been a constant source of support and love throughout this difficult period. Together, they live in Hampshire with their rescue animals, finding comfort and joy in the simple moments they still share.

Sally has seen firsthand the toll dementia has taken on her husband, but she also spoke to the strength and dignity with which Alastair faces each day. “He’s surrounded by love,” she said, “and although he faces these daily challenges, he carries himself with quiet dignity and honesty.”

The Diagnosis: A Wake-Up Call

Alastair was first diagnosed with vascular dementia after his wife noticed his struggles with timekeeping, and his agent raised concerns about his emails. Colleagues at GB News, where Alastair worked after leaving ITV, also observed unusual behavior. Medical professionals later confirmed the diagnosis using the “clock test,” a well-known method to identify cognitive decline. For Alastair, this was a sobering moment—a reminder that even those who have spent a lifetime in the public eye are not immune to the effects of aging and cognitive decline.

Despite the challenges, Alastair remains determined to face each day with honesty and resilience. “I’m not going to lie to you,” he said, acknowledging the difficulties that come with his diagnosis. “It’s tough. It’s really tough. But I have a life, I have love, and I have my family.”

A Legacy of Journalism

Alastair Stewart’s career in journalism is marked by decades of commitment, hard work, and dedication. For many, he was the face of ITV News, trusted to bring the day’s most important stories into living rooms across the country. His legacy as a broadcaster is undeniable, and his contributions to the industry have left an indelible mark.

Though his life has changed dramatically since his diagnosis, Alastair continues to show the same strength and resilience that made him a beloved figure in British broadcasting. His openness about dementia is a testament to his courage and his desire to help others understand the realities of living with the condition.

A Future With Dementia: Embracing the Challenges

As Alastair Stewart moves forward in his life with dementia, he faces each day with the same quiet dignity that he has always shown. His diagnosis has not defined him, but it has undoubtedly reshaped the way he lives and interacts with the world. His story serves as a reminder that even those who have given so much to the world in terms of their work and passion are not immune to the challenges of aging and cognitive decline.

Alastair’s honesty in sharing his journey offers hope and understanding to others living with dementia, and his example of strength continues to inspire those who follow his story. As he faces each day, surrounded by his family and loved ones, Alastair Stewart is proving that even in the face of profound difficulty, there is still room for dignity, love, and a commitment to living life as fully as possible.