Alzheimer's Society responds to Alastair Stewart dementia diagnosis

Alzheimer's Society has responded after TV newsreader Alastair Stewart spoke out about his dementia diagnosis.

The 71-year-old journalist and former ITV News presenter announced that he has recently received a diagnosis of early-onset (also referred to as young-onset) vascular dementia.

Kate Lee, Alzheimer's Society CEO, said: 

“We are so sorry to hear that Alastair Stewart has been diagnosed with dementia and our thoughts are with him and his family. 

Speaking so candidly about his symptoms and subsequent diagnosis will really help increase public understanding of dementia – a condition that one in three people born in the UK today will go on to develop.

“Dementia devastates lives, but we need to get everyone talking about it because a problem of this scale won’t go away on its own. Receiving a diagnosis can be frightening, but we believe it’s better to know.

We’re so grateful to Alastair for encouraging people worried about potential symptoms to seek advice.

"Our website has plenty of resources, including a downloadable symptoms checklist that people can take with them to their GP. Please get in touch with Alzheimer's Society if you need support.”

Alastair's announcement follows other well-known public figures, such as Alzheimer's Society Ambassador Fiona Phillips and Hollywood actor Bruce Willis, in revealing dementia diagnoses this year.