'Her mind's vanishing'

F1 champ Sir Jackie Stewart confirms wife has dementia ahead of launching research charity

Racing legend recounts emotional moment he realised something was wrong

Marc Deanie

Published: 3:19, 3 Jul 2016

RACING legend Sir Jackie Stewart has revealed that his wife has dementia.

Former model Lady Helen, 75, was diagnosed two years ago and now has round-the-clock care.

Sir Jackie Stewart reveals his wife, Lady Helen, is suffering with dementia and needs round-the-clock care — Sir Jackie Stewart reveals his wife, Lady Helen, is suffering with dementia and needs round-the-clock careCredit: Getty Images

Sir Jackie, 77, said: “Her razor-sharp mind was one of the things I fell in love with, and it’s her mind that’s vanishing.”

The three-times F1 champ can pinpoint the time when he realised something was wrong.

Former model, Lady Helen, has been married to Sir Jackie since 1962 — Former model, Lady Helen, has been married to Sir Jackie since 1962Credit: Rex Features

Related stories

What is a penis pump and how do you use one?

What is a penis pump and how do you use one?

HALF of adults will suffer from short-sightedness in less than 30 years

HALF of adults will suffer from short-sightedness in less than 30 years

Long Covid 'has minimal impact on kids who recover in less than a week'

KIDS ARE ALRIGHT

Long Covid 'has minimal impact on kids who recover in less than a week'

'Miracle' Alzheimer's drug that slows dementia could be available on NHS next year

'Miracle' Alzheimer's drug that slows dementia could be available on NHS next year

He said: “It sounds silly but she put on the same watch every day, and all of a sudden she didn’t.

“When she went to check the time and the watch wasn’t there, she would think she’d lost it or that it had fallen off.”

Three times F1 champ launched Race Against Dementia, a charity aiming to raise funds for research into the condition — Three times F1 champ launched Race Against Dementia, a charity aiming to raise funds for research into the conditionCredit: Rex Features

Speaking as he launched new charity Race Against Dementia in central London, he added: “She wears a special bracelet. If there’s a problem, if she falls or something, she presses the bracelet and they’ll be there just like that.

“We’re very privileged we can afford to do this.”

The couple married in 1962 and have two children and nine grandkids.

Topics

Dementia