Motor racing icon Sir Jackie Stewart has opened up about the emotional toll of witnessing his wife, Lady Helen, suffer from dementia. Speaking candidly, he shared a poignant moment when Lady Helen asked, “Where’s Jackie?” while they were together, not recognizing him. This heart-wrenching incident was a stark reminder of the changes brought about by her frontotemporal dementia, a condition she has battled since her diagnosis in 2014.
Sir Jackie, a four-time Formula One champion, founded the charity Race Against Dementia, driven by the changes he noticed in his wife. This charity aims to fund innovative research, including a new blood test trial developed in collaboration with the University of Cambridge. This pioneering research is focused on detecting signs of dementia long before symptoms manifest, specifically targeting frontotemporal dementia, which is known for its devastating effects on behavior and language.
In the emotional recounting of his experiences, Sir Jackie described how the deterioration of Lady Helen’s memory and behavior has been horrific. He recounted the onset of her symptoms, starting with a car accident where Lady Helen lost control and ended up overturning her vehicle. Although there were no physical injuries, this incident marked a significant turning point in their lives, highlighting the reality that something was amiss with her health.
Over ten years since her diagnosis, the progression has been severe; Lady Helen has lost her ability to walk and exhibits behavior changes that are inconsistent with her character. Sir Jackie shared instances where she has lashed out verbally or physically, saying that he understands she does not mean to hurt him or the caregivers. He elaborated on her experiences of “sundowning,” a common term used in dementia care to describe increased agitation as the day progresses, which adds another layer of complexity to her condition.
To provide the necessary care, Sir Jackie has taken significant steps toward facilitating Lady Helen’s needs. He has created a home in Switzerland that accommodates her mobility issues, employing nurses and specialists to ensure that she receives proper care. Despite his privileged circumstances arising from his illustrious Formula One career, he remains acutely aware that most families do not have access to such resources and may only have residential care as an option for their loved ones suffering from dementia.
Sir Jackie articulated his grief when visiting other dementia care facilities, stating how he leaves those visits in tears, overwhelmed by the plight of individuals who are lost in their own minds. He expressed that one in three people will develop dementia during their lifetime, describing the situation as a “disaster,” emphasizing the urgent need for funding and research into the condition.
Current research efforts, like those his charity supports, are focused on developing proactive diagnostics for dementia. Dr. Maura Malpetti from the University of Cambridge elaborated on the ON-FIRE study, designed to explore the early indicators of frontotemporal dementia and identify individuals at risk decades before they exhibit symptoms. This line of investigation hopes to gather insights on the relationship between certain blood markers and potential future neural inflammation, allowing for earlier intervention and treatment.
The partnership between Sir Jackie’s foundation and medical research reflects a commitment to not only confronting the challenges of dementia but also potentially offering families a path to understand and possibly mitigate the effects of this heart-wrenching condition. Dr. Malpetti noted that the work aims to empower families, giving them agency in research and in understanding how to delay or prevent the development of debilitating symptoms.
As Sir Jackie Stewart continues his advocacy, he remains hopeful that a cure might be found within his lifetime. His determination resonates with the desire to mirror the same urgency and innovation witnessed in Formula One to healthcare research initiatives surrounding dementia. Sir Jackie’s endeavor is influenced by the wish to combat the disease that has affected his wife, encapsulating the emotional journey he has navigated alongside her in their longstanding partnership.