A veteran newsreader’s dementia story — and why it matters

The personal story of veteran news reader Alastair Stewart OBE has brought national attention to a huge issue affecting countless families locally in Staines, Spelthorne and across Surrey – it is dementia and the urgent need for legal planning.

By speaking openly about his diagnosis of early-onset vascular dementia, Alistair Stewart has helped remove a certain stigma and highlighted just how important it is to put the right legal protections in place early.

For decades, Alistair Stewart was one of the most recognisable and trusted journalists in the UK. From the early 1980s onwards, he became a familiar fixture most evenings in living rooms across the country at a time when television news was the primary source of information.

Despite being highly educated with a sharp, active mind, Stewart was diagnosed with vascular dementia at the start of his 70s. His experience underlines a key reality: dementia can affect anyone, regardless of background or profession.

 

Early warning signs and the road to diagnosis

Although his formal diagnosis came less than three years ago, Stewart’s symptoms appeared long before confirmation. He described arriving at work very early through fear of forgetting his shift, struggling with balance, and occasionally putting his shoes on the wrong feet.

Colleagues noticed these changes and encouraged him to seek medical advice. Tests later revealed a series of mini strokes affecting specific areas of the brain responsible for everyday tasks such as tying shoelaces, fastening a tie, judging distances, and locating personal items.

How life changes after a dementia diagnosis

Today, Alistair Stewart continues to work on a limited basis but has made significant lifestyle adjustments. He no longer drives and has been advised not to navigate busy areas alone. His wife, Sally, now acts as his primary carer, managing appointments and providing daily support.

Alongside medical care, Stewart has emphasised the reassurance he gained from working with a solicitor at a crucial time: “He was helpful and we feel much safer as a result of those conversations.”

Together, he and his wife reviewed their Wills, which had been drafted many years earlier, and ensured that Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) were properly put in place.

Why Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney are essential

For families in Staines, Stewart’s story serves as a powerful reminder of why early legal planning is so important. Dementia is now the leading cause of death in the UK, yet it’s alarming many people still do not have up-to-date Wills or LPAs.

Having these documents in place allows you to:

• Choose who can make decisions on your behalf

• Protect your finances, property and personal wishes

• Avoid delays and costs associated with Court of Protection applications

• Reduce stress and uncertainty for loved ones

Lasting Power of Attorney for Property & Financial Affairs and Health & Welfare ensures that trusted individuals can step in if you lose mental capacity – this is something that cannot be arranged once capacity has been lost. That is why it’s so vital to make plans early.

In a moving appeal shared with Today’s Wills & Probate, Alistair Stewart he reminded us all of the vital role legal professionals play:

“Dementia is terrifyingly common, but it’s not terrifying. It changes your life, and it makes you dependent upon other people… If you work in a support profession such as law or accountancy, make allowances for people with dementia – because the person who turns up might be the man who used to read the News at Ten.”

Speak to a local Wills & Probate solicitor if you are considering updating your Will, or would like advice on Lasting Powers of Attorney, our experienced solicitors are here to help.

Early planning brings clarity, protection and peace of mind for you and your family.

Contact us today to arrange a confidential consultation with a trusted local Wills and Probate solicitor.