Sir Jackie Stewart’s world was turned upside down when his wife, Helen, was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in 2014. The Formula 1 legend was used to high-speed drama, but nothing could have prepared him for the heartbreaking reality of watching his partner of over 50 years slip away. He recalled the moment Helen forgot who he was like it was yesterday. “We were having dinner, and she got up and said, ‘Where’s Jackie?’ I was sitting right next to her. A bad feeling washed over me.”
A Desperate Search for Answers
As Helen’s condition worsened, Stewart saw her transform into a stranger. She lost control of her car, became aggressive, and struggled to walk. The once-sharp mind was now foggy, and Stewart was left to pick up the pieces. He moved to a specially designed house in Switzerland, hired a team of caregivers, and sought out the best medical experts. But despite his efforts, Helen’s condition continued to deteriorate.
Stewart’s experience is not unique, but his resources are. One in three people will develop dementia in their lifetime, and it’s a fate worse than being stuck in a pit stop. The medical community is still struggling to understand the brain, and Stewart believes that cracking the code is a bigger challenge than landing on the moon. “I’ve visited care homes, and it’s heartbreaking to see people lost and alone,” he said.
A New Hope on the Horizon
That’s why Stewart founded Race Against Dementia, a charity dedicated to funding research into the disease. The organization is currently backing a groundbreaking blood test developed by the University of Cambridge. The test aims to detect signs of frontotemporal dementia 10 to 20 years before symptoms appear. Dr. Maura Malpetti, the lead researcher on the project, believes that charities like Race Against Dementia can be the catalyst for change. “We need organizations like yours to help us move forward,” she said.
Stewart’s charity has already made a significant impact, using the Formula 1 community’s wealth and expertise to drive progress. The recent One Lap Challenge fundraiser, held before the Bahrain Grand Prix, is just one example of their efforts. Stewart is adamant that a cure can be found in his lifetime. “I want this as much as I wanted to be world champion,” he said. For Stewart, it’s personal. He’s driven by the memory of Helen and the countless others affected by this devastating disease.