Scots F1 legend Sir Jackie Stewart has revealed his wife Lady Helen has 'been by his side through it all' as she continues her battle with dementia.

Sir Jackie has recorded a series of intimate conversations with famous friends from royalty, sports, music and show business to highlight the importance of memories with the devastating disease.

But the three times world champion said it was his 77-year-old wife who had been the most influential person through his career and has supported him every step of the way.

Lady Helen was diagnosed with frontal-lobe dementia in 2014 during a routine check-up at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

Sir Jackie Stewart says he's been supported by his wife

She is now in a wheelchair and needs 24-hour care at home from two dedicated neuro-nurses.

Sir Jackie, 80, said “I have been fortunate to have a wonderful career and my wife Helen was by my side through it all.

"We should have been able to share those memories forever but dementia steals that away.

"Without urgent progress, one in three people born today, will go on to suffer dementia and that is unacceptable.

"I passionately believe that the way Formula One uses problem-solving and innovative thinking to achieve remarkable developments at speed can help scientists to create a real and much-needed breakthrough in dementia research.

“When the world is, rightly, focused on combating the dreadful Covid-19 pandemic, it is vitally important that the fight against dementia is not allowed to diminish in importance.

"My ‘MEMORIES’ series of conversations is intended to show the value of shared remembrances and recollections to human health and well-being and help raise further donations so we can grow our programme of vital research fellowships.

“I am enormously grateful to all those who have given up their time to speak so openly in these conversations. I hope everyone can find some comfort and enjoyment in them during these difficult times.”

Lady Helen's diagnosis six years ago led the 81-year-old to found his charity, Race Against Dementia, with the aim of introducing the advanced technologies of Formula One into the medical laboratory to secure a breakthrough in dementia research. 

In June Sir Jackie opened up about his wife's battles with the debilitating condition.

His wife of 58 years, who was his high-school sweetheart before they married in 1962, is suffering from increased memory loss.

Nicola Sturgeon, Lady Helen and Sir Jackie Stewart at a Race Against Dementia dinner

Sir Jackie said: “Helen’s mobility is no longer there and she has very little recall or short-term memory. It’s also beginning to affect her long-term memory as well.

“She’s, I can’t say unaware of it, but every now and again she’s got to be reminded, ‘That’s why we can’t go somewhere’ and, ‘That’s why somebody is not well’.

“There’s no kissing and no hugging at the moment because of the pandemic. She misses that and can’t understand why.

“That’s the type of short-term memory loss that is very obvious.

“She’ll ask, ‘Why are we not doing that?’ and I have to tell her it’s because of the pandemic. Then shortly afterwards, she’ll ask the same question.

“We’ve lost one very good friend to the virus and had several friends who have been identified as having it but have survived.”

Also included in his memories series are conversations with recorded remotely because of coronavirus restrictions, are to be released over the coming months.

They feature HRH the Princess Royal, Prince Salman, the Crown Prince of Bahrain, His Serene Highness, Prince Albert of Monaco, tennis legend Rod Laver, Nick Mason of Pink Floyd, impressionist Rory Bremner and opera singer Dame Kiri Tekanawa.