Robert Irwin has opened up about how dementia has affected his family.
The 19-year-old appeared on The Project as a co-host when they began discussing dementia – a disorder that can affect thinking, memory and behaviour.
The son of the late Steve Irwin said that he doesn’t think there’s anyone living who hasn’t encountered a person with dementia.
“I think there’s no-one living who hasn’t encountered someone or has a loved one who has experienced this,” he said.
“I know my grandfather on my mum’s side had a form of dementia and a lot of family friends have had that as well and it’s just, it’s devastating.
“Someone you love, someone you’re close to you see going through that and just not being able to relive and enjoy the moments they had it’s heartbreaking.
“But I guess it just reminds you you’ve got to spend every second with the people you love and really surround yourself with love and light and hopefully this is light at the end of the tunnel for a safe way for people to stop this.”
Alzheimer’s is the merciless brain condition that slowly erodes the cognitive function and precious memories of thousands of Australians. But, a revolutionary new treatment could turn the tide in the fight against the disease. #TheProjectTV pic.twitter.com/IVuMloeUN5
— The Project (@theprojecttv) December 4, 2022
Robert went on to say that he will continuing his father’s legacy and how proud he is to be a part of it, speaking about a recent performance with the Wiggles.
“The Wiggles are just legendary, my dad actually did a really fun collaboration project with them at Australia Zoo way back in the day 20 years ago,” he said.
“So we’ve worked with them for a long time so the fact all of the original Wiggles came back to support our charity Wildlife Warriors means the world.
“Dad set this up as a way to support wildlife conservation here in Australia and on the global stage and a night like that just makes us realise his legacy is alive and thriving and it’s the honour of a lifetime to keep that going.”
Robert recently celebrated his 19th birthday at Australia Zoo with his mother and rumoured girlfriend, Scarlett Buckley, who is the niece of the late Heath Ledger.
Image: The Project
This article first appeared on OverSixty.