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Robert Irwin has shared his heartbreak as his grandfather battles dementia.
The wildlife conservationist explained that there’s a history of dementia in his family, a syndrome which, according to the NHS, is associated with an ongoing decline of brain functioning.
There are many different causes of dementia, and symptoms can include memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and struggling to carry out daily tasks.
Appearing on The Project, 19-year-old Robert spoke of how devastating it is to watch his grandpa Clarence – father to his mum, Terri Irwin – struggle with the effects of the disease.
‘I think there’s no one living who hasn’t encountered someone or has a loved one who has experienced this. My grandfather on my mum’s side had a form of dementia and a lot of family friends have had that as well’ he said.
‘And it’s devastating someone you love, someone you’re close to, you see going through that and not being able to relive and enjoy the moments they had.’
The 19-year-old remains hopeful that treatment can help others (Picture: Instagram)
He spoke candidly about the matter on The Project (Picture: The Project)
Robert explained how the heart-wrenching side effects of dementia on his loved ones have altered his own outlook on life.
‘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’ he added.
‘Hopefully this is light at the end of the tunnel for a safe way for people to stop this’ the photographer said.
His grandfather Clarence (second from left) is pictured here with Steve and Terri Irwin with their parents at their 1992 wedding
Dementia currently doesn’t have a ‘cure’, but Robert is optimistic that proposed new treatment could help those suffering.
‘Hopefully this is light at the end of the tunnel for a safe way for people to stop this’ the photographer said.
Australian TV personality Robert celebrated his birthday on December 1 and, in honour of her younger sibling’s special day, Bindi Irwin said she sees so much of her late father, Steve Irwin, in Robert.
The wildlife conservationist recently celebrated his birthday with his loved ones (Picture: Instagram/robertirwinphotography)
Steve Irwin died in 2006, when his children were only young (Picture: Australia Zoo via Getty Images)
Posting a loving tribute to social media, Bindi, who is also a zookeeper, described how much admiration she has for Robert.
‘Happy Birthday to the taller Irwin sibling and greatest brother in the world,’ she wrote alongside a photo with him.
‘You light up our lives with your hilarious sense of humour and kind heart.’
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The 24-year-old added: ‘I see so much of Dad in everything you do and I know he would be beyond proud of you. We all are.’
Nicknamed ‘The Crocodile Hunter’, Irwin died in September 2006 after being pierced in the chest by a stingray barb while filming in the Great Barrier Reef.
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‘You’ve got to spend every second with the people you love.’
