'Star Trek,' 'X-Men' star Patrick Stewart dies at 86

Patrick Stewart, the celebrated actor renowned for his roles in Star Trek: The Next Generation and the X-Men film series, has passed away at the age of 86, his representative disclosed on Thursday. Stewart had entered a brief and poignant phase, grappling with Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementia, as per a statement disseminated on his social media by his long-time spokesperson, Kelly Bush Novak.

He had been embraced by his cherished family and friends, enveloped in live music, prayer, tears, laughter, and the profound emotions only he could evoke after a lifetime of dedication to them all. The statement further added, "We will forever cherish the peaceful ease and reflection on his face, an enduring testament to his invincible grace."

Alzheimer's disease, the most prevalent form of dementia, is a progressive condition characterized by memory loss, cognitive decline, and no cure, as per the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Lewy body dementia, another form of dementia, can affect movement, behavior, cognition, and mood, according to the CDC. The exact timing of Stewart's diagnosis remains undisclosed. This remains an evolving story, and further updates will be provided.