Jon Snow, Former Channel 4 News Star, Shares Alzheimer’s Diagnosis

Veteran news presenter Jon Snow has disclosed that he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

The 78-year-old shared during a new interview with the Daily Mail that he was told he had the disease, which is the most common form of dementia, four years ago.

He explained that he wanted to go public with his condition to raise awareness around Alzheimer’s, saying: “If I don’t speak out, who will?”

Jon will dive deeper into living with Alzheimer’s in a new film, Jon Snow: A Last Big Story, which will air on Channel 4 on Saturday 20 June.

Having stepped down from Channel 4 News in 2021, after more than 30 years with the broadcaster, he came out of retirement for his latest project, which saw him investigating the aftermath of a mining disaster in Zambia.

In the film, Jon is heard saying: “At the beginning I wanted to hide [my diagnosis], there’s so much prejudice. Any sort of hint of mental decay, you’re sort of dead.

“There are moments when it pops up but it’s not an all day every day condition, and that’s what I cling onto.”

Jon’s wife, Dr Precious Lunga, said: “Life doesn’t end with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, but it changes dramatically. You can have Alzheimer’s and still be a valuable member of society but you need support to navigate it.”

The Bafta Fellowship recipient began his career in journalism at LBC in the 1970s, before he moved to ITN, serving as its Washington correspondent and diplomatic editor.

In 1989, he then made the jump to Channel 4 News, where he remained until the early 2020s.

The CEO of Alzheimer’s Society, Michelle Dyson, said: “Jon’s decision to talk publicly about his dementia diagnosis is a real act of courage and his story will resonate with so many.

“His support for Alzheimer’s Society will help spark a national conversation about dementia that we so desperately need. Despite being the UK’s biggest killer, dementia is still not treated with the same urgency as other major health conditions like cancer.

“Alongside his wife Precious, Jon is shining a light on the need for faster, fairer access to diagnosis. An early diagnosis can unlock vital support, help families plan ahead and potentially open the door to participation in clinical trials.

“Yet too many people across the country are still waiting far too long for a diagnosis. We look forward to working with Jon, whose long-standing commitment to speaking out against injustice will help ensure the harsh realities of dementia cannot be ignored by the UK Government and the NHS.”