Broadcaster Jon Snow has spoken publicly about living with Alzheimer’s disease, sharing his diagnosis in the hope of raising awareness and reducing stigma around dementia.
The former Channel 4 News presenter, now 78, was diagnosed in 2023 after experiencing memory problems and changes in mood following his retirement. Initially, he questioned the diagnosis and was reluctant to seek help, a reaction that many families affected by dementia can recognise.
His wife, Dr Precious Lunga, said she noticed changes long before the diagnosis, describing how friends would ask if Jon was okay, while he himself often didn’t realise the extent of his memory difficulties.
Life doesn't end with an Alzheimer's disease 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.
Jon’s story highlights some important facts about Alzheimer’s:
- Around one million people in the UK are living with dementia, with Alzheimer’s disease being the most common form.
- Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer, yet it is still not treated with the same urgency as many other major health conditions.
- Early diagnosis matters. It can help people access support, plan for the future and, for some, take part in clinical trials and emerging treatments.
- Dementia is not a normal part of ageing. While occasional forgetfulness can happen as we get older, dementia is caused by diseases of the brain and can affect memory, language, decision-making and behaviour.
Speaking about his diagnosis, Jon said there is still “so much prejudice” around dementia and that many people fear being judged or defined by the condition.
At ReMind UK, we believe that talking openly about dementia helps break down stigma and encourages people to seek help sooner. As Jon’s story shows, life does not end with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. With the right support, people can continue to live meaningful and fulfilling lives.
Jon Snow’s experience of living with Alzheimer’s will be explored in a powerful new documentary, Jon Snow: A Last Big Story, produced by Basement Films and airing on Channel 4 on Saturday, 20 June 2026
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