Jon Snow has been secretly battling Alzheimer's disease for four years.
As first reported by the Channel 4 news anchor's wife, Precious Lunga, he has been suffering from cognitive impairment since 2022.
Speaking ahead of the release of a documentary Snow made to raise awareness of Alzheimer's disease, she said his condition began to deteriorate after he left the channel in 2021.
In the film, the 79-year-old Snow said: "At first, I wanted to hide it; there's so much prejudice. Any hint of mental illness is like death.".
«"There are moments when it comes up, but it doesn't last all day every day, and that's what I hold on to.".
In the program, titled "Jon Snow: The Last Big Story," Snow investigates a mining accident in Zambia. The program will air on June 20.
Dr Lunga, an epidemiologist with whom Snow has a five-year-old son, said that after leaving Channel 4 he became deeply depressed, withdrawn and lost interest in the things he once loved.
Precious Lunga and Jon Snow have decided to create a show to raise awareness about the disease - The Dave Bennett Library
His memory began to deteriorate, and he forgot that friends contacted him, saying, "Nobody calls me. They forgot about me.".
«"Friends kept asking me if John was okay and I had to lie and say he was okay, but I knew he wasn't," his wife told the Daily Mail.
In 2023, she convinced him to see a doctor, and after a brain scan, he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
«"Sometimes I doubt if I really have it," he said. "I don't know how much it's known. I don't feel disabled.".
The couple decided to film a television program to draw attention to this disease, for which there is no cure.
Snow said, "If I don't speak up, who will?"«
They initially planned to document life with Alzheimer's disease, but the focus changed when Snow, while on holiday in Zimbabwe, met a woman who told him that a copper mine dam had collapsed in neighboring Zambia, releasing millions of litres of toxic waste into the environment.
«"Life doesn't end with Alzheimer's.".
«"He literally perked up when he started doing this and started acting like his old self, like the old John," Dr. Lunga said. "Alzheimer's takes away a lot of confidence, and it was wonderful to see him blossom again. We know that brain stimulation can slow the progression of the disease.".
She added that Snow's piano playing has improved over the years and that they can still enjoy adventures together.
«"Life doesn't end with an Alzheimer's diagnosis, but it does change dramatically," she said. "You can have Alzheimer's and still be a valuable member of society, but coping with it requires support.".
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called Snow "a true giant of journalism" and said news of his diagnosis would help "others feel less alone".
In a post on the X website, Sir Keir wrote: "Jon Snow has spent his life asking difficult questions and telling important stories.".
«"Now, by opening up about his Alzheimer's diagnosis, he helps others feel less alone and raises awareness about a disease that affects so many families.".
Michelle Dyson, chief executive of the Alzheimer's Society, said: "John's decision to go public with his dementia diagnosis is a real act of courage and his story will resonate with so many people.".
«"His support for the Alzheimer's Society will help spark a much-needed national conversation about dementia. Despite being the leading cause of death in the UK, dementia is still not treated with the same seriousness as other serious illnesses, such as cancer.".
«"Along with his wife, Precious, John is raising awareness of the need for faster and more equitable access to diagnosis. Early diagnosis can provide vital support, help families plan for the future, and potentially open the door to participation in clinical trials. However, too many people across the country still wait far too long for a diagnosis.".
Try The Telegraph today for full free access. Discover their award-winning website and essential news app, plus helpful tools and expert guides on finance, health, and leisure.