Former newsreader Jon Snow shares Alzheimer's diagnosis

Former Channel 4 newsreader Jon Snow has revealed he has Alzheimer's Disease. The 79-year-old journalist, who hosted Channel 4 News from 1989 to 2021, was diagnosed with dementia in 2023, but has now chosen to speak publicly about the condition. Jon, who is supporting the Alzheimer’s Society, has decided to open up about his diagnosis to raise awareness of the condition, which affects around a million people in the UK. His life with the condition will feature in a new documentary produced by Basement Films, Jon Snow: A Last Big Story, which will air on Channel 4 on Saturday, June 20. In an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail, Jon shared that following his retirement in 2021, he sank into a deep depression. He had became withdrawn and lost interest in things he once loved, reports the Daily Star . Jon also worried that friends were no longer contacting him – "Nobody ever rings," he said, "I’m forgotten." In reality, he had forgotten about the calls. READ MORE: Lagan Valley councillors given 'private code' to access cheaper car charging READ MORE: Sarah Montgomery: Man pleads guilty to murder of pregnant woman in her Donaghadee home Despite being reluctant to see a doctor, insisting there was nothing wrong, a cognitive assessment and brain scan revealed that Jon had Alzheimer’s disease . Jon still questions the diagnosis, saying: "I mean sometimes I doubt whether I’ve really got it. I don’t know if it’s widespread knowledge. I don’t feel disabled in any way," wondering if his behaviour is simply normal for his age. His wife Precious said: “Friends kept asking me if Jon was alright and I would have to lie and say he’s fine, but I knew he wasn’t.” The Alzheimer’s Society says it is a common misconception to question whether dementia is a normal part of ageing. While people often forget things more as they get older, dementia is caused by diseases of the brain and its symptoms can include problems with planning and decision-making, language, and sometimes changes in mood or behaviour. In the film, Jon says: "At the beginning I wanted to hide it, 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." Michelle Dyson, CEO of the Alzheimer’s Society, 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 . "I would encourage anyone needing help or information to call our Dementia Support Line on 0333 150 3456 or visit alzheimers.org.uk."