Jon Snow has announced he’s been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s dAlzheimer’s Diseaseisease (Image: Jo Hale, Redferns via Getty Images)
Veteran Channel 4 News presenter Jon Snow revealed yesterday (Friday June 5) that he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. The 79-year-old broadcaster, who fronted Channel 4 News for over 30 years before he retired back in 2021, said that he has been living with the cognitive condition since his diagnosis back in 2023.
Snow’s wife, Precious Lunga, said that his cognitive decline became noticeable following his retirement from broadcasting. The star admitted he was very hesitant to see a doctor at first,and insisted there was nothing wrong with him due to the “prejudice” and stigma surrounding mental decay.
He said that his symptoms do not affect him all day every day, and frequently questions the diagnosis himself because he does not “feel disabled in any way”. Snow’s diagnosis comes after his mother, Joan, also lived with Alzheimer’s disease before her death.
The star is taking an active role in researching the disease by participating in a clinical trial. To break down stereotypes and demand fairer, faster access to dementia testing, Snow has also filmed an upcoming documentary titled Jon Snow: A Last Big Story. The project will air on Channel 4 and features his personal journey alongside his wife.
The Alzheimer’s Society praised his decision to go public, with CEO Michelle Dyson called it a “real act of courage”. She said the announcement will help spark a necessary national conversation about dementia, which remains one of the UK’s biggest health challenges.
According to the Alzheimer’s Society, there are currently an estimated 982,000 people living with dementia in the UK – a figure that’s predicted to climb to 1.4 million by 2040.
Although research continues in the search for a cure for Alzheimer’s Disease, medication is available that can help to temporarily alleviate the condition’s distressing symptoms. Meanwhile, an NHS doctor has turned to TikTok to outline four “easy” methods by which you can help to “decrease your risk” of developing it.
The NHS advises that Alzheimer’s disease is thought to be caused by the abnormal build-up of proteins in and around brain cells.
One of the proteins involved is called amyloid, deposits of which form plaques around brain cells. The other protein is called tau, deposits of which form tangles within brain cells.
Doctor Michael Mrozinski stressed that all of the approaches he recommends won’t cost you any money, as he used his platform to share his advice.
Exercising more
“Exercise more – we know that exercise improves blood flow to the brain,” the doctor began. “There’s no need to turn into an Olympic athlete, but do some.”
@drmichaelsays 4 Easy Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Alzheimer’s: Exercise: Get moving! Physical activity boosts blood flow to your brain and helps keep it healthy. Cut Down on Alcohol & Cigarettes: Give your brain and body a break from toxins that can speed up cognitive decline. Social Interaction & Purpose: Stay connected with loved ones and find meaningful activities that keep your mind engaged. Mental Stimulation: Challenge your brain! Read, learn a new skill, or do puzzles to keep those neurons firing. #BrainHealth #AlzheimersPrevention #HealthyAging #WellnessTips #StaySharp ♬ original sound – Doctor Michael
Cutting down on alcohol and cigarettes
Dr Mrozinski outlined the importance of reducing the amount you’re smoking and drinking, as both of these habits “really contribute” to the risk. “I’m not asking you to go from 20 cigarettes a day to none – or drinking every day to none – just do it gradually,” he explained. “Cutting down will minimise your risk.”
Social interaction
Maintaining an active brain is equally crucial, the doctor went on to explain. “So things like social interaction, learning a new skill or going for therapy or counselling actually keeps your brain sharp,” Dr Mrozinski revealed.
Mental stimulation
Likewise, mental challenges such as activities involving problem solving prove advantageous. “Even if it’s just puzzles or sudoku – help build up the cognitive reserve,” Dr Mrozinski instructed.
He closed: “See – it doesn’t cost you any money – so start doing them and try and reduce your risk.”
Responding to the advice, one TikTok user contributed her own suggestion, stating: “Adding in – address hearing loss! I experienced sudden sensorineural hearing loss and became 100% deaf on my left side.
“I opted for a cochlear implant as my Alzheimer’s risk was so much higher if I didn’t. People are so precious about wearing hearing aids but they probably wouldn’t be if they knew about the risks.”
A second person agreed, penning: “Another important factor is look after your hearing, get hearing aids if required. Stay alert.”
A third admitted: “This condition terrifies me. My dad is in early stages and his mum died of it. I can’t help feeling this is my future.”
While a fourth TikTok user praised the doctor: “Love listening to you, your advice his so helpful, thank you.”
Anyone who suspects they or a family member may be experiencing symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease should seek advice from their GP.
For comprehensive information on Alzheimer’s Disease, the NHS website is a valuable resource.
