Jon Snow, 78, Reveals Alzheimer’s Diagnosis In Channel 4 Documentary

Veteran Channel 4 News presenter Jon Snow, 78, has revealed he is living with Alzheimer’s disease, with the condition described as the most common form of dementia.

“Presenter Jon Snow reveals Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis News Olivia Lewis | On 05 June 2026 Channel 4 News presenter and long-time Alzheimer’s Research UK supporter Jon Snow has courageously shared that he is living with Alzheimer’s disease after being diagnosed in 2023”

Alzheimer's Research UK

The Alzheimer’s Society said Snow will be seen navigating his diagnosis in a documentary produced by Basement Films, titled 'Jon Snow: A Last Big Story', airing on Channel 4 on Saturday, 20 June.

Alzheimer's Research UK

In the film, Snow says: "At the beginning I wanted to hide it, there’s so much prejudice."

He adds: "Any sort of hint of mental decay, you're sort of dead."

Snow’s wife, Dr Precious Lunga, is described as an epidemiologist with a PhD in neuroscience, and she said friends kept asking if Jon was alright while she had to lie and say he’s fine.

In the Daily Mail interview, Snow questioned the diagnosis, saying: "I mean sometimes I doubt whether I’ve really got it."

Alzheimer's Society

The BBC reports that Lunga said Snow was initially reluctant to see a doctor, but he saw a specialist in 2023 and was given a mini-mental state exam, scoring 29 out of 30.

Michelle Dyson, CEO of Alzheimer’s Society, said Snow’s decision to talk publicly was "a real act of courage and his story will resonate with so many."

The documentary 'Jon Snow: A Last Big Story' is set to follow Snow coming out of retirement for one last investigation into a mining disaster affecting local communities in Zambia, where he and Precious spend much of their time.

“- Published Jon Snow, the lead presenter of Channel 4 News for 32 years, has revealed he has Alzheimer's disease”

BBC

The BBC says the film will have its premiere at Sheffield Documentary Festival next week and be shown on Channel 4 on 20 June, while Channel 4’s head of news Louisa Compton called it "a profound privilege" to document his last big investigation.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer praised Snow as a "true giant in journalism" and said his decision to go public is "helping others feel less alone and raising awareness of a condition that affects so many families".

Alzheimer’s Society said the documentary is part of its Defeating Dementia campaign and that an early diagnosis can unlock vital support, help families plan ahead, and potentially open the door to participation in clinical trials.