Jon Snow was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s three years ago and in an new interview, he shares how he is struggling to cope while his wife admits retirement kickstarted his depression
Channel 4 news icon Jon Snow has heartbreakingly revealed that he is struggling with his Alzheimer’s diagnosis. In a recent interview to promote his documentary which airs this weekend he said: “It was impossible to keep it a secret. So, if you’re going to do it, do it with style.”
When asked by The Times how he was managing the condition, Jon, 78, responded saying: “Coping? I don’t think I’m beginning to attempt that. I just try to ignore it. I think if you burrow deeply into Alzheimer’s, you’re on a very slippery slope.” Three years ago tragedy struck and the TV personality was diagnosed with the brain disease. But never one to sit back and wither away into the background, Jon is currently promoting his latest documentary about his battle and journey .
He continued: “Better really not to devote an enormous amount of time to it. Get on with what you’re better at.”
According to his wife Dr Precious Lunga, who married Jon in 2010, he fell into a depression when he retired from Channel 4 news in 2021.
She claimed Jon never saw his job as a chore, instead he valued his work and saw it as a “privilege.”
In another interview, Dr Lunga explained why Jon felt so low following his exit from a show he had been part of for 30 years.
While on Women’s Hour with Anita Rai, she said: “He felt that when someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s you’re written off. And actually, it’s not as if you fall off a cliff. It’s a gradual degradation of the brain.”
She added: “It’s a disease and it takes time, It’s a disease process, so it doesn’t mean you still can’t contribute in the world. And he still felt that he had so much to give. And that’s why he had so much to give.”
Lunga who is an epidemiologist and neuroscientist shared how she recognised symptoms that were indicative of the disease, which prompted her to have medical tests carried out.
She explained: “After he retired, he went into a deep depression. He missed his colleagues and his work. That lasted for about six months. After that period, he began to develop symptoms. Depression can sometimes be a trigger for Alzheimer’s.”
Jon became Channel 4’s main news anchor in 1989 and also covered the fall of the Berlin Wall during the same year. During his three decade long career with the broadcaster, the legendary news presentert covered some of the biggest historical events around the world, including Nelson Mandela’s release from prison.
But it seems that sadly Jon is no stranger to the disease as his mum also suffered with the condition for ten years before passing away in her eighties.
Jon Snow: A Last Big Story is on Channel 4 at 8pm on June 20 and available to stream. The Alzheimer’s Society offers information and support on 0333 150 3456 and alzheimers.org.uk
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