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Jon Snow admits he thought he was dead following his devastating Alzheimer's diagnosis.
The presenter, 78, retired from Channel 4 news in 2021, after more than three decades. Just two years later, Jon was diagnosed with Alzheimer's.
Alzheimer's is a progressive, irreversible brain disorder and the most common cause of dementia. It slowly destroys memory, thinking skills, and the ability to carry out the simplest daily tasks.
Jon Snow: A Last Big Story, made in conjunction with the Alzheimer’s Society, is set to air on Channel 4 on Saturday, and the newsreader talks about his battle with the disorder.
It is a big move for Jon, who initially wanted to hide having Alzheimer's as 'there’s so much prejudice'.
He adds: '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.'
Everyone experiences dementia differently. Use this checklist to help you make a note of your symptoms before you talk to your GP.
Jon Snow admits he thought he was dead following his devastating Alzheimer's diagnosis
The one-off documentary follows Jon and his former editor at Channel 4 News Ben de Pear exposing injustice, by fighting for a Zambian community whose land and water have been decimated by a mining disaster being covered up by officials.
In one clip, Jon speaks about how much he has missed working after Ben tells him: 'You're always a morning person'.
The newsreader replies: 'I didn’t think I was unduly early this morning. But in all honesty, I just love the action. I've missed it very much. And I thought I was dead.'
Ben jokingly says he wrote Jon's obituary.
Jon tells him: 'I hope you've missed me. I was deported before my time.'
While Ben replies he 'served his sentence' after three decades at Channel 4, Jon says: 'Yes, I think the creaking of the brain of what was left of it was outspinning the sound of my voice.'
After more than three decades on Channel 4 News, Jon reluctantly agreed to retire and broadcast his last bulletin in December 2021, at the age of 74.
Jon Snow: A Last Big Story, made in conjunction with the Alzheimer’s Society, is set to air on Channel 4 on Saturday, and the newsreader talks about his battle with the disorder
His deterioration began almost immediately. Without the stimulation of the newsroom, he sank into a deep depression and appeared to lose his appetite for life.
Ten months after that last bulletin, he woke one morning and told his wife Precious Lunga, 51, he was late for work. When she gently reminded him that he had retired from Channel 4 News, he looked crushed.
Initially, Jon was reluctant to see a doctor, insisting there was nothing wrong, even when everyone around him knew that wasn’t the case, and Precious was becoming ill with the strain of covering for him.
Finally, in early 2023, Precious persuaded her husband to see a specialist. A brain scan revealed Jon has Alzheimer's.
The film follows Jon and his wife, Dr Precious Lunga, as they come to terms with Jon’s Alzheimer's diagnosis.
Precious, a neuroscientist, knows that the worst thing for Jon is to suffer behind closed doors and the couple are determined to live the fullest life possible with the years they have left together.
Jon Snow: A Last Big Story will be available to watch and stream on Channel 4 at 8pm, Saturday, June 20.
For dementia information and support, visit alzheimers.org.uk or phone the Dementia Support Line on 0333 150 3456
WHAT IS DEMENTIA?
Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a range of progressive neurological disorders, that is, conditions affecting the brain.
There are many different types of dementia, of which Alzheimer’s disease is the most common.
Some people may have a combination of types of dementia.
Regardless of which type is diagnosed, each person will experience their dementia in their own unique way.
Dementia is a global concern but it is most often seen in wealthier countries, where people are likely to live into very old age.
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE AFFECTED?
The Alzheimer’s Society reports there are more than 1million people living with dementia in the UK today, of which more than 500,000 have Alzheimer's.
It is estimated that the number of people living with dementia in the UK by 2040 will rise to more than 1.4million.
As a person’s age increases, so does the risk of them developing dementia.
Rates of diagnosis are improving but many people with dementia are thought to still be undiagnosed.
IS THERE A CURE?
Currently there is no cure for dementia. But new drugs can slow down its progression and the earlier it is spotted the more effective treatments are.
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