Former Channel 4 presenter Jon Snow has revealed he has Alzheimer's disease ahead of the release of a new documentary surrounding his diagnosis. The 78-year-old, who was the lead presenter of Channel 4 News for 32 years, will appear in a feature-length documentary titled Jon Snow: A Last Big Story on June 20. The film follows Snow and his wife, Dr. Precious Lunga, as they come to terms with his Alzheimer's diagnosis.
Speaking about the diagnosis in the film, Snow said: '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.' He added: 'I've witnessed a great deal, I hope I've learned something – but I've still got a huge amount to learn. We all have. There's still more to do.'
The documentary will air on Channel 4 at 8pm on June 20, where Snow and Lunga embark on a journey to reveal his condition to the world. While on safari at Victoria Falls, Snow learns about a catastrophic mining disaster that received almost no media coverage. With his wife's support, Snow embarks on one last big story. Over the course of a year, along with his friend and former colleague Ben de Pear and a team of Zambian campaigners, he uncovers one of the worst mining and ecological disasters of modern times and begins a mission to secure justice for the forgotten victims.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described Snow as 'a true giant in journalism' in a statement on social media. Writing on X on June 5, Starmer said: 'A true giant in journalism, Jon Snow has spent his life asking difficult questions and telling important stories. Now, in sharing his Alzheimer's diagnosis, he is helping others feel less alone and raising awareness of a condition that affects so many families.'
Michelle Dyson CB, CEO of 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.'
