Jon Snow says he’s ‘not afraid of death’ amid life-changing diagnosis

Jon Snow has said he is “not afraid of death” amid his Alzheimer’s diagnosis.The 78-year-old news presenter revealed his diagnosis earlier this month, revealing that he has been living with the neurological disorder since 2023 and admitting he was initially hesitant to seek medical advice, convinced there was nothing amiss.Snow’s health is the focus of a new documentary, Channel 4’s Jon Snow: A Last Big Story, in which he discusses his retirement from newsreading as well as his diagnosis.

Writing for The Independent, critic Nick Hilton wrote that it is heartwarming television that features “inspired creative decision-making”.open image in galleryThe former Channel 4 news presenter Jon Snow (Getty Images)In a new interview, Snow has discussed his future and his experience of living with Alzheimer’s, and revealed that he feels little.“I’m not afraid of death because I think whatever happens, happens,” he told The Times.

“And there’s nothing I can do either to speed or slow it. But I eat well, I run, and I stand on my head. It’s been a very lucky life.

I never fell in when I was painting a river.”His wife, the epidemiologist Precious Lunga, also said that her husband first began displaying symptoms of the disease in the months after his retirement from Channel 4 News in 2021.“He was very depressed after he retired, which is normal,” Lunga explained.

“Jon never said it was work he did. He said it was a privilege … Every day he would bound out of bed and listen to the news on the radio.

When he retired, that went and it was a big wrench, a big, big wrench. So it was after the depression – more than six months of depression – when he started re-engaging with the world that he started showing symptoms.”Earlier this month, the 78-year-old said that the effects of Alzheimer’s currently come and go.

Sometimes, he said, he feels so well that he even questions his diagnosis.“Sometimes I doubt whether I’ve really got it,” he said. “I don’t know if it’s widespread knowledge.

I don’t feel disabled in any way.”Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 dayNew subscribers only. £9.

99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled.

Try for freeADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 dayNew subscribers only. £9.99/mo.

after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled.Try for freeADVERTISEMENT.

If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.open image in gallerySnow and his wife Precious in 2022 (Getty)The NHS says Alzheimer’s – the most common form of dementia – is characterised by the progressive decline of brain function, impacting memory, cognitive skills, and other mental faculties.

The Alzheimer’s Society, which helped work on the new Channel 4 documentary, praised Snow’s decision to go public with his diagnosis.Its chief executive Michelle Dyson 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. 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.”After sharing his health news, Snow said he was “truly bowled over” by the public outpouring of support.

He said: “As a journalist, you never expect to become the story, but it’s heartening to know that sharing my experience has contributed to a surge in visits to Alzheimer’s Society’s website, with people seeking information, support and ways to get involved in the fight against dementia.“Receiving a dementia diagnosis can turn your world upside down, but I really do believe it’s better to know.”Join our commenting forumJoin thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their repliesComments