BBC presenter Janice Forsyth announces early-onset Alzheimer’s diagnosis
By Craig Paton, PA Scotland Deputy Political Editor
BBC radio presenter Janice Forsyth has been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s, she has announced.
The 30-plus year, freelance broadcasting veteran has presented shows on BBC Radio Scotland, Radio Three and Radio Four, as well as setting up a podcasting production firm, the Big Light.
But, in a statement released on Monday, the 65-year-old said she had suffered “deep feelings of anxiety” since 2022 and had found some tasks such as navigation “extremely difficult”.
“I’d hoped that I was simply worn out by my many years as a freelance broadcaster and perhaps exhausted following the loss of our dear mother, Patricia, the previous Christmas, but sadly, I now have a firm diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
“It’s been a huge blow, but I’m also feeling some relief that I finally have an explanation for lapses I’d been experiencing, and I’m managing to remain buoyant most of the time.”
While she said she would be withdrawing from social media “for now”, Ms Forsyth plans to continue work for the podcasting firm she established with producer Fiona White, saying “I’m not done yet”.
In a message to listeners, she added: “I never took my role lightly and hope I always gave my best, both for your sake and that of my interviewees.
“It’s been a blast, and I send a high five to everyone who tuned in on Saturday mornings or on more recent weekday afternoons and heard something interesting.”
Louise Thornton, the head of commissioning at BBC Scotland, paid tribute to Ms Forsyth, saying: “Janice has been a hugely popular personality on our airwaves for many years.
“The many production teams she has collaborated with have appreciated her outstanding skill as a presenter on radio and television.
“Her warmth, relaxed interviewing style, and peerless knowledge of arts, music, and culture in Scotland and beyond, have made her a firm favourite with audiences over the decades.
“Everyone at BBC Scotland wishes Janice all the very best and we’ll be pleased to continue to explore suitable opportunities where we can work together.”