Former Channel 4 News presenter, Jon Snow has said that he is "bowled over" by the support he has received after revealing his Alzheimer's diagnosis.
Following news of his diagnosis, Snow has received countless messages of support, including from long time colleague, Kirsty Lang, as well as singer Annie Lennox and British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, who called Snow a "true giant in journalism".
Speaking to the Alzheimer's Society in the UK, Snow has said that he will support a campaign calling on the British Government to look into its policies on treatment, support and care for those who are living with the condition, as well as their families.
"I'm truly bowled over by the outpouring of support and affection since revealing my dementia diagnosis", Snow said.
According to the charity, Snow's revelation led to a major spike in traffic on their website, particularly in its dementia symptoms checklist.
"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", Snow said on this.
"Receiving a dementia diagnosis can turn your world upside down, but I really do believe it's better to know".
Elsewhere, Snow went on to say that he will throwing his full weight behind a campaign calling for reform of dementia care in the UK.
"Too many people are experiencing delays in diagnosis - on average 3.5 years - meaning they're left in limbo without the help they need", he said. "An early diagnosis can open the door to treatment, support, care and the chance to take part in research that could change the future".
He continued: "People living with dementia and their families have waited long enough for change. We must demand better for everyone affected", he added. "I would urge everyone to join me in signing Alzheimer's Society's open letter calling on Government to deliver a bold and ambitious plan for dementia".
Michelle Dyson, the Chief Executive of the Alzheimer's Society, praised Snow for his support of this campaign.
"Jon and his wife Precious experienced first-hand the importance of an early and accurate diagnosis, and now they're supporting our call to the Government for a bold and ambitious plan for dementia", she said. "For too long, people living with dementia, and their families and carers, have not been prioritised".
"Diagnosis takes too long if it comes at all, there is minimal specialist support and the most transformative treatments remain out of reach for NHS patients".
"We wouldn't accept this injustice for cancer and we must demand better for people living with dementia".
Jon Snow is set to release a new documentary, Jon Snow: A Last Big Story, which will show him trying to navigate a way through life with Alzheimer's as he investigates a Zambian community whose land and water have been affected by a mining disaster.
Jon Snow: A Last Big Story, air on Channel 4 on June 20 at 8pm.
