BBC star Paul Gambaccini, 77, reveals he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s as he shares heartbreaking statement
RADIO and TV broadcaster Paul Gambaccini has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
The BBC Radio 2 and Greatest Hits Radio presenter, 77, shared a heartbreaking statement confirming he is suffering from the illness.
He said: “As Freddie Mercury once sang, you can’t turn back the clock, you can’t turn back the tide. Ain’t that a shame.
“In early 2025 I was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
“There’s no denying it’s a serious condition with an uncertain future, but for now life goes on as normal and I continue to broadcast The Paul Gambaccini Collection on BBC Radio 2 from 8-10pm on Sundays, and my shows on Greatest Hits Radio.
“I’m grateful for the kindness and support I’ve already received.
“I will be as open as I can as things progress.
“For now, I wish to be given the space to keep on broadcasting the music I love to the listeners I love even more.
“These are the days of our lives.”
Alzheimer’s disease is named after the doctor who first described it in medical literature, Alois Alzheimer.
The condition affects one in six people over the age of 80 and it is thought that around 850,000 people in total are suffering in the UK alone.
A hallmark of the disease is the build-up of amyloid beta proteins in the brain, which causes plaques.
The plaques then result in the loss of connections between nerve cells in the brain – and ultimately the death of those cells and a loss of brain tissue.
Those with Alzheimer’s also have a shortage of key chemicals in the brain, which help transmit messages.
A lack of these chemicals means the brain is unable to process certain messages how it would have previously.
While there is currently no cure for the disease, some treatments can help boost these chemical messages, and ward off some of the symptoms.
But it is ultimately a progressive disease which means more symptoms appear and worsen over time.
Since his diagnosis, Gambaccini and his husband Christopher Sherwood have been receiving support from the Alzheimer’s Society.
Charity chief executive Michelle Dyson said: “Paul’s experience shows that there can be life after a dementia diagnosis – his fans will be delighted at his decision to carry on hosting his shows.”
She added: “Receiving a dementia diagnosis can be frightening, but it can also open the door to receiving treatment and support.
“We hope that by sharing his diagnosis, Paul will encourage others to spot the symptoms and reach out if they are worried about themselves or a loved one.
“The earlier someone is diagnosed, the better the chances are that they can continue doing the things they love and live independently for longer, and plan for the future.”
Early warning signs of Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s will affect everyone differently, but there are some common early symptoms to look out for in your loved ones.
According to Alzheimer’s Society, they include:
- Memory problems – often the first noticeable sign, which might affect recollections of recent conversations or events, appointments, as well as familiar journeys and places
- Problems with thinking and reasoning – this might mean difficulty concentrating, following a conversation and planning, and confusion about what time of day it is
- Changes in mood – they may become anxious, easily annoyed, frightened or sad, or lose interest in hobbies
- Changes in perception of distance, which might make parking the car or using the stairs hard, finding certain noises upsetting
Known as “The Great Gambo” and “The Professor of Pop”, New York-born Gambaccini has presented regular programmes on BBC Radio 1, 2, 3 and 4.
He was a regular contributor to BBC Radio 4’s long-running arts programme Kaleidoscope.
He’s also hosted the Classic FM series Paul Gambaccini’s Hall Of Heroes, the Radio 4 music quiz Counterpoint, Pick Of The Pops on BBC Radio 2, and America’s Greatest Hits on Greatest Hits Radio, as well as the Paul Gambaccini Collection on Radio 2.
Gambaccini was inducted into the Radio Academy Hall of Fame in 2005.
The Alzheimer’s Society offers support to everyone affected by dementia at alzheimers.org.uk and has a support line on 0333 150 3456.
A dementia symptoms checklist can be found at alzheimers.org.uk/checklist.