'Not done yet': Well-known broadcaster reveals Alzheimer's diagnosis
Janice Forsyth, an award-winning BBC Scotland presenter, revealed her diagnosis in a recent statement after first suffering symptoms in 2022.
The arts and culture presenter stated that the news came as a 'huge blow' but also gave her 'some relief' as she had been experiencing deep feelings of anxiety and finding some tasks to be challenging.
Forsyth explained that she had just hoped it was exhaustion from spending many years as a broadcaster but that she now has "a firm diagnosis".
She said: 'Some of you may have noticed that I've been absent from your radios for a while, and I feel it's time now to let everyone know the reason.
'From 2022, I'd been experiencing deep feelings of anxiety and finding some tasks, especially 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.
'As much as I have loved seeking out and sharing the best of music/literature/theatre/cinema with you, I'm happy now to have the time and freedom to enjoy all of these simply for my own pleasure.
'Call it living in the moment, and you won't be far off.'
The 65-year-old stated that she is 'not done yet' as she plans to continue with The Big Light, a podcast production company that she founded five years ago with Fiona White.
She also thanked NHS Scotland for their care and noted that she will be coming off of social media 'for now'.
Janice added: 'On another positive note, I've been able to continue to contribute to The Big Light - the podcast production company I founded five years ago with Fiona White.
'The company is going from strength to strength and we're excited for more to come. I'm not done yet!
'Finding the cause of my trouble took a while, but I at least now know what's been happening and am grateful for lovely friends & family, as well as for fine post-diagnosis care from NHS Scotland.
'Dear Listener - 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.
'For reasons of privacy and mental health, I plan to withdraw from social media for now, and I wish you all well.'
Forsyth has worked for the BBC for more than three decades mostly at BBC Radio Scotland and some TV as well as BBC Radio Five, BBC Radio Four, and BBC Radio Three.
Between 2013 and early 2024 she presented programmes including the Culture Studio which then became the Janice Forsyth Show and the Afternoon Show.
Louise Thornton, head of commissioning at BBC Scotland, said: "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."
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