Top BBC presenter forced to step down after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s

She has revealed the diagnosis

Janice Forsyth has revealed that she has been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease and has been forced to step away from her work.

The BBC Scotland presenter thought initially she was suffering from anxiety when her first symptoms appeared, however, doctors have since done tests and confirmed the onset of the disease.

Janice is well appreciated for her celebrity interviews down the years, including with the likes of Billy Connolly, ABBA and Ewan McGregor.

She praised the NHS for the care she has received since the diagnosis and how it has provided her with some relief.

She also spoke out about first experiencing symptoms three years ago, struggling to perform certain tasks.

In a statement she said: "Sadly, I now have a firm diagnosis of early onset Alzheimer's disease.

“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!

“On another positive note, I’ve been able to continue to contribute to The Big Light - the podcast production company I founded 5 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!

“So, 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.

"Love, Janice Forsyth AKA Janny aff the tranny.”

Janice also said that for her own privacy, she has taken a step back from social media.

She has formed her own production company called The Big Light and previously presented the Afternoon Show on Radio Scotland.

Meanwhile she has recently appeared as a high-profile guest at Alzheimer's Scotland online dementia café.