Danny Glover's Alzheimer's Diagnosis: Signs, Stages and Treatment Explained
Danny Glover's Alzheimer's Diagnosis: Signs, Stages and Treatment Explained
Health · Reviewed 24 July 2026 · 8 min read
Danny Glover, the actor we all know from the Lethal Weapon films, has come forward with his Alzheimer's diagnosis. He's 79, and in an interview with Lester Holt on the TODAY show on 1 July 2026, he spoke about having lived with the condition for several years. It seems the diagnosis came around the time he was given the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award back in January 2022. "I can live with it, in a sense," Glover said. "I'm sure as it advances, things are going to be different and changing." His decision to talk about it publicly has thrown a bright light on a condition that touches hundreds of thousands of families here in the UK. What follows is an explanation of what Alzheimer's actually is, the early signs you should be aware of, how it gets diagnosed and treated via the NHS, and what you can do to keep your brain as healthy as possible.
TL;DR Danny Glover, 79, has shared that he has been living with Alzheimer's for several years. It's a progressive brain disease, and the most common cause of dementia. Early signs often include memory lapses and trouble planning. Diagnosis happens through your GP, though a lot of people in the UK never get one. New drugs that can slow the disease down do exist, but they're not available on the NHS right now. Lifestyle changes can help lower your risk.
What did Danny Glover say about his diagnosis?
It was in that exclusive chat with Lester Holt for TODAY, broadcast on 1 July 2026, that Danny Glover first opened up about his Alzheimer's. The 79-year-old, famous for his work in the Lethal Weapon movies and his long history of civil rights activism, told viewers he'd been diagnosed a few years prior. He reckoned the timing was around January 2022, coinciding with him receiving the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the Governors Awards.
With his usual calm dignity, Glover talked about what lies ahead. "I can live with it, in a sense," he mentioned. "I'm sure as it advances, things are going to be different and changing." He did point out that since the diagnosis, his movement, his speech, and his memory have all gotten slower. That said, he's still out and about in his San Francisco neighbourhood, turning up to events.
His daughter, Mandisa, shared that for her dad, it was about "to have control of his own narrative, of his own life story" – wanting to speak for himself while he still could. By sharing what he's going through, Glover's helped bring Alzheimer's into the open a bit more and chip away at the stigma that so often comes with the diagnosis.
What is Alzheimer's disease?
Alzheimer's is a neurodegenerative disease that gets worse over time, and it's the number one cause of dementia. Dementia itself is really just a catch-all term for a group of symptoms that come from different brain diseases. With Alzheimer's, there are very specific changes to the brain's structure. Alzheimer's Research UK points to a build-up of two particular proteins: amyloid, which creates sticky plaques between the nerve cells, and tau, which forms tangles inside them.
This protein build-up messes with how brain cells talk to each other, and eventually the cells start to die off. The damage is what brings on the symptoms we associate with the disease – memory loss being the classic one, but also problems with thinking, reasoning, and getting through daily tasks. The whole process tends to be slow, playing out over many years. Age is still the biggest risk factor, but getting older doesn't mean you'll definitely get it. Alzheimer's is a serious medical condition, and as it progresses it really does interfere with a person's ability to live on their own.
What are the early warning signs of Alzheimer's?
The early signs can be pretty subtle, and it's easy to brush them off as just getting older. But there's a real difference between occasionally losing your keys and a pattern of changes that start to get in the way of normal life. The NHS and the Alzheimer's Society both say it's worth getting things checked if you or someone close to you starts noticing:
- Memory lapses: Forgetting recent events or conversations, repeating the same question, or increasingly relying on notes or loved ones for things you used to manage yourself.
- Difficulty with familiar tasks: Finding it harder to follow a familiar recipe, manage finances, or navigate to a well-known place.
- Problems with planning or decision-making: Struggling to concentrate, plan steps for a task, or make sensible judgments.
- Confusion about time or place: Losing track of dates, seasons, or the passage of time, and becoming confused about where you are.
- Word-finding trouble: Struggling to follow or join a conversation, stopping mid-sentence, or calling things by the wrong name.
- Mood and personality changes: Becoming more anxious, agitated, suspicious, or withdrawn. Losing interest in hobbies or social activities.
If these things are new and they're getting in the way of everyday life, it's a good idea to have a doctor look into it.
What are the stages of Alzheimer's disease?
Alzheimer's is generally talked about in three main stages, though everyone's experience and how quickly it moves along is different.
The early stage, often called mild Alzheimer's, is when symptoms first become noticeable. A person might forget recent events, lose things, or have trouble with planning and organisation. They can usually still live independently, but they may start to struggle with complex tasks like managing finances or driving.
The middle stage, or moderate Alzheimer's, is usually the longest. Symptoms become more pronounced. Memory loss worsens, and a person may not recognise close friends or family. They can become confused about where they are or what time it is. Behavioural changes like agitation, repetitive questioning, or wandering may occur, and they will need increasing help with daily activities.
The late stage, or severe Alzheimer's, is where a lot of independence is lost. Communication gets really hard, and a person might not be able to walk, eat, or use the toilet without someone there to help them full-time. They become very vulnerable to infections, and care needs to be round-the-clock.
How is Alzheimer's diagnosed?
First things first: if you're worried about your memory or thinking and it's starting to affect your day-to-day, go see your GP. There's no single test that says yes, you have Alzheimer's. Diagnosis typically comes after a thorough assessment. This could involve talking about your symptoms and medical history, having a chat with a close friend or family member, and doing some memory and thinking tests.
Your GP might then send you along to a specialist – maybe a memory clinic or a neurologist – for more checks. That might include a brain scan, like an MRI, to have a look at the brain's structure and rule out other things like strokes or tumours. The Alzheimer's Society notes that roughly one in three people with dementia in the UK don't actually have a formal diagnosis. Getting that diagnosis is important because it opens doors to support, treatment, and the chance to plan ahead.
There's also some interesting work happening in research, as Alzheimer's Research UK has mentioned, on blood tests that could spot Alzheimer's earlier. They're not standard practice in the UK yet, but they're a hopeful sign for the future of diagnosis.
How is Alzheimer's treated?
Right now, there's no cure for Alzheimer's. But there are treatments and support out there that can make a difference to managing the condition. In the last few years, new drugs have come along that aim to actually slow the disease down. Lecanemab and donanemab are the first ones designed to do this in early-stage Alzheimer's, and they work by going after the amyloid plaques in the brain. The catch is that, as of 2026, NICE (the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) hasn't given them the green light for routine NHS use, saying they're not cost-effective. So for now, in the UK, you can only get them if you go private.
The NHS does have other treatments on offer, though. Symptomatic drugs – things like cholinesterase inhibitors, donepezil being a common one, and memantine – can help with symptoms like memory loss and confusion for a while.
Just as important is the non-drug side of things. That means getting into daily routines, using memory aids like calendars and pill organisers, and tapping into support services. The Alzheimer's Society is a great resource for information, advice, and support groups. Dementia UK provides specialist help through Admiral Nurses, who are mental health nurses with expertise in dementia.
Can you reduce your risk of Alzheimer's?
Age and genetics are risk factors you're stuck with, but more and more research is showing that how you live has a real impact on brain health. The basic idea, backed by Alzheimer's Research UK, is that what's good for your heart is good for your brain. There are several evidence-based things you can do to lower your risk.
Key factors include managing health conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. Staying physically active is crucial; aim for regular exercise that gets your heart pumping. A healthy, balanced diet, such as a Mediterranean-style diet rich in vegetables, fruit, fish and olive oil, is also linked to better brain health. Other protective factors include not smoking, limiting alcohol intake, staying socially active, and keeping your brain mentally engaged through reading, learning new skills, or puzzles. Protecting your hearing is also important, as hearing loss is a known risk factor for dementia. It's vital to remember that Alzheimer's is not an inevitable part of ageing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alzheimer's the same as dementia?
Not exactly, but they're closely linked. Dementia is the umbrella term for the symptoms you get from various brain diseases. Alzheimer's is the single most common disease that causes those symptoms – it accounts for most cases. There are other types too, like vascular dementia and Lewy body dementia.
Is Alzheimer's hereditary?
For the vast majority of people, no, it's not directly passed down through genes. Age is the main risk factor. That said, if a parent or sibling has it, your own risk does go up a bit. A very small number of cases, usually ones that start unusually early, are down to specific inherited genes.
Can Alzheimer's be cured?
At the moment, no. There is no cure. Drugs like lecanemab and donanemab can slow things down in the early stages, but they're not a cure. Treatment is really about managing the symptoms, giving support, and helping people maintain their quality of life for as long as they can.
How fast does Alzheimer's progress?
It varies hugely from person to person. People live for several years after diagnosis on average, but it can be anywhere from a few years to more than a decade. The middle stage often lasts the longest. How fast it moves depends on a lot of things, including age and other health conditions.
When should I see a GP about memory problems?
If you or someone you know is noticing that memory problems, confusion, or difficulty thinking are starting to get in the way of everyday life, it's time to book an appointment. Forgetting recent events, struggling to manage money, or getting lost in places you know well – these are all signs it's worth getting checked. An early diagnosis means you can get the right support and start planning for the future.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are worried about your memory or thinking, or that of a loved one, please speak to your GP.