Paul Gambaccini, 77, reveals Alzheimer's diagnosis while continuing to broadcast

DJ and broadcaster Paul Gambaccini has publicly disclosed his diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, which he received in 2025. The 77-year-old presenter, a familiar voice on the BBC since the 1970s, expressed gratitude for the support he has received since sharing his condition. Gambaccini stated, “As Freddie Mercury once sang, you can’t turn back the clock, you can’t turn back the tide. Ain’t that a shame.”

Support from the Alzheimer's Society

Gambaccini has been receiving assistance from the Alzheimer’s Society following his diagnosis. He emphasized the importance of openness about his condition, stating, “I want to be given the space to keep on broadcasting the music I love to the listeners I love even more.”

He continues his work on the Paul Gambaccini Collection on BBC Radio 2 every Sunday and also hosts shows on Greatest Hits Radio. His ongoing commitment to broadcasting highlights that life can continue positively even after a dementia diagnosis.

Gambaccini's Legacy and Challenges

Throughout his career, Gambaccini has faced significant challenges, including being embroiled in the aftermath of Operation Yewtree, which investigated sexual abuse allegations against public figures. In 2018, he received a payout from the Crown Prosecution Service over unfounded allegations that he described as “completely fictitious.”

He has been vocal about his treatment by the BBC during this period, labeling it as the “worst employer of all time.” Gambaccini criticized the then director general, Tony Hall, for succumbing to media pressure during the scandal.

Maintaining an Active Lifestyle

Despite his diagnosis, Gambaccini remains active. He enjoys tenpin bowling weekly and aims for a score higher than 150, referencing Richard Nixon's average. He also visits the gym twice a week and maintains a disciplined daily routine, including a nightly bedtime of 11:30 PM and an afternoon siesta.

Known by nicknames such as “The Great Gambo” and “The Professor of Pop,” Gambaccini was born in New York and later moved to the UK, where he studied at Oxford University before launching his broadcasting career. He was inducted into the Radio Academy Hall of Fame in 2005.