A Welcome From Bill Ritter

It was a day I will not forget. June 12, 2026. I was sitting in the anchor chair — the same one I had worked in for decades. And I announced to our viewers — and then to a quickly growing audience that seemed like the world — that I had Alzheimer's.

I made a commitment that day — to you, the viewers — that I'd remain a journalist and tell stories about the disease and its impact.

On all of us.

Since then, I've visited research labs. I've sat down with patients and their families. And I have even participated in special programs like an art class.  And I’ve talked and written to so many people about Alzheimer’s.

It has been a whirlwind since June. And not just for me, but also for Alzheimer's patients and Alzheimer's research.

We've seen breakthroughs in early detection and advancements in drug treatments.

We've also seen some high-profile Americans announcing their diagnosis and providing a spotlight on the disease.

In fact, I want to share a few lines from the 2026 World Alzheimer's Report: "We are witnessing a period of remarkable scientific momentum. The mood across the research community is infectious. Alzheimer’s disease is no longer universally described as untreatable."

Wow.

I will continue to talk to you, and to report stories about Alzheimer’s and where we — and the country — are going.

Only one way to go: Onward.