ABC News Veteran Bill Ritter Diagnosed with Alzheimer's, Raises Awareness

Veteran ABC 7 New York anchor Bill Ritter, 76, publicly disclosed an early‑stage Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis. After his wife Kathleen Friery noticed persistent memory lapses that differed from normal aging, the couple sought multiple medical opinions and received a definitive diagnosis in late 2025. Ritter announced his condition while leaving the network after more than 25 years, saying the news helped his family understand the reality of the disease.

The couple hopes their openness will encourage others to recognize early signs of Alzheimer’s and seek evaluation promptly. Ritter is receiving a monthly infusion to slow disease progression and plans to continue contributing stories about living with Alzheimer’s. Their story highlights the crucial role families play in identifying cognitive changes and underscores the importance of early medical assessment.