Veteran Anchor Bill Ritter Steps Down Amid Alzheimer’s Diagnosis

Dr. Eboni Cornish, Associate Medical Director at Amen Clinics, joined ‘Fox & Friends First’ to discuss a study linking ultra-processed foods with higher dementia risk. The study found a 58% higher risk of dementia and a 46% increase in cognitive impairment associated with these foods.

Veteran New York news anchor Bill Ritter announced his diagnosis of early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, which concludes his more than two-decade tenure at the WABC-TV anchor desk. On the latest Eyewitness News broadcast, Ritter, 76, shared his diagnosis, marking his last night anchoring the program.

“After a series of tests, my doctors have confirmed I have Alzheimer’s,” Ritter stated. “It’s early-stage, and treatments are keeping it at bay for now. But there’s no guarantee, as there’s no cure yet for Alzheimer’s.”

According to ABC7, Ritter joined WABC-TV in 1998, following an expansive journalism career that included roles at the Los Angeles Times and various local TV stations in California, as well as positions with ABC News. He began anchoring the 11 p.m. Eyewitness News broadcast in 1999, before taking on the flagship 6 p.m. newscast in 2001, and also hosted the 5 p.m. news for several years.

ABC7 highlighted that Ritter will remain with the station in a new role. He will report on Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological conditions, focusing on their impact on patients and families. WABC-TV General Manager Marilu Galvez expressed gratitude for Ritter’s service, lauding his insight, integrity, and empathy.

“For decades, Bill Ritter has led New Yorkers through key stories,” Galvez noted. “His presence has been vital to ABC7. Though stepping back from daily anchoring, he remains integral to our team, offering updates and resources to help others better understand Alzheimer’s.”

Ritter shared that his father also succumbed to Alzheimer’s in 1998, after years of battling the illness. In his new role, viewers can expect Ritter to provide crucial insights and support to those affected by Alzheimer’s.