Jack Hanna Continues to Decline Due to Alzheimers [Video]

Jack Hanna, the charismatic zookeeper and television personality who gained national fame as director of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, is continuing to deal with the effects of Alzheimer’s disease.

The family of the 77-year-old, who was diagnosed with the disease in October 2019, tells PEOPLE in a statement that his symptoms have continued to progress.

“We wish we had good news to share, but Jack continues to decline and has all the symptoms one would anticipate with advanced Alzheimer’s,” the family says. “Each day, we do our best to find joy – even when things are challenging.” 

“We hope that sharing Jack’s diagnosis of Alzheimer’s brings awareness to the disease that affects almost 7 million Americans and their families,” they add.

Alzheimer’s is a degenerative brain disease that is caused by complex brain changes following cell damage. It progressively affects memory, thinking and behavior seriously enough to interfere with daily tasks.

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