George Negus’s Alzheimer’s condition worsens with TV legend ‘non verbal’

George Negus’s son has shared a devastating update about the 82-year-old’s battle with dementia alongside a touching new photo.

Legendary Australian TV personality George Negus’ battle with Alzheimer’s disease has taken a turn for the worse with the 82-year-old now “non verbal.”

Negus, a founding presenter of 60 Minutes, was diagnosed with dementia about five years ago and has been living in a Sydney aged care facility since 2021.

His son shared an update on his father’s health alongside a photo taken on Father’s Day on September 1.

“I was hesitant to post this on LinkedIn, as it’s pretty personal,” Ned Negus wrote.

George Negus pictured with son Ned Negus on Father’s Day. Picture: LinkedIn/ Ned Negus

“But then realised you’re all humans and there’s always a place for sharing human realities with your professional network.”

Ned, who is chief commercial officer for the A-League soccer competitions, continued to give new details about his father’s condition.

“He’s now non verbal most of the time (mind-blowing for me but also any of you that know him),” he wrote.

George Negus was made a member of the Order of Australia for services to the media on Australia Day 2015.

“Today is Father’s Day in Australia and we had a walk on the beach together.

“He was clearly not sure why this particular walk was symbolic and sometimes not sure with whom he was walking.

“At one point we stopped, he smiled broadly and then hugged me for quite some time.

“It was sad, but it was uplifting to know that even when you can no longer say what you feel, you can still DO what you feel.

“Love you Negsy.”

Prime Minister Bob Hawke and journalist George Negus at the launch of the Environmental Futures Group, March 1991. Picture: National Archives of Australia

In the photo, taken by Ned’s mother, Kirsty Cockburn and Negus’ partner of almost 40 years, Negus is seen in his signature moustache and appears frail as he embraces his son.
“(Mum) is by his side most days helping him through, helping him remember (even the slightest thing) and feel,” Ned wrote. “Massive shout out to her too.”

Negus’s last major public appearance was at a memorial for former 60 minutes executive producer Gerald Stone in November 2020.

A pioneer of Australian TV journalism, Negus first appeared on the ABC’s This Day Tonight and later 60 Minutes.

He is known for his charisma, peerless and fearless approach, and has reported through decades of technological, political and social change.