Overview
- Ritter announced during Friday, June 12's Eyewitness News that doctors have diagnosed him with early-stage Alzheimer’s and that Friday's 6 p.m. broadcast would be his final newscast as anchor.
- He will remain at WABC/ABC7 in a newly created reporting role focused on Alzheimer’s and related neurological diseases, sharing personal updates and resources while producing stories on care and costs.
- Ritter said doctors told him current therapies are keeping symptoms at bay for now and he framed the move as a chance to spend more time with family while continuing journalism in a different capacity.
- WABC general manager Marilu Galvez issued a supportive statement confirming his continued association with the station, and colleagues and public figures responded with public praise and messages of support.
- The announcement highlights larger issues about Alzheimer’s care: the disease has no cure, treatments can only slow symptoms for some patients, and many reports emphasize rising cases and the high cost of treatment and caregiving.