Jack Hanna, 74, has been diagnosed with dementia thought to be Alzheimer’s

Good Morning America’s animal expert Jack Hanna, 74, has been diagnosed with dementia thought to be Alzheimer’s disease, his family shares


The family of respected animal expert Jack Hanna announced that he has been diagnosed with dementia.

In a letter shared on Wednesday, his three children revealed that the 74-year-old wildlife aficionado who was known for his khaki zookeepers clothing and Indiana Jones style brown hat may have Alzheimer’s disease.

Hanna was best known for bringing unusual animals on to the breakfast chat show Good Morning America as well as The Late Show With David Letterman.

Health update: The family of respected animal expert Jack Hanna announced that he has been diagnosed with dementia. In a letter shared on Wednesday, his three children revealed that the 74-year-old wildlife aficionado may have Alzheimer’s disease. Seen in 2017

His day job was as Director Emeritus of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. 

‘Today, we reach out to share some personal Hanna Family news,’ his kids Kathaleen, Suzanne and Julie, said in a letter. 

‘Doctors have diagnosed our dad, Jack Hanna, with dementia now believed to be Alzheimer’s disease.’ 

Tough turn: 'Today, we reach out to share some personal Hanna Family news,' his kids Kathaleen, Suzanne and Julie, said in a letter. 'Doctors have diagnosed our dad, Jack Hanna, with dementia now believed to be Alzheimer's disease.' Seen with Katie Holmes on Good Morning America in 2017

Tough turn: ‘Today, we reach out to share some personal Hanna Family news,’ his kids Kathaleen, Suzanne and Julie, said in a letter. ‘Doctors have diagnosed our dad, Jack Hanna, with dementia now believed to be Alzheimer’s disease.’ Seen with Katie Holmes on Good Morning America in 2017

Fast moving: And his children added that the dementia has moved quickly. Seen with Betty White in 2014

Fast moving: And his children added that the dementia has moved quickly. Seen with Betty White in 2014

And his children added that the dementia has moved quickly.

WHAT IS DEMENTIA? 

Dementia describes a group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking and social abilities severely enough to interfere with your daily life. It isn’t a specific disease, but several different diseases may cause dementia.

Though dementia generally involves memory loss, memory loss has different causes. Having memory loss alone doesn’t mean you have dementia.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of a progressive dementia in older adults, but there are a number of causes of dementia. Depending on the cause, some dementia symptoms may be reversible.

Information courtesy the Mayo Clinic 

‘His condition has progressed much faster in the last few months than any of us could have anticipated,’ the letter read. 

‘Sadly, Dad is no longer able to participate in public life as he used to, where people all over the world watched, learned and laughed alongside him.’

But the letter added: ‘While Dad’s health has deteriorated quickly, we can assure you that his great sense of humor continues to shine through. 

‘And yes – he still wears his khakis at home.’

The Hanna family asked for privacy moving forward.

‘Which is ironic, given Dad’s love of interacting with people,’ they wrote. 

‘We are grateful that the many hearts he’s touched over the years are with him during this journey, which gives us strength.’

He started appeared on Good Morning America in the early 1980s, often melting the hearts of the audience as he brought live animals on set.

The star kept his composure as the exotic animals – which ranged from lizards to baby gorillas and young leopards – often climbed on him or ran off set creating momentary havoc.

He was also seen on Entertainment Tonight, Larry King Live, The Ellen DeGeneres Show and Hollywood Squares.

Taking a break: 'Sadly, Dad is no longer able to participate in public life as he used to, where people all over the world watched, learned and laughed alongside him,' added his children; seen with Drew Barrymore in 2016 in Los Angeles

Taking a break: ‘Sadly, Dad is no longer able to participate in public life as he used to, where people all over the world watched, learned and laughed alongside him,’ added his children; seen with Drew Barrymore in 2016 in Los Angeles