Australian television journalist George Negus has revealed that he is battling dementia.

The 79-year-old, who is best known for his time on 60 Minutes and Foreign Correspondent, is now living in an aged care facility.

“As a family, we are sharing the new path we walk as George faces the realities of his diagnosis of dementia from Alzheimer’s disease,” son Serge Negus told Daily Mail Australia.

“We continue to share wonderful family times and are grateful for the care and support we have had from extended family and friends over the past few years who understand our challenges.”

According to the publication, Negus’ partner of more than 35 years, Kirsty Cockburn, had become increasingly concerned about her husband’s safety as his health declined, resulting in her no longer being able to look after him by herself.

Negus was a founding presenter of 60 Minutes in 1979, and later appeared on Foreign Correspondent from 1992.

He went on to appear on multiple other shows and even launched his own media company, Negus Media International.

In 2015, he became a Member of the Order of Australia.