Katie Couric reveals episode of sudden loss of memory

Katie Couric said she experienced an episode of transient global amnesia, a rare condition that sharply removes nearly all memories while preserving self-awareness, according to multiple news outlets. Couric, 69, wrote Monday on Substack that the incident occurred last month while her husband drove her to the Aspen Ideas Festival in Colorado; she reportedly lost the ability to recall the month, year, and the president, and believed it was 2024. She hosts the “Next Question” podcast and produces the daily “Wake-Up Call” newsletter. The NIH says transient global amnesia affects about 3 to 10 people per 100,000 annually, rising to 23 to 32 per 100,000 for those aged 50 and older. Episodes typically last one to 24 hours, and a neurologist told NBC it is not linked to Alzheimer’s or dementia.