Malcolm Young’s Family Confirms Dementia Diagnosis

“Malcolm is suffering from dementia and the family thanks you for respecting their privacy,” his family said in a statement sent to People magazine.

Citing “sources connected to his family,” the Sydney Morning Herald reported Sept. 26 that Young was receiving full-time care in a Sydney-area nursing home facility that specializes in dementia.

The Herald included a quote from an unnamed source that said, “If you were in the room with [Malcolm Young] and walked out, then came back in one minute later, he wouldn’t remember who you are. He has a complete loss of short-term memory.”

AC/DC released a statement Sept. 24 announcing that Young “will not be returning to the band.” The band didn’t get into specifics about the guitarist’s illness but simply pointed “to the nature of Malcom’s condition.” In April AC/DC told fans Young was “taking a break from the band due to ill health.”  

The band is planning a world tour in 2015 with Stevie Young – nephew of AC/DC founders Angus and Malcolm Young – filling in on the lineup. Stevie plays rhythm guitar on AC/DC’s upcoming LP, Rock or Bust, which is due out Nov. 28. The album is the band’s first in its 41-year history to not feature Malcolm Young.