As top LDS Church leaders age, they move closer to ‘the zone of dementia’
Gordon Hinckley and Russell Nelson were “outliers,” historian says, while a number of other presidents grappled with diminished capacity.
(Chris Samuels | The Salt Lake Tribune) President Dallin H. Oaks, left, receives assistance from apostle Jeffrey R. Holland during a session of General Conference on Oct. 5, 2025.
Hired in 1991 to cover Utah's various faiths, particularly Mormonism, Peggy has talked forgiveness with Archbishop Desmond Tutu, nearly fainted waiting for the Dalai Lama, fasted with Muslims during Ramadan — and has reported on 50 consecutive semiannual LDS General Conferences.
David is a managing editor at The Tribune, where he has worked since 1984. He oversees coverage ranging from local government and west-side issues to growth, development and housing. In addition, he directs religion reporting, co-hosts the award-winning “Mormon Land” podcast and writes the Mormon Land newsletter.