Alzheimer’s disease: How Ronald Reagan alerted the public when he was afflicted with this disease
February 21, 2010
Alzheimer’s disease is a major ailment afflicting the young and the old alike. Alzheimer’s disease leads to memory loss and even speech loss. Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive degeneration of the brain. It attacks the brain.
Alzheimer’s disease is a silent invader. Hence, the kith and kin of the patient fail to tender the proper care to their near and dear ones as they start experiencing the progressive effects of Alzheimer’s disease. Such patients require the intensive care and love of their family members particularly because they are now facing their ‘second childhood’. They fail to speak and even to remember the simple facts.
Though the aged people beyond the 60 plus age group have been found to be sufferers of this disease, yet Alzheimer’s disease need not necessarily be connected with the aging factor. Nonetheless, the incidence of people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease in this advanced age is on the rise.
There may be a variety of causes leading to Alzheimer’s disease. Some may be due to heavy impacts on the brain over the age. Many sportsmen are thus vulnerable to Alzheimer’s disease.
Former American President Ronald Reagan alerted the world about Alzheimer’s disease after he was afflicted by this brain disease in 1995. He, however, bravely copes with Alzheimer’s disease. Here’s a direct representation of his version from the 1995 Collier’s Year Book.
“My Fellow Americans,
I have recently been told that I am one of the millions of Americans who will be afflicted with Alzheimer’s Disease.
Upon learning this news, Nancy and I had to decide whether as private citizens we would keep this a private matter or whether we would make this news known in a public way.
In the past Nancy suffered from breast cancer and I had my cancer surgeries. We found through our open disclosures we were able to raise public awareness. We were happy that as a result many more people underwent testing.
They were treated in early stages and able to return to normal, healthy lives.
So now, we feel it is important to share it with you. In opening our hearts, we hope this might promote greater awareness of this condition. Perhaps it will encourage a clearer understanding of the individuals and families who are affected by it.
At the moment I feel just fine. I intend to live the remainder of the years God gives me on this earth doing the things I have always done. I will continue to share life’s journey with my beloved Nancy and my family. I plan to enjoy the great outdoors and stay in touch with my friends and supporters.
Unfortunately, as Alzheimer’s disease progresses, the family often bears a heavy burden. I only wish there was some way I could spare Nancy from this painful experience. When the time comes I am confident that with your help she will face it with faith and courage.
In closing let me thank you, the American people for giving me the great honor of allowing me to serve as your President. When the Lord calls me home, whenever that may be, I will leave with the greatest love for this country of ours and eternal optimism for its future.
I now begin the journey that will lead me into the sunset of my life. I know that for America there will always be a bright dawn ahead.
Thank you, my friends. May God always bless you.
Sincerely, Ronald Reagan.
