Ronald Reagan’s Alzheimer Journey
On November 5, 1994, former President Ronald Reagan released a letter to the world announcing he’d been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. He was 83 and it had been five years since his presidency ended. He’d been keeping a low profile. Now everyone knew why. True to his nature, Reagan expressed a positive outlook:
I now begin the journey that will lead me into the sunset of my life…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.
Reagan’s youngest son Ron Jr. published a book in 2011 titled My Father at 100. (President Reagan died in 2004 but 2011 would have been his 100th birthday.) Ron Jr. claimed that his father’s struggle with Alzheimer’s began while he was president. He recalled his dad’s 1984 presidential debate with Walter Mondale.
My heart sank as he floundered his way through his responses, fumbling with his notes, uncharacteristically lost for words. He looked tired and bewildered.
Ron Jr.’s fears increased over time.
Three years into his first term as president … I was feeling the first shivers of concern.
