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Ronald Reagan’s Alzheimer’s Letter: Still Relevant, Still Moving

Painting of President Ronald Reagan
President Reagan hand-wrote a profound message to America, in sharing his Alzheimer's diagnosis. His words broke stigmas and myths surrounding Alzheimer's. Watch Nancy Reagan describe that moment. Read this magnificent letter. (Video+Article)

President Ronald W. Reagan hand-wrote his profound message to America, sharing the news of his Alzheimer’s diagnosis. His words led the way in breaking down the stigmas and myths surrounding Alzheimer’s. Watch Nancy Reagan describe that moment. It marked the ceasing of his formal, public appearances and the beginning of his long, private farewell. Read the letter.


Nov. 5 1994

My Fellow Americans,

I have recently been told that I am one of the Americans who will be afflicted with Alzheimer’s Disease.

Upon learning this news, Nancy & 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.

Continued below video…

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 face it 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



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Holly
Holly
December 4, 2023 2:40 am

Why are the current president’s dementia-related behaviors ignored by the world press and his family?

mario
mario
November 6, 2018 1:09 pm

Admiré mucho al presidente Reaagan

Harold Weisberg
Harold Weisberg
November 15, 2015 3:13 pm

Why is Mexico ahead of the USA in Stem Cell research for Alzheimer's ? Fetal stem cells and the sports legends they revitalized – USA Today
http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/2015/05/18/fetal-stem-cells-gordie-howe-john-brodie-tijuana-stroke-stemedica/27501717/
May 18, 2015 … Stemedica confirmed to USA TODAY Sports that Gordie Howe, the legendary … Novastem, a clinic in Tijuana, Mexico, administers stem cells …

Anonymous
Anonymous
Reply to  Harold Weisberg
January 9, 2024 10:43 pm

Because Mexico is not ruled by radical Evangelicals like the USA is.
Unfortunately, the “Religious Right” meddles into everything, especially scientific issues and research. Not because they know more, not because they are fervently religious, but ONLY because of POWER and their desire to remain in control. They play politics from the pulpit! And sadly, they have our political leaders in their pockets.

Last edited 11 months ago by Anonymous
julie
julie
November 5, 2014 7:43 pm

Thanks for sharing your life and your thoughts with us! RIP Mr President

jen haley
jen haley
May 6, 2014 10:57 pm

Thanks for sharing that.

Ruth Witmer
Ruth Witmer
April 30, 2014 2:03 pm

What an incredibly brave man! So wish we still had this kind of leadership in this country. will be a joy to meet this man in Heaven!

Rory's Blog
Rory's Blog
April 29, 2014 10:01 am

Well said Mr President. And it is an honor to call you Mr President. You did the right thing.

David and Patty
David and Patty
April 28, 2014 7:42 pm

I sure miss his leadership, his goodness, his honesty. I feel he was very brave in letting the people know of this condition, it did open doors I believe. A great man and thank you for sharing this.

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P. Berger

This site was inspired by my Mom’s autoimmune dementia.

It is a place where we separate out the wheat from the chafe, the important articles & videos from each week’s river of news. Google gets a new post on Alzheimer’s or dementia every 7 minutes. That can overwhelm anyone looking for help. This site filters out, focuses on and offers only the best information. it has helped hundreds of thousands of people since it debuted in 2007. Thanks to our many subscribers for your supportive feedback.

The site is dedicated to all those preserving the dignity of the community of people living with dementia.

Peter Berger, Editor

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This site was inspired by my Mom’s autoimmune dementia.

It is a place where we separate out the wheat from the chafe, the important articles & videos from each week’s river of news. Google gets a new post on Alzheimer’s or dementia every 7 minutes. That can overwhelm anyone looking for help. This site filters out, focuses on and offers only the best information. it has helped hundreds of thousands of people since it debuted in 2007. Thanks to our many subscribers for your supportive feedback.

The site is dedicated to all those preserving the dignity of the community of people living with dementia.

Peter Berger, Editor

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