News release

7 June 2004

Ronald Reagan: a courageous advocate for people with dementia

Alzheimer's Disease International pays tribute to President and Mrs Reagan for their courage in living with Alzheimer's disease and joins the international community in sending our sincere condolences to Mrs Reagan and her family.

On 5th November 1994 President Reagan bravely revealed his diagnosis to the American public in order to promote greater awareness and to encourage a clearer understanding of the individuals and families that are affected by Alzheimer's disease. He ended his speech by saying "I now begin the journey that will lead me into the sunset of my life."

Elizabeth Rimmer, Executive Director of Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI), commented: "By speaking publicly about his diagnosis, President Reagan has led the way in breaking down the stigma and myth that surrounds Alzheimer's disease. The Reagan family have been an inspiration to the millions of people around the world living with dementia, by sharing the diagnosis and the impact of Alzheimer's disease on their family."

Both President and Mrs Reagan have supported international efforts to raise awareness about dementia, by lending their support to ADI's World Alzheimer's Day™ on 21 September 1997 and 2001 and highlighting that dementia indiscriminately affects 18 million people worldwide.

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