Former President Ronald Reagan, in a handwritten letter to "fellow
Americans," disclosed Saturday that he has Alzheimer's disease and has now begun "the journey that will lead me into the sunset of my life."Reagan, 83, wrote that he was feeling fine, but he and his wife, Nancy, had chosen to reveal the diagnosis in hope of promoting greater awareness of the incurable, mind-crippling disease.
"Unfortunately, as Alzheimer's progresses, the family often bears a heavy burden," Reagan wrote. "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."
The letter, released to The Associated Press by Reagan spokeswoman Catherine Busch, was accompanied by a statement from five of Reagan's doctors.
They said the diagnosis turned up in the course of routine yearly testing. Over the past year, the doctors said they began to notice possible symptoms of the disease in its early stages.
"Additional testing and an extensive observation over the past few weeks have led us to conclude that President Reagan is entering the early stages of this disease," the doctors wrote.
The doctors said that Reagan's health was otherwise good, but "it is expected that as the years go on it will begin to deteriorate."
Alzheimer's is an irreversible neurological disorder that destroys the brain's memory cells. In addition to memory loss, symptoms include impairment of judgment, disorientation and personality change.
Alzheimer's is the fourth leading cause of death among adults after heart disease, cancer and strokes. Eventually, victims need 24-hour care and usually live eight to 10 years after diagnosis.
Some 4 million Americans have the neurological disorder, and about 100,000 die every year.
During Reagan's second term it was often noted that he seemed forgetful and would lose his train of thought while talking. However, because the disease was just recently diagnosed, Alzheimer's was probably not to blame.
Reagan sounded an optimistic note in his letter, saying he intends "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."