Nancy Reagan Speaks Out on Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's Association
Wednesday, 1 November 1995

In an extended conversation with the Alzheimer's Association on the first anniversary of her husband's letter to the American public about his diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, Mrs. Reagan shared her personal thoughts about her difficult year (originally printed November 1, 1995). Highlights of that conversation are reprinted here with her permission.

Alzheimer's Association: Mrs. Reagan, why are you and your husband committed to Alzheimer's and to finding a cure?

Mrs. Reagan: The truth is, we were committed to Alzheimer's way back in the early 1980s, long before it ever touched us in a personal way. As President, Ronnie supported Alzheimer research and declared November National Alzheimer's Disease Month in 1983. Back then, Ronnie's goal was to raise the level of awareness of this cruel disease, and make people realize they shouldn't be self-conscious or embarrassed. It's a disease like any other disease. That's the message we're still trying to convey now.

I suppose when an illness changes your life, it's natural to want to reach out to the many others who are suffering — to connect with them at some level. You say to yourself, "Okay, this is happening to us, and it's frightening and cruel. Let's try to help other families."

AA: How is President Reagan doing?

Mrs. Reagan: He's doing well. He enjoys going into the office everyday, playing golf, and going to church. Weekends and holidays are spent with our children and grandchildren. Ronnie's illness has, thankfully, pulled our family back together, so in some ways this ordeal has turned out to be a blessing. We've learned to appreciate each other more and our time together.

I think our daughter, Patti, was right when she said we've established a 'zone of privacy,' something I think all families create to protect one another. We're all for openness, but our family life now is sacred.

AA: How are you doing, Mrs. Reagan?

Mrs. Reagan: The cards and letters keep coming in from people across the country. They've been such a tremendous source of comfort to me. Some of the notes I've received are so moving and touching, while others are from people who feel totally overwhelmed and lost. I want to assure them that they're not alone in all this. I want them to know that there are support groups out there to guide them through the dark moments; that there are people who understand what they're going through.

AA: Why did you choose to affiliate with the Alzheimer's Association?

Mrs. Reagan: The Alzheimer's Association wants to defeat this cruel disease. Honestly, we can't wait any longer to step up the research. People are living longer and their well-being has to be our top priority. The Association offers people help and hope. Ronnie and I want to support that effort. If a cure can be developed, perhaps families won't have to continue losing loved ones this way.

AA: Does your husband support your decision to take a public role?

Mrs. Reagan: Ronnie encouraged me to become involved, and we both agreed that lending our name to the Institute was the right thing to do. We've been public our entire married life, you know, and if we can make a difference through our involvement, then we've simply got to do it.

AA:You've gone public before with personal health problems.

Mrs. Reagan: Throughout our public life, we have made every attempt to share information about our medical conditions with the media and the American people. When I had breast cancer, I spoke openly and honestly. As a result, many women wrote to me, saying that my personal story and recovery — thanks to early detection — prompted them to be tested. That's why I feel it's so important to embrace these health issues. After all, nothing speaks louder than personal experience.

AA: How do you feel about the establishment of this Institute in your name?

Mrs. Reagan: This Institute, which bears our name, isn't about Ronnie and me. It wasn't established to honor two people, but to serve as a symbol of hope to all those who share our dream of a cure for Alzheimer's.

AA: What would you say to all those who are grappling with this disease — as a patient or a caregiver?

Mrs. Reagan: Don't ever lose hope. Even when life seems bleak and hopeless, know that you are not alone.

The Alzheimer's Association is the largest national voluntary health organization dedicated to research for the causes, treatments, prevention and cure of Alzheimer's disease and to providing education and support services to the four million Americans with the disease, their families and caregivers. You can reach the Alzheimer's Association at (800) 272-3900.

For more information, or to contact Alzheimer's Association, see their website at: www.alz.org