Ronald Reagan - A champion for people with Alzheimer's disease

Published 7 June 2004

Neil Hunt, chief executive of the Alzheimer's Society, pays tribute to Ronald Reagan who died last night.

Neil Hunt said:

'Ronald Reagan's public declaration in November 1994 that he had Alzheimer's disease was a uniquely courageous act. It confirmed him as a champion for the millions of people and their carers in the world who are affected by this progressive and ultimately fatal neurological disease.'

The Alzheimer's Society has been the UK partner of the Ronald and Nancy Reagan Research Foundation since 1995. The research foundation further demonstrated the Reagan family's public commitment to seek the cause and cure for Alzheimer's.

The international media coverage following his announcement ensured that thousands more individuals and carers were encouraged to seek help from their nearest Alzheimer's societies and to talk about their experiences.

Neil Hunt commented,

'Ronald Reagan's bravery has done much to challenge the stigma that still surrounds this devastating disease. No one individual has done more to raise international awareness of Alzheimer's disease.'

In 1995 Ronald and Nancy Reagan sent a message of support to the Alzheimer's Society saying:

'With the support and efforts of people and organizations such as yours, President and Mrs Reagan are confident that one day in the not so distant future we will find its cause and cure.'

The Alzheimer's Society regrets to learn of the death of President Ronald Reagan and extends its deepest sympathy to Nancy Reagan and his family.

Notes for editors

The Alzheimer's Society is the UK's leading care and research charity for people with dementia and their carers and celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2004.
Over 750,000 people in the UK have dementia. More than half have Alzheimer's disease.
Dementia affects one in 20 people over the age of 65 and one in five over the age of 80.
There are 18,500 people in the UK under the age of 65 with dementia.
For information and advice on Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia call the Alzheimer's Society national helpline on 0845 300 0336.
Our website address is: http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/