Tonight, when Republican candidates, vying for the White House, debate one another at the presidential library and final resting place of President Ronald Reagan, they should honor his memory and address the illness that claimed his life and the lives of 700,000 Americans annually: Alzheimer’s disease, the sixth-leading cause of death in our nation.
Reagan was a true patriot. He led this country with boldness and tremendous strength. His optimism helped fuel our country’s continued ascent to greatness, even during difficult times. Just five years after leaving the White House, on Nov. 5, 1994, Reagan issued a letter to the American public announcing, “I have recently been told that I am one of the millions of Americans who will be afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease.”
That was more than 20 years ago, and this frightening disease is only becoming more prevalent. As baby boomers (now 51 to 69 years old) age, more Americans are at risk of developing the disease than ever before. None of us will be untouched.
Read more at US News and World Report.