The Alzheimer’s Association expresses our deepest appreciation to former First Lady Rosalynn Carter and her family for sharing her diagnosis of dementia. The news of her diagnosis is devastating for people around the world, but her family’s transparency will also be meaningful for millions who are all too familiar with the crushing realities of other forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.

Throughout her life, Ms. Carter has been a leader in promoting our nation’s caregivers. Through her Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers, she provided resources and support to improve the health and wellbeing of unpaid caregivers including a focus on dementia caregivers.

The Alzheimer’s Association applauds Ms. Carter and her family’s transparency with her diagnosis; it is such a powerful way to educate about medical conditions. 

Dementia is a general term for loss of memory, language, problem-solving and other thinking abilities that are severe enough to interfere with daily life. Today, more than 11 million Americans are providing unpaid care for a person living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. 

We commend the Carter family for bravely sharing the former first lady’s diagnosis. Today’s announcement will help increase awareness and reduce stigma for a condition affecting 1 in 3 seniors over the age of 85. 

Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s or dementia is challenging, but often deeply meaningful. The Alzheimer’s Association offers robust information and resources online, in person and on the phone. For information and resources, the Alzheimer’s Association website at alz.org or call its 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.

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