Celebrities with Dementia

Here are some notable public figures and celebrities with dementia:

1. Tony Bennett – The legendary singer, known for his timeless hits like “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2016. Despite his diagnosis, Bennett continued to perform and record music, showcasing his enduring talent and spirit.
2. Bruce Willis – The iconic actor, famous for his roles in “Die Hard” and other action films, was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in 2022. Willis’s family has been open about his condition, raising awareness and highlighting the challenges associated with the disease.
3. Jack Hanna – The beloved wildlife expert and television personality, known for his appearances on shows like “Jack Hanna’s Animal Adventures,” was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2021. Hanna’s family has shared his journey publicly to help increase understanding and support for those affected by the disease.
4. Steve Lawrence – The singer and actor, known for his work as part of the duo Steve and Eydie with his wife Eydie Gormé, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2019. Lawrence’s career spanned several decades, and he remains a cherished figure in the entertainment industry.
5. Gena Rowlands – The acclaimed actress, famous for her roles in films like “The Notebook,” has been living with Alzheimer’s disease. Her diagnosis was made public by her son, Nick Cassavetes, who directed her in “The Notebook.”

 

 

These public figures and celebrities with dementia have used their platforms to raise awareness about dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, helping to destigmatize the conditions and promote understanding and support for affected individuals and their families.

Their openness about their diagnoses underscores the importance of compassion and continued research in the fight against these debilitating diseases.

 

Here are some well-known public figures and celebrities with dementia who lost their lives to the disease:

1. Glen Campbell – An American singer, songwriter, and actor known for hits like “Rhinestone Cowboy” and “Wichita Lineman.” He was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2011 and became an advocate for Alzheimer’s awareness before his death in 2017.
2. Ronald Reagan – The 40th President of the United States, Ronald Reagan was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 1994, five years after leaving office. He lived with the disease for a decade until his death in 2004.
3. Charlton Heston – An iconic American actor best known for his roles in “Ben-Hur” and “Planet of the Apes.” Heston announced he had symptoms consistent with Alzheimer’s disease in 2002 and passed away in 2008.
4. Terry Jones – A Welsh actor, writer, and member of the Monty Python comedy troupe, Terry Jones was diagnosed with a rare form of dementia called frontotemporal dementia in 2015. He passed away in 2020.
5. Perry Como – An American singer and television personality known for his relaxed singing style and numerous hits in the mid-20th century. Como was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease later in life and passed away in 2001.
6. Estelle Getty – An American actress best known for her role as Sophia Petrillo on the television show “The Golden Girls.” Getty had Lewy body dementia and passed away in 2008.
7. Rosa Parks – An American civil rights activist best known for her pivotal role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Parks was diagnosed with progressive dementia in 2004 and passed away in 2005.
8. David Cassidy – An American actor, singer, and teen idol best known for his role in “The Partridge Family.” Cassidy revealed he had been diagnosed with dementia in 2017 and passed away later that year.
9. Sugar Ray Robinson – An American professional boxer widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers of all time. Robinson was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in the 1980s and passed away in 1989.
10. Aaron Copland – An American composer known for his work in classical music and film scores. Copland was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease later in life and passed away in 1990.

These individuals not only left a lasting impact in their respective fields but also helped raise awareness about dementia and Alzheimer’s disease through their diagnoses and public advocacy.