For many families, Alzheimer’s disease is something that happens to someone else—until the day it doesn’t.
That reality came into sharp focus last week when veteran New York television journalist Bill Ritter announced that he has been diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease and was stepping away from his longtime role at WABC. Ritter plans to do some special reporting and to continue to fight what he describes as the “rising tide” of Alzheimer’s disease.
Bill Ritter’s unexpected announcement will help to reduce the stigma often associated with Alzheimer’s as he focuses on what he can still accomplish rather than on what he has lost. By sharing his experience and continuing his longtime advocacy to help raise awareness about Alzheimer’s, caregiving, and the importance of getting an early medical evaluation, he joins a growing list of public figures who are doing the same. His father passed away from Alzheimer’s in 1998.
Alzheimer’s disease is increasingly an important health issue for men. Of the more than seven million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease, approximately one-third of them are men. Yet, many men often delay getting a diagnosis due to fear of losing independence, a reluctance to seek help and to discuss their vulnerabilities and the tendency to dismiss cognitive changes as just getting older.
Ritter’s transparency about his diagnosis further emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis. If you, a family member or friend, are concerned about changes in memory or thinking or changes in senses, behavior, mood, or movement that do not seem normal – talk with your doctor. Your doctor may recommend cognitive testing, brain imaging, and other evaluations to determine whether Alzheimer’s disease is the cause.
While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, seeking an early diagnosis is critical, as it opens up treatment options — including disease-modifying therapies like Leqembi® and Kisunla® that are FDA approved for those with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. Beginning treatment early in the disease process may help preserve daily functioning for some time, even though the underlying Alzheimer’s process cannot be stopped or reversed.
Early diagnosis also gives families valuable time to make important decisions about healthcare, finances, legal matters and other personal priorities while the person with Alzheimer’s can still participate in the decision-making process.
An Alzheimer’s diagnosis changes lives, but it does not erase a person’s identity, accomplishments, or relationships. Bill Ritter’s diagnosis with early-stage Alzheimer’s reminds us that behind every diagnosis, there is a person navigating life with courage, support, and hope while researchers work to identify better treatments and a cure.
