NOV. 6-12: Amid Rumors; Reagan Discloses His Alzheimer's

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November 13, 1994, Section 4, Page 2Buy Reprints
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Alzheimer's disease causes the mental and physical deterioration of an estimated 4 million Americans. And it tears at the hearts of millions more who must cope with watching a loved one unravel. Last weekend, former President Ronald Reagan disclosed that he has entered the early stages of the incurable and ultimately fatal disease.

Letters of support from well-wishers poured into Mr. Reagan's home in California. But there was little comfort in reports that the 83-year-old Mr. Reagan, whose talent as a storyteller was legendary, now forgets the punch lines to some of his favorite jokes.

The disclosure raises speculation about when Mr. Reagan developed the disease. But it is often difficult to tell when a person first begins to experience symptoms because Alzheimer's begins so subtly. Last week, however, researchers at Harvard Medical School reported promising preliminary results of a simple eye test that might distinguish between those who have the disease and those who do not.

Mr. Reagan and his wife, Nancy, said they wanted to make more people aware of the illness. But they had little choice. Mr. Reagan no longer appeared vital on television, many friends knew his mind was failing and rumors of illness were spreading through political circles. LAWRENCE K. ALTMAN