Reagan had Alzheimer’s while president, son claims

[cocksucker4use]

Five years isn't that long a time. As more research has went into the disease it wouldn't be at all impossible that changing definitions, from what we know now, could retcon-diagnose Reagan to "having" it before he was elected. It isn't as if onset is equivalent to an invalid and, since it isn't an invader (ie HIV) or rogue cell (cancer), it isn't as if it can be clearly pinpointed. It changes nothing on what he did. At the least, all we can do is wonder, if medical science then, knowing what we know now or in the near future, did diagnose early onset during either of his terms, would he have resigned. It's as an important question as pondering how WWII had gone had Japan never bombed Pearl Harbor or Hitler not invaded USSR until it wrested victory over Britain. At worst, we can suffer some terribly improper Alzheimer's jokes--- and at which you can roll your eyes and pray for karmic retribution.

I don't think Alzheimer's is funny and it is a valid reason, among others, to support 'death with dignity' laws or, because of idiots who believe in quantity over quality of life, one of the few reasons why the Second Amendment is still handy. No one should be forced to have their body outlive them.

As far as Reagan's mental status, I think I would trust his family. Nancy knew the real deal, and she ain't talkin. As I recall they were off and on with their kids, who were all adults and saw Ron occasionally at best for the 8 years he was President, but ...they would perhaps be more aware of any changes because of that. Prolly his second term was problematic.

As far as death with dignity, Alzheimer 's is a bitch. Alzheimer's as opposed to ALS or cancer, whatever. By the time you wanna and probably oughtta die, you can't make that determination, even if it were legal. You are not capable of the self-determination that would be a bioethical/legal necessity. If someone is in a coma or on life support, end of life is not as problematic as if someone it concious and looking at you, even if no one is home.

 

[JB3]

Not being able to use one's legs =/= not being able to use one's brain.

Except he could use his brain, and that's something partisans like you miss. If this is true, he would have only been in the very early stages, which would mean only slightly diminished brain functions.

In other words: Who the hell cares? It doesn't change anything, except giving hacks one more thing to bitch about.

 

[T-Rexx]

Reagan was famous for forgetting the names of members of his own cabinet members, as well as those of visiting dignitaries.

Nancy would often stand behind him when he spoke, telling him what to say. Toward the end of his presidency, Reagan's misstatements while speaking became a real problem. He was not allowed to speak publicly, nor were interviews or press conferences permitted. Howard Baker was brought in to run the White House, as Reagan was clearly incapacitated.

Reagan's people waited five years after his presidency to announce that he had Alzheimer's (as though he had suddenly acquired it). But Alzheimer's is a very slowly progressive disease, and it is quite clear that Reagan suffered from it while president.

 

[chrisrobin]

This isn't news. Late satirist Art Buchwold referred to 1981-1988 as "the lost years."

 

[bike10]

It was Nancy who wore the pants in white house.

 

[MisterMajestic]

Ronald Reagan was a Great Husband according to Nancy but its obvious he had issues as a "Father"...

Junior should have kept that to himself...He needed a "Talking Point" to tour & sell the book and he produced a good-one...

 

[Seasoned]

Since potential Presidential incapacity is an issue of national security this ought to be made public. Real life situations are what causes changes in law. Prior to the Kennedy assasination nothing was in place for succession due to anything other than death. The thought that a person could possibly survive an attempt, but left unable to function is what led to the change. It also allows for the replacement of the Vice-President, should that be necessary. Prior to that change the office of Vice-President was left vacant if the Vice-President left office.

 

[T-Rexx]

Ronald Reagan was a Great Husband according to Nancy but its obvious he had issues as a "Father"...

Tell that to his first wife!

 

[MisterMajestic]

Tell that to his first wife!

..LOL...Come on now The Late-Legendary actress Jane Wyman was a "Hottie" during her day...I'm sure she wasnt a saint during their marriage.....

I remember that 80's PrimeTime Soap she starred in called "Falcon Crest"...She kicked-ass..