Famous People Who Lived With Alzheimer's Disease.

Known to be a progressive disease, Alzheimer’s annihilates the memory of its victim and destroys other mental functions as well. Almost 70% of cases of dementia is as a consequence of Alzheimer’s, and one of its earliest symptoms are short-term memory loss. With the advancement of the disease, an Alzheimer’s patient would show behavioural issues, problems with language, and even disorientation. With the speed in which the disease progresses, the victim’s condition declines, ultimately leading to death. Alzheimer’s disease comes with no groundbreaking treatment to either stop or reverse the progression; there are medications and treatments that can improve the symptoms, although temporarily. The victims rely on full assistance from their caretakers, often putting themselves in the spot of a burden, pressurising them in all zones like physical, psychological, and even economic. One such famous personality who shocked the world by succumbing to this disease was the 40th president of the US, Ronald Reagan. The Hollywood, show biz industry has also seen deaths caused by this disease; some of the personalities who currently live with this disease have been doing their bit to spread awareness about this disease. Musicians like Malcolm Young and Glenn Campbell have been going about their careers to reduce the stigma attached to the term Alzheimer’s. Actors like Rita Hayworth, Charlton Heston, Charles Bronson, are heavy names of the Hollywood world that surrendered their lives to this deadly disease. The list doesn’t end here- there are famous celebrities who still live their lives under the pressures of the incurable Alzheimer’s. Keep reading and find out more about the famous people who lived with Alzheimer's disease.
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 1 
Ronald Reagan
(40th President of the United States (1981-1989))
Ronald Reagan
127
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: February 6, 1911
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Tampico, Illinois, United States
Died: June 5, 2004

An actor turned union leader turned politician, Ronald Wilson Reagan served as the 40th president of America. Hailed for his public speaking and communication skills, Reagan is one of the most popular Presidents of USA, mainly due to his ‘America First’ economic policies which led to a decrease in inflation and unemployment rates during his tenure.

 2 
Charlton Heston
(Actor and Political Activist )
Charlton Heston
39
Listed In: Activists
Birthdate: October 4, 1923
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Evanston, Illinois, United States
Died: April 5, 2008

Charlton Heston was an American actor whose cinematic legacy became the subject of an 11-film retrospective titled Cinematic Atlas: The Triumphs of Charlton Heston. Also a political activist, Charlton Heston was one of the few Hollywood actors to criticize racism in the 1950s and 1960s; he was also a supporter of the Civil Rights Movement.

 3 
Etta James
(Singer-Songwriter Know for Hits Such as "The Wallflower", "At Last", "Tell Mama")
Etta James
35
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: January 25, 1938
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States
Died: January 20, 2012

Etta James was an American singer whose powerful, deep voice bridged the gap between rock and roll and rhythm and blues. Her ability to perform in various genres earned her a spot in Rolling Stone magazine's 100 Greatest Singers of All Time list. Her work has influenced several musicians, including Christina Aguilera, Diana Ross, Janis Joplin, Adele, and Rita Ora.

 4 
Harold Wilson
(Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (1964-1970, 1974-1976))
Harold Wilson
12
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: March 11, 1916
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Huddersfield, England, United Kingdom
Died: May 24, 1995

The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom for two non-consecutive terms, Harold Wilson was a British Labour politician. Historians commend him for leading his party through difficult political issues with considerable skill. With a moderate approach to socialism, he was a popular politician during his first tenure as the prime minister; his second tenure wasn’t as successful.

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 5 
Ferenc Puskás
(One of the Greatest Football Players of All Time)
Ferenc Puskás
18
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: April 1, 1927
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Budapest, Hungary
Died: November 17, 2006
Height: 5'8" (173 cm)
 6 
Vincente Minnelli
(Film director)
Vincente Minnelli
6
Birthdate: February 28, 1903
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, United States
Died: July 25, 1986
Height: 5'9" (175 cm)
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 7 
Peter Falk
(Best Known for His Role as ‘Lieutenant Columbo’ in the TV Series ‘Columbo’)
Peter Falk
15
Birthdate: September 16, 1927
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Bronx, New York, United States
Died: June 23, 2011
Best known for his Golden Globe- and Emmy-winning performance in Columbo, Peter Falk was one of TV Guide’s 50 Greatest TV Stars of All Time. He also held art exhibitions and loved chess. He suffered from Alzheimer's disease before death. His plight inspired the passage of the Peter Falk's Law.
 8 
Neil Simon
(Playwright & Screenwriter)
Neil Simon
2
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: July 4, 1927
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: The Bronx, New York
Died: August 26, 2018
Height: 6'1" (185 cm)
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 9 
Tony Bennett
(American Popular Retired Singer Best Known for His Album ‘I Left My Heart in San Francisco')
Tony Bennett
16
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: August 3, 1926
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: New York City, New York, United States

Tony Bennett is an American painter and singer. He is credited with founding the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts, popular performing arts high school. A famous and critically praised concert performer and recording artist, Tony Bennett has sold more than 50 million records worldwide.

 10 
Floyd Patterson
(American Professional Boxer Who Competed From 1952 to 1972)
Floyd Patterson
16
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: January 4, 1935
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Waco, North Carolina, United States
Died: May 11, 2006
Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
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 11 
Omar Sharif
19
Birthdate: April 10, 1932
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Alexandria, Egypt
Died: July 10, 2015
Egyptian actor Omar Sharif shot to fame with the iconic film Lawrence of Arabia, which won him two Golden Globes and an Academy Award nomination. He is also remembered for his role in Doctor Zhivago. He was one of the world’s top 50 contract bridge players and spoke six languages.
 12 
Johnny Crawford
(Actor and Singer Known for His Role as ‘Mark McCain’ in the TV Series ‘The Rifleman’)
Johnny Crawford
23
Birthdate: March 26, 1946
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States
Died: April 29, 2021
Johnny Crawford made his acting debut as a “Mouseketeer” and then earned an Emmy nomination at 13 for his performance as Mark McCain in the Western series The Rifleman. He also led the Johnny Crawford Orchestra and delivered Billboard Top-40-charting hits such as Cindy's Birthday and Rumors.
 13 
Terry Pratchett
(Humorist)
Terry Pratchett
4
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: April 28, 1948
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Beaconsfield, England
Died: March 12, 2015
 14 
James Doohan
(Screenwriter, Television actor, Film actor, Actor, Novelist, Science fiction writer)
James Doohan
8
Birthdate: March 3, 1920
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Vancouver
Died: July 20, 2005

Canadian actor James Doohan was initially a soldier in the Canadian army and had even sustained injuries in World War II. He later soared to fame with his Saturn Award-nominated role of Montgomery Scott in the Star Trek film and TV franchise. He also voiced the character in various video games.

 15 
Denis Law
(Scottish Former Footballer Who Played as a Forward)
Denis Law
7
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: February 24, 1940
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Bucksburn, Aberdeen, Scotland

After representing teams such as Manchester City and Torino, Scottish footballer Denis Law had a successful stint with Manchester United. Known as The King, he was the only Scottish footballer to earn a Ballon d'Or and the only man to have 2 statues at the Old Trafford.

 16 
Perry Como
(Singer)
Perry Como
11
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: May 18, 1912
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, USA
Died: May 13, 2001
Height: 5'6" (168 cm)
 17 
Barbara Windsor
(English Actress Known for her Roles in the ;Carry On' Films)
Barbara Windsor
13
Birthdate: August 6, 1937
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Shoreditch, London, England
Height: 4'10" (147 cm)
 18 
Dana Andrews
(Best Known for His Role as ‘Fred Derry’ in the Film ‘The Best Years of Our Lives’)
Dana Andrews
8
Birthdate: January 1, 1909
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Collins, Mississippi, United States
Died: December 17, 1992

Dana Andrews was an American actor who achieved popularity during the 1940s. His film career declined in the 1950s, partly due to alcoholism, which he eventually overcame by working with the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence. Later in his life, he started focusing on his real estate business. He died of pneumonia and congestive heart failure in 1992.

 19 
Don Cornelius
(Television show host)
Don Cornelius
9
Birthdate: September 27, 1936
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, USA
Died: February 1, 2012
Height: 6'4" (193 cm)
 20 
Otto Graham
(American Football Player)
Otto Graham
3
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: December 6, 1921
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Waukegan, Illinois, USA
Died: December 17, 2003
Height: 6'1" (185 cm)
 21 
Verne Gagne
(American Amateur and Professional Wrestler)
Verne Gagne
8
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: February 26, 1926
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Corcoran, Minnesota, United States
Died: April 27, 2015
Height: 5'11" (180 cm)
 22 
Iris Murdoch
(Irish & British Novelist Best Known for Her Novels: 'Under the Net', 'The Sea, the Sea' and 'The Bell')
Iris Murdoch
4
Birthdate: July 15, 1919
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Dublin, Ireland
Died: February 8, 1999

One of the most popular Irish-born British novelists, Iris Murdoch is remembered for her psychological novels, which had a good dose of sexuality, philosophy, morality, and comic elements. While she won the Booker Prize for The Sea, the Sea, the Oxford alumnus had also worked for the HM Treasury and the UN.

 23 
Willem de Kooning
(Dutch-Born American Abstract Expressionist Artist)
Willem de Kooning
4
Birthdate: April 24, 1904
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Rotterdam, Netherlands
Died: March 19, 1997
Willem de Kooning was a Dutch-American artist and one of the most famous practitioners of abstract expressionism of his generation. One of the 20th century's best-known artists, de Kooning is noted for paintings, such as Woman III (1953) and Interchange (1955). Many of his paintings have been sold for record prices.
 24 
Steve Lawrence
2
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: July 8, 1935
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: New York City, New York, United States
 25 
Sammy Baugh
(American Professional Football Player Who Played as Quarterback and Coach)
Sammy Baugh
3
Listed In: Miscellaneous
Birthdate: March 17, 1914
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Temple, Texas, United States
Died: December 17, 2008
Height: 6'2" (188 cm)
 26 
Chuck Bednarik
(Football player)
Chuck Bednarik
4
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: May 1, 1925
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, United States
Died: March 21, 2015
Height: 6'3" (190 cm)
 27 
Margaret Rutherford
(Best Known for Her Role as the ‘Duchess of Brighton’ in the Film ‘The V.I.P.s’)
Margaret Rutherford
11
Birthdate: May 11, 1892
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Balham, London, United Kingdom
Died: May 22, 1972

Margaret Rutherford was an English actress best known for playing the Duchess of Brighton in the 1963 drama film, The V.I.P.s, for which she won a Golden Globe Award and an Academy Award. In 1961, she was made an Officer of the OBE. In 1967, she was elevated to become a DBE.

 28 
Enoch Powell
(Former Secretary of State for Health and Social Care of the United Kingdom)
Enoch Powell
8
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: June 16, 1912
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Birmingham
Died: February 8, 1998

Enoch Powell was a British politician, linguist, classical scholar, philologist, and poet. Also a soldier, Powell served in World War II, reaching the rank of brigadier. His political career is remembered for his iconic and infamous Rivers of Blood speech, which was interpreted as a demonstration of racism. The speech became the subject of a play titled What Shadows.

 29 
Otto Preminger
(Director and Producer Best Known for His Film ‘Anatomy of a Murder’)
Otto Preminger
7
Birthdate: December 5, 1905
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Vyzhnytsya, Ukraine
Died: April 23, 1986

While he initially wished to follow in his prosecutor father’s footsteps to be a lawyer, Otto Preminger later discovered his love for theater. A master stage director, he later signed with Fox as one of its first independent filmmakers. He soared to fame with the 1944 film Laura.  

 30 
Jill Gascoine
(Known for Her Role of 'Detective Inspector Maggie Forbes' in the TV Series ‘The Gentle Touch’)
Jill Gascoine
6
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: April 11, 1937
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Lambeth, London, England
Died: April 28, 2020

Actor and novelist Jill Gascoine is best remembered for her role as Detective Inspector Maggie Forbes in the series The Gentle Touch and its spin-off, C.A.T.S. Eyes. She wrote three novels and also appeared in films such as King of the Wind. She was also a kidney cancer survivor.

 31 
Chuck Noll
(American Football player)
Chuck Noll
2
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: January 5, 1932
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Cleveland, Ohio, United States
Died: June 13, 2014
Height: 6'1" (185 cm)
 32 
Mae Questel
(Actress)
Mae Questel
1
Birthdate: September 13, 1908
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: The Bronx, New York, USA
Died: January 4, 1998
 33 
William Childs Westmoreland
6
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: March 26, 1914
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Saxon, South Carolina, United States
Died: July 18, 2005
 34 
Willie Pep
(Boxer)
Willie Pep
2
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: September 19, 1922
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Middletown, Connecticut, United States
Died: November 23, 2006
Height: 5'5" (165 cm)
 35 
Emil Cioran
(One of the Finest Philosophers and Critical Writers from Romania)
Emil Cioran
8
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: April 8, 1911
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Rasinari, Romania
Died: July 20, 1995
Born to a priest father, Romanian philosopher Emil Cioran grew up to include religious and melancholic themes in his works. His award-winning bestseller A Short History of Decay was followed by books such as The Trouble with Being Born, all of which spoke of illness and suicide.
 36 
Lili Damita
(Actress)
Lili Damita
0
Birthdate: July 10, 1904
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Blaye, France
Died: March 21, 1994
Height: 5'3" (160 cm)
 37 
William Asher
(Producer)
William Asher
2
Birthdate: August 8, 1921
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA
Died: July 16, 2012
 38 
Darlanne Fluegel
0
Birthdate: November 25, 1953
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, United States
Died: December 15, 2017
Height: 5'8" (173 cm)
 39 
Junior Johnson
(American Stock Car Race Driver)
Junior Johnson
1
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: June 28, 1931
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Ronda, North Carolina, United States
Died: December 20, 2019
 40 
William H. Gates, Sr.
(Lawyer)
William H. Gates, Sr.
11
Listed In: Miscellaneous
Birthdate: November 30, 1925
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Bremerton, Washington, United States
Died: September 14, 2020
Height: 6'7" (201 cm)
 41 
Bob Paisley
(Football player)
Bob Paisley
4
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: January 23, 1919
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Hetton-le-Hole, England
Died: February 14, 1996
 42 
Molly Picon
(Actress)
Molly Picon
0
Birthdate: February 28, 1898
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: New York City, New York, United States
Died: April 5, 1992
Height: 5'0" (152 cm)
 43 
Karlheinz Böhm
(Actor Known for His Role as 'Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria' in the 'Sissi' Film Trilogy)
Karlheinz Böhm
0
Birthdate: March 16, 1928
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Darmstadt, Germany
Died: May 29, 2014

Karlheinz Böhm was an Austrian-German philanthropist and actor. He is best remembered for playing a psychopathic named Mark in the 1960 British psychological horror-thriller film Peeping Tom. In 2003, the Ethiopian government honored Karlheinz Böhm with honorary citizenship for his work as the founder of an organization named Humans for Humans, which aims at helping Ethiopian people in need.

 44 
Ray Dolby
(American Engineer, Inventor of the Noise Reduction System and Founder of 'Dolby Laboratories')
Ray Dolby
2
Birthdate: January 18, 1933
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Portland, Oregon, United States
Died: September 12, 2013

A Stanford engineer and a Cambridge PhD, Ray Dolby had first experimented with electronic gadgets while working part-time for Ampex in his teenage years. The Dolby Laboratories founder later pioneered the surround sound technology in movies and the noise-reduction system in tapes. His honors include an Emmy and two Academy Awards.

 45 
Claude Jutra
(Actor)
Claude Jutra
1
Birthdate: March 11, 1930
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Montreal, Canada
Died: November 5, 1986
 46 
William Proxmire
(Politician)
William Proxmire
1
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: November 11, 1915
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Lake Forest, Illinois, U.S
Died: December 15, 2005
 47 
Saul Zaentz
(Film producer)
Saul Zaentz
0
Birthdate: February 28, 1921
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Passaic, New Jersey, United States
Died: January 3, 2014
 48 
Darrell Royal
(American football player and coach)
Darrell Royal
2
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: July 6, 1924
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Hollis, Oklahoma, United States
Died: November 7, 2012
 49 
Bob Denard
(French Mercenary and Soldier of Fortune)
Bob Denard
0
Listed In: Miscellaneous
Birthdate: April 7, 1929
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Grayan-et-l'Hôpital, Gironde, France
Died: October 13, 2007
 50 
Ashraf Pahlavi
(Iranian Writer, Diplomat and Politician)
Ashraf Pahlavi
0
Listed In: Miscellaneous
Birthdate: October 26, 1919
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Tehran, Iran
Died: January 7, 2016