When my Mother became afflicted with Alzheimer’s in the late 1980s, people didn’t talk about this disease very much or admit a family member had it.  I’d mention to friends that I thought my mom was developing Alzheimer’s, as her sister had, and they’d look at me with horror.  A “How could you say that about your Mother!” expression came over their face.
Then President Ronald Reagan made his public announcement about this disease, and people realized it afflicted anyone.  Soon more people, well known to Americans and the world, came forth with their support to raise public awareness.
They often initiated …read more