Rosalynn Carter, the former first lady, has been diagnosed with dementia, according to a statement released by the Carter Center on Tuesdaythe 95-year-old lives with her husband, former President Jimmy Carter, 98, in Georgia.
The announcement was made out of respect for Rosalynn's long career in mental health advocacy. The statement read, "The Carter family is sharing that former First Lady Rosalynn Carter has dementia. She continues to live happily at home with her husband, enjoying spring in Plains and visits with loved ones."
The Carter Center hopes sharing the news will increase meaningful conversations about dementia and caregiving. "We recognize, as she did more than half a century ago, that stigma is often a barrier that keeps individuals and their families from seeking and getting much-needed support. We hope sharing our family's news will increase important conversations at kitchen tables and in doctor's offices around the country," the statement continued.
Rosalynn Carter founded the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers and has strongly advocated mental health and caregiving. The statement noted that the universality of caregiving is evident in their family, who are experiencing the joy and challenges of this journey.
The family has not clarified the severity of Rosalynn's dementia, and they do not plan on offering further details about her health. Jimmy Carter entered hospice care three months ago, but family members say he is still in good spirits.
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