Willy Wonka’s Silent Battle with Alzheimer’s Disease

 Beloved actor Gene Wilder recently passed away at the age of 83 from complications related to Alzheimer’s disease. Wilder privately suffered with the disease for the last three years of his life. Wilder is best known for his starring roles in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and in Young Frankenstein. Other notable Wilder films include Blazing Saddles, The Producers and Death of a Salesman.
Statistics show that Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, affecting five million Americans every year. With Wilder’s recent passing, awareness is being brought to Alzheimer’s disease and to the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. Early diagnosis is critical, as interventions may be put in place to slow progression of the disease. Legal documents should be reviewed and updated, so that trusted loved ones can legally assist with healthcare, financial and other important issues as the disease progresses.
Studies suggest that Alzheimer disease occurs where nerve cell changes in certain parts of the brain result in the death of a large number of cells. Symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease begin slowly and become steadily worse. As the disease progresses, symptoms range from mild forgetfulness to serious impairment in thinking, judgment, and the ability to perform simple daily activities. Although there are some treatments to slow symptoms, the disease still has no cure. Eventually, patients may need total care, which typically must be managed outside the home with great expense.
Wilder’s death has brought awareness to Alzheimer’s disease and its degenerative nature.  If you suspect you may have memory loss outside of normal forgetfulness, reach out to a medical professional. Although there is no cure, proper management of the disease will assist in the longevity of your mental function.
For more information, please call 661-287-3260, or visit our website at www.theMcNamaraLawFirm.com.