Once again Alzheimer's shows that it knows no boundaries. Gene Wilder dies from complications of Alzheimer's disease.
Alzheimer's Reading Room
Gene Wilder decided, while he could, to keep his diagnosis of probable Alzheimer's disease private.
His family says the disease “never stole his ability to recognize those that were closest to him, nor took command of his central-gentle-life affirming core personality. It took enough, but not that.”
Gene Wilder died 3 years after his diagnosis.
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According to his family,
“The decision to wait until this time to disclose his condition wasn’t vanity, but more so that the countless young children that would smile or call out to him 'there’s Willy Wonka,' would not have to be then exposed to an adult referencing illness or trouble and causing delight to travel to worry, disappointment or confusion.
He simply couldn’t bear the idea of one less smile in the world."
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Today, I want to point you to two articles in the Alzheimer's Reading Room. You are welcome to share this with family and friends, or via social media.
From the family.
"It is with indescribable sadness and blues, but with spiritual gratitude for the life lived that I announce the passing of husband, parent, and universal artist Gene Wilder, at his home in Stamford."
"It is almost unbearable for us to contemplate our life without him. The cause was complications from Alzheimers Disease with which he co-existed for the last three years. The choice to keep this private was his choice, in talking with us and making a decision as a family."
He passed away "holding our hands with the same tenderness and love he exhibited as long as I can remember."
Gene Wilder was listening to Somewhere Over The Rainbow as he passed.
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