Rosalyn Carter, Mental Health, and Caregiving

Former First Lady Rosalyn Carter has spent much of her life advocating for mental health, working to increase access to care and reducing the stigma attached to mental health conditions. This week the Carter Family helped her continue her lifelong efforts by revealing that Mrs. Carter, who is 95 years old, has been diagnosed with dementia.  

The family pointed out in a written statement, "One in 10 older Americans have dementia, a condition that affects overall mental health. 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 family's decision to use Mrs. Carter's dementia diagnosis as a teaching moment to help normalize discussions on mental health is a beautiful gift to the country and an act of grace. It helps improve awareness and makes seeking mental health treatment what it should be… the same as seeking treatment for a physical ailment. Mrs. Carter's lesson is especially important as Americans are increasingly aging and facing the mental health challenges often a part of growing older. Recent medical advances may help ease this natural process.

  Take, for example, the new class of Alzheimer's drugs. These early-stage medications help reduce a signature characteristic of the condition, amyloid plaque, that builds up in the brain. Doctors hope the treatments will help stave off severe symptoms giving Americans more time with loved ones. To increase access, federal officials this week announced plans to expand Medicare coverage for the drugs once the FDA approves them for use in this country.

  As for Mrs. Carter, family members say she "continues to live happily at home with her husband, enjoying spring in Plains and visits with loved ones." In mid-February, the family announced that former President, Jimmy Carter, had ended his medical treatments and was getting hospice care at home. Carter family members say the couple, who have been married for 76 years, are being looked after by loved ones and caregivers. "As the founder of the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers, Mrs. Carter often noted that there are only four kinds of people in this world: those who have been caregivers; those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers." So in addition to helping normalize discussions of mental health needs, family members highlighted the importance of caregiving and how the joys and challenges of this role are also a natural part of the circle of life.

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