- The Carter Center announced that Rosalynn Carter had been diagnosed with dementia in a statement on May 30, 2023.
- It is unclear when Carter was diagnosed with dementia.
- The center announced that Carter had been visiting with loved ones throughout her battle with depression.
- In November 2023, it was announced that she has entered hospice care with her husband, Jimmy Carter.
Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, 96, yes name was confirmed by a measurement on Tuesday, May 30, 2023. The Carter Center revealed that the first lady’s diagnosis came just three months after it was revealed that her husband, former President of Jimmy Carter, 99, in hospice care. The Carter Center also revealed that the family hoped that sharing Carter’s diagnosis would allow families to have “important conversations” with loved ones and doctors.
Although the Carter Center did not share many details about the former first lady’s diagnosis or how long she has been struggling with depression, many shared well wishes for her on the social media. The Center said at the time that no further details were likely to be provided. “We do not intend to comment further and ask for understanding for our family and for everyone across the country who are in the role of caregiver,” they said in a statement.
On November 17, 2023, news broke that she has entered hospice care with her husband at their home in Georgia. Find out more about Carter’s diagnosis and her current health situation here.
Rosalynn Carter diagnosed with Dementia
Rosalynn’s family shared a statement, explaining that she was diagnosed with depression through the Carter Center, but said she appeared to be in good spirits. “The Carter family shares that First Lady Rosalynn Carter has depression,” they said.
The center continued and talked about the first lady’s own philosophy regarding care. “As the founder of the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers, Miss Carter often noted that there are only four types of people in this world: those who have been caregivers; those who are currently carers, those who will be carers, and those who will need carers. The universality of childcare is clear in our family, and we experience the joys and challenges of this journey,” they said.
What is Dementia?
Dementia is a general term for memory loss, but it can be caused by a number of different diseases, most commonly Alzheimer’s, according to the National Institute on Aging. The Carter Center did not reveal what type of dementia the first lady was diagnosed with. The types of dementia that people get can progress as time goes on, starting with forgetfulness such as short-term memory, but it can make people more dependent on others to keep track of various life activities , according to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Dementia is caused by damage to brain cells and neurons that can make thinking more difficult. Symptoms vary from case to case, but include memory loss, confusion, getting lost in familiar areas, repeating phrases and questions, behaving quickly, and more.
How long has Carter been sick?
It is not clear how long Carter has been battling depression, but the family released a statement indicating that he was diagnosed on May 30, 2023. In addition to depression, Carter has had several other health issues in the past. In April 1977, during her husband’s presidency, a non-vertebral tumor was removed. The New York Times. She also underwent a one-hour gynecological surgery in August 1977. Few details were shared, but it was said to be a “routine” operation and a “private matter,” per man The Washington Post.
How is Carter today?
As the Carter Center revealed in their statement, Rosalynn “continues to live happily at home with her husband, enjoying spring in Plains and visiting with loved ones .” News of the first lady’s diagnosis came months after the Carter Center revealed that her husband Jimmy Carter had begun receiving hospice care on February 18, 2023. “After a series of brief hospital stays, it was decided former US President Jimmy Carter today to wear. time left at home with his family and receiving hospice care instead of additional medical intervention,” they said in a statement.
As the story about Rosalynn continued, the Carter Center mentioned the first lady’s legacy as a mental health advocate and hoped that sharing her diagnosis would help others who might be be difficult to encourage. “We recognize, as she did more than fifty years ago, that stigma is often a barrier that keeps individuals and their families from seeking and receiving the support they need great need. We hope that sharing our family’s news will increase important conversations at kitchen tables and in doctors’ offices across the country,” they said.
On November 17, 2023, The Carter Center released a statement via social media announcing that Rosalynn has entered hospice care. “On behalf of Jason Carter, grandson of the President and Mrs. Carter: First Lady Rosalynn Carter has entered hospice care at home. She and President Carter are spending time with each other and their family,” the Twitter statement read. “The Carter family continues to request privacy and remains grateful for the outpouring of love and support. “
