Known to be a progressive disease, Alzheimer’s annihilates the memory of its victim and destroys other mental functions as well. Almost 70% of cases of dementia is as a consequence of Alzheimer’s, and one of its earliest symptoms are short-term memory loss. With the advancement of the disease, an Alzheimer’s patient would show behavioural issues, problems with language, and even disorientation. With the speed in which the disease progresses, the victim’s condition declines, ultimately leading to death. Alzheimer’s disease comes with no groundbreaking treatment to either stop or reverse the progression; there are medications and treatments that can improve the symptoms, although temporarily. The victims rely on full assistance from their caretakers, often putting themselves in the spot of a burden, pressurising them in all zones like physical, psychological, and even economic. One such famous personality who shocked the world by succumbing to this disease was the 40th president of the US, Ronald Reagan. The Hollywood, show biz industry has also seen deaths caused by this disease; some of the personalities who currently live with this disease have been doing their bit to spread awareness about this disease. Musicians like Malcolm Young and Glenn Campbell have been going about their careers to reduce the stigma attached to the term Alzheimer’s. Actors like Rita Hayworth, Charlton Heston, Charles Bronson, are heavy names of the Hollywood world that surrendered their lives to this deadly disease. The list doesn’t end here- there are famous celebrities who still live their lives under the pressures of the incurable Alzheimer’s. Keep reading and find out more about the famous people who lived with Alzheimer's disease.
Vote for Your Favourite People Who Lived With Alzheimer's Disease.
Right IconThis ranking is based on an algorithm that combines various factors, including the votes of our users and search trends on the internet.
Birthdate: February 6, 1911
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Tampico, Illinois, United States
Died: June 5, 2004
An actor turned union leader turned politician, Ronald Wilson Reagan served as the 40th president of America. Hailed for his public speaking and communication skills, Reagan is one of the most popular Presidents of USA, mainly due to his ‘America First’ economic policies which led to a decrease in inflation and unemployment rates during his tenure.
Birthdate: October 4, 1923
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Evanston, Illinois, United States
Died: April 5, 2008
Charlton Heston was an American actor whose cinematic legacy became the subject of an 11-film retrospective titled Cinematic Atlas: The Triumphs of Charlton Heston. Also a political activist, Charlton Heston was one of the few Hollywood actors to criticize racism in the 1950s and 1960s; he was also a supporter of the Civil Rights Movement.
3
Etta James(Singer-Songwriter Know for Hits Such as "The Wallflower", "At Last", "Tell Mama")
Birthdate: January 25, 1938
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States
Died: January 20, 2012
Etta James was an American singer whose powerful, deep voice bridged the gap between rock and roll and rhythm and blues. Her ability to perform in various genres earned her a spot in Rolling Stone magazine's 100 Greatest Singers of All Time list. Her work has influenced several musicians, including Christina Aguilera, Diana Ross, Janis Joplin, Adele, and Rita Ora.
Recommended Lists:4
Ferenc Puskás(One of the Greatest Football Players of All Time)
Birthdate: April 1, 1927
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Budapest, Hungary
Died: November 17, 2006
Height: 5'8" (173 cm)
Recommended Lists:5
Harold Wilson(Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (1964-1970, 1974-1976))
Birthdate: March 11, 1916
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Huddersfield, England, United Kingdom
Died: May 24, 1995
The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom for two non-consecutive terms, Harold Wilson was a British Labour politician. Historians commend him for leading his party through difficult political issues with considerable skill. With a moderate approach to socialism, he was a popular politician during his first tenure as the prime minister; his second tenure wasn’t as successful.
6
Vincente Minnelli(Film director)
Birthdate: February 28, 1903
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, United States
Died: July 25, 1986
Height: 5'9" (175 cm)
Recommended Lists:7
Peter Falk(Best Known for His Role as ‘Lieutenant Columbo’ in the TV Series ‘Columbo’)
Birthdate: September 16, 1927
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Bronx, New York, United States
Died: June 23, 2011
Best known for his Golden Globe- and Emmy-winning performance in Columbo, Peter Falk was one of TV Guide’s 50 Greatest TV Stars of All Time. He also held art exhibitions and loved chess. He suffered from Alzheimer's disease before death. His plight inspired the passage of the Peter Falk's Law.
Birthdate: July 4, 1927
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: The Bronx, New York
Died: August 26, 2018
Height: 6'1" (185 cm)
Recommended Lists:9
Tony Bennett(American Popular Retired Singer Best Known for His Album ‘I Left My Heart in San Francisco')
Birthdate: August 3, 1926
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: New York City, New York, United States
Tony Bennett is an American painter and singer. He is credited with founding the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts, popular performing arts high school. A famous and critically praised concert performer and recording artist, Tony Bennett has sold more than 50 million records worldwide.
10
Floyd Patterson(American Professional Boxer Who Competed From 1952 to 1972)
Birthdate: January 4, 1935
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Waco, North Carolina, United States
Died: May 11, 2006
Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
Recommended Lists:Birthdate: April 10, 1932
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Alexandria, Egypt
Died: July 10, 2015
Egyptian actor Omar Sharif shot to fame with the iconic film Lawrence of Arabia, which won him two Golden Globes and an Academy Award nomination. He is also remembered for his role in Doctor Zhivago. He was one of the world’s top 50 contract bridge players and spoke six languages.
12
Johnny Crawford(Actor and Singer Known for His Role as ‘Mark McCain’ in the TV Series ‘The Rifleman’)
Birthdate: March 26, 1946
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States
Died: April 29, 2021
Johnny Crawford made his acting debut as a “Mouseketeer” and then earned an Emmy nomination at 13 for his performance as Mark McCain in the Western series The Rifleman. He also led the Johnny Crawford Orchestra and delivered Billboard Top-40-charting hits such as Cindy's Birthday and Rumors.
13
Terry Pratchett(Humorist)
Birthdate: April 28, 1948
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Beaconsfield, England
Died: March 12, 2015
14
Denis Law(Scottish Former Footballer Who Played as a Forward)
Birthdate: February 24, 1940
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Bucksburn, Aberdeen, Scotland
After representing teams such as Manchester City and Torino, Scottish footballer Denis Law had a successful stint with Manchester United. Known as The King, he was the only Scottish footballer to earn a Ballon d'Or and the only man to have 2 statues at the Old Trafford.
15
James Doohan(Screenwriter, Television actor, Film actor, Actor, Novelist, Science fiction writer)
Birthdate: March 3, 1920
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Vancouver
Died: July 20, 2005
Canadian actor James Doohan was initially a soldier in the Canadian army and had even sustained injuries in World War II. He later soared to fame with his Saturn Award-nominated role of Montgomery Scott in the Star Trek film and TV franchise. He also voiced the character in various video games.
16
Perry Como(Singer)
Birthdate: May 18, 1912
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, USA
Died: May 13, 2001
Height: 5'6" (168 cm)
17
Barbara Windsor(English Actress Known for her Roles in the ;Carry On' Films)
Birthdate: August 6, 1937
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Shoreditch, London, England
Height: 4'10" (147 cm)
18
Dana Andrews(Best Known for His Role as ‘Fred Derry’ in the Film ‘The Best Years of Our Lives’)
Birthdate: January 1, 1909
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Collins, Mississippi, United States
Died: December 17, 1992
Dana Andrews was an American actor who achieved popularity during the 1940s. His film career declined in the 1950s, partly due to alcoholism, which he eventually overcame by working with the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence. Later in his life, he started focusing on his real estate business. He died of pneumonia and congestive heart failure in 1992.
19
Otto Graham(American Football Player)
Birthdate: December 6, 1921
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Waukegan, Illinois, USA
Died: December 17, 2003
Height: 6'1" (185 cm)
20
Verne Gagne(American Amateur and Professional Wrestler)
Birthdate: February 26, 1926
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Corcoran, Minnesota, United States
Died: April 27, 2015
Height: 5'11" (180 cm)
21
Don Cornelius(Television show host)
Birthdate: September 27, 1936
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, USA
Died: February 1, 2012
Height: 6'4" (193 cm)
22
Iris Murdoch(Irish & British Novelist Best Known for Her Novels: 'Under the Net', 'The Sea, the Sea' and 'The Bell')
Birthdate: July 15, 1919
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Dublin, Ireland
Died: February 8, 1999
One of the most popular Irish-born British novelists, Iris Murdoch is remembered for her psychological novels, which had a good dose of sexuality, philosophy, morality, and comic elements. While she won the Booker Prize for The Sea, the Sea, the Oxford alumnus had also worked for the HM Treasury and the UN.
Birthdate: April 24, 1904
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Rotterdam, Netherlands
Died: March 19, 1997
Willem de Kooning was a Dutch-American artist and one of the most famous practitioners of abstract expressionism of his generation. One of the 20th century's best-known artists, de Kooning is noted for paintings, such as Woman III (1953) and Interchange (1955). Many of his paintings have been sold for record prices.
Birthdate: July 8, 1935
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: New York City, New York, United States
25
Sammy Baugh(American Professional Football Player Who Played as Quarterback and Coach)
Birthdate: March 17, 1914
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Temple, Texas, United States
Died: December 17, 2008
Height: 6'2" (188 cm)
Birthdate: May 1, 1925
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, United States
Died: March 21, 2015
Height: 6'3" (190 cm)
27
Margaret Rutherford(Best Known for Her Role as the ‘Duchess of Brighton’ in the Film ‘The V.I.P.s’)
Birthdate: May 11, 1892
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Balham, London, United Kingdom
Died: May 22, 1972
Margaret Rutherford was an English actress best known for playing the Duchess of Brighton in the 1963 drama film, The V.I.P.s, for which she won a Golden Globe Award and an Academy Award. In 1961, she was made an Officer of the OBE. In 1967, she was elevated to become a DBE.
28
Enoch Powell(Former Secretary of State for Health and Social Care of the United Kingdom)
Birthdate: June 16, 1912
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Birmingham
Died: February 8, 1998
Enoch Powell was a British politician, linguist, classical scholar, philologist, and poet. Also a soldier, Powell served in World War II, reaching the rank of brigadier. His political career is remembered for his iconic and infamous Rivers of Blood speech, which was interpreted as a demonstration of racism. The speech became the subject of a play titled What Shadows.
29
Otto Preminger(Director and Producer Best Known for His Film ‘Anatomy of a Murder’)
Birthdate: December 5, 1905
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Vyzhnytsya, Ukraine
Died: April 23, 1986
While he initially wished to follow in his prosecutor father’s footsteps to be a lawyer, Otto Preminger later discovered his love for theater. A master stage director, he later signed with Fox as one of its first independent filmmakers. He soared to fame with the 1944 film Laura.
30
Jill Gascoine(Known for Her Role of 'Detective Inspector Maggie Forbes' in the TV Series ‘The Gentle Touch’)
Birthdate: April 11, 1937
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Lambeth, London, England
Died: April 28, 2020
Actor and novelist Jill Gascoine is best remembered for her role as Detective Inspector Maggie Forbes in the series The Gentle Touch and its spin-off, C.A.T.S. Eyes. She wrote three novels and also appeared in films such as King of the Wind. She was also a kidney cancer survivor.
31
Chuck Noll(American Football player)
Birthdate: January 5, 1932
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Cleveland, Ohio, United States
Died: June 13, 2014
Height: 6'1" (185 cm)
32
Mae Questel(Actress)
Birthdate: September 13, 1908
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: The Bronx, New York, USA
Died: January 4, 1998
Birthdate: March 26, 1914
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Saxon, South Carolina, United States
Died: July 18, 2005
34
Willie Pep(Boxer)
Birthdate: September 19, 1922
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Middletown, Connecticut, United States
Died: November 23, 2006
Height: 5'5" (165 cm)
35
Emil Cioran(One of the Finest Philosophers and Critical Writers from Romania)
Birthdate: April 8, 1911
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Rasinari, Romania
Died: July 20, 1995
Born to a priest father, Romanian philosopher Emil Cioran grew up to include religious and melancholic themes in his works. His award-winning bestseller A Short History of Decay was followed by books such as The Trouble with Being Born, all of which spoke of illness and suicide.
36
Lili Damita(Actress)
Birthdate: July 10, 1904
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Blaye, France
Died: March 21, 1994
Height: 5'3" (160 cm)
37
William Asher(Producer)
Birthdate: August 8, 1921
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA
Died: July 16, 2012
Birthdate: November 25, 1953
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, United States
Died: December 15, 2017
Height: 5'8" (173 cm)
39
Junior Johnson(American Stock Car Race Driver)
Birthdate: June 28, 1931
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Ronda, North Carolina, United States
Died: December 20, 2019
40
William H. Gates, Sr.(Lawyer)
Birthdate: November 30, 1925
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Bremerton, Washington, United States
Died: September 14, 2020
Height: 6'7" (201 cm)
41
Bob Paisley(Football player)
Birthdate: January 23, 1919
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Hetton-le-Hole, England
Died: February 14, 1996
42
Molly Picon(Actress)
Birthdate: February 28, 1898
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: New York City, New York, United States
Died: April 5, 1992
Height: 5'0" (152 cm)
43
Karlheinz Böhm(Actor Known for His Role as 'Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria' in the 'Sissi' Film Trilogy)
Birthdate: March 16, 1928
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Darmstadt, Germany
Died: May 29, 2014
Karlheinz Böhm was an Austrian-German philanthropist and actor. He is best remembered for playing a psychopathic named Mark in the 1960 British psychological horror-thriller film Peeping Tom. In 2003, the Ethiopian government honored Karlheinz Böhm with honorary citizenship for his work as the founder of an organization named Humans for Humans, which aims at helping Ethiopian people in need.
44
Ray Dolby(American Engineer, Inventor of the Noise Reduction System and Founder of 'Dolby Laboratories')
Birthdate: January 18, 1933
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Portland, Oregon, United States
Died: September 12, 2013
A Stanford engineer and a Cambridge PhD, Ray Dolby had first experimented with electronic gadgets while working part-time for Ampex in his teenage years. The Dolby Laboratories founder later pioneered the surround sound technology in movies and the noise-reduction system in tapes. His honors include an Emmy and two Academy Awards.
45
Claude Jutra(Actor)
Birthdate: March 11, 1930
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Montreal, Canada
Died: November 5, 1986
46
William Proxmire(Politician)
Birthdate: November 11, 1915
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Lake Forest, Illinois, U.S
Died: December 15, 2005
47
Darrell Royal(American football player and coach)
Birthdate: July 6, 1924
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Hollis, Oklahoma, United States
Died: November 7, 2012
48
Saul Zaentz(Film producer)
Birthdate: February 28, 1921
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Passaic, New Jersey, United States
Died: January 3, 2014
49
Bob Denard(French Mercenary and Soldier of Fortune)
Birthdate: April 7, 1929
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Grayan-et-l'Hôpital, Gironde, France
Died: October 13, 2007
50
Ashraf Pahlavi(Iranian Writer, Diplomat and Politician)
Birthdate: October 26, 1919
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Tehran, Iran
Died: January 7, 2016
