The spouse of Dallas Cowboys legend Michael Irvin, aged 58, is reportedly experiencing early-onset Alzheimer’s.
Irvin, a NFL Hall of Famer, shared this news during the soft opening of his new sports bar in The Colony, Texas, as reported by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. He mentioned that his wife, Sandy, has been dealing with the condition for a few years and now requires a live-in caretaker for daily assistance.
Although Irvin stated via text message that he has no plans to place his wife in a full-time care facility, mentioning she deserves to remain in her own home.
Eric Gay/AP
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An estimated nearly 7 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. This progressive neurological disorder leads to the death of brain cells over time, resulting in a continuous decline in social and behavioral abilities.
The risk of developing Alzheimer’s significantly increases after age 65, with some individuals under that age also displaying symptoms. These include memory loss, cognitive decline, disorientation, speech difficulties, behavioral changes, and challenges in completing daily tasks.
Although uncommon, early-onset Alzheimer’s, which accounts for about 5% of cases, often has a strong genetic component and can be inherited. To learn more about the disease, its detection, and treatment options, visit alz.org.
