The 58-year-old wife of Dallas Cowboys legend Michael Irvin is reportedly facing early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
The NFL Hall of Famer revealed this information during the soft opening of his new sports bar in The Colony, Texas, as reported by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Irvin shared that his wife, Sandy, has been dealing with the illness for some years now, requiring a live-in caretaker for assistance with daily tasks.
Despite the challenges, Irvin mentioned to the Star-Telegram via text that he is not considering moving his wife to a full-time care facility, emphasizing that she deserves to remain in their home.
Eric Gay/AP
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Currently, nearly 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, as reported by the Alzheimer’s Association. This progressive neurological disorder leads to the deterioration of brain cells over time, resulting in a decline in behavioral and social abilities.
The risk of developing Alzheimer’s rises significantly after the age of 65, although individuals younger than that can also display symptoms of the disease. Signs include memory loss, cognitive decline, confusion, speech issues, behavior changes, and difficulties with daily tasks.
While relatively uncommon, early-onset Alzheimer’s, accounting for about 5% of all cases, tends to have a stronger genetic connection and can be hereditary. For more information on the disease, its detection, and available treatments, visit alz.org.
