The 58-year-old wife of Dallas Cowboys legend Michael Irvin is reportedly battling early-onset Alzheimer’s.
NFL Hall of Famer, Michael Irvin, made the announcement on Monday during the soft opening of his new sports bar in The Colony, Texas, as reported by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Irvin shared with patrons that his wife, Sandy, has been fighting the disease for several years and now requires a live-in caretaker to assist her with daily tasks.
However, Irvin mentioned via text to the Star-Telegram that he has no plans to place his wife in a full-time care facility, stating that she deserves to remain in her own home.
Eric Gay/AP
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An estimated nearly 7 million Americans currently live with Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. This progressive neurological disorder results in the gradual loss of brain cells over time, leading to a decline in behavioral and social skills.
While the risk of developing Alzheimer’s increases significantly after age 65, some individuals younger than that may also exhibit symptoms of the disease. Signs include memory loss, cognitive decline, disorientation, speech issues, behavioral changes, and difficulty with daily tasks.
Early-onset Alzheimer’s, although rare, accounting for about 5% of all cases, often has a stronger genetic component and may be hereditary. For more information on the disease, its detection, and treatment options, visit alz.org.
