Celebs with Alzheimer's

One of the most public Alzheimer's victims was the former president, who died at age 93 on June 5, 2004. His wife, former first lady Nancy Reagan, is an avid supporter of embryonic stem cell research, which she believes might some day lead to a cure for the disease.

Charlton Heston

The 79-year-old Oscar-winning actor and president of the National Rifle Association was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in August 2002.

Barry Goldwater

The former Arizona senator and Republican presidential candidate, pictured here after losing the 1964 presidential election, died of Alzheimer's in May of 1998 at 89 years old.

Rita Hayworth

The Hollywood screen siren of the 1940s died of Alzheimer's Disease in May of 1987 at the age of 69. Though most of its victims are elderly, the disease sometimes hits younger people.

Perry Como

The 89-year-old singer, best known for his 1945 chart-topper "Till the End of Time," succumbed to Alzheimer's in May of 2001.

Winston Churchill

The former British prime minister and Alzheimer's sufferer died in January 1965 at the age of 91.

Harold Wilson

At the age of 79, Wilson, also an ex British prime minister, died in 1995 of Alzheimer's Disease.

Sugar Ray Robinson

The boxing champion, whom Muhammad Ali dubbed "the king, the master, my idol," died at age 67 in April 1989. Robison suffered from both Alzheimer's and diabetes.

Iris Murdoch

After suffering from Alzheimer's for some time, the British novelist and philosopher, aged 79, died in February 1999.

Dutch Queen Juliana

Pneumonia claimed the 94-year-old, Alzheimer's stricken monarch in March 2004. Alzheimer's victims often die of other illnesses such as pneumonia before the disease is able to fully run its course.

Charles Bronson

In September 2003, the actor, best known for his rugged, tough-guy roles in films like 1974's "Death Wish," died of Alzheimer's at age 81.

Cyrus Vance

Vance, who served two years as Jimmy Carter's secretary of state before resigning, died of Alzheimer's in January 2002 at the age of 85.