The family of Rosalynn Carter, a known mental health advocate and former first lady, has disclosed that she has been diagnosed with dementia. Despite her condition, she is still living contentedly at her home with her husband according to a statement released by The Carter Center. This news came after her husband, former President Jimmy Carter, was placed under hospice care at their home in Plains, Ga., a few months ago after being admitted to the hospital several times. The Carter couple, who holds the record of the longest-living president, has served the nation from 1977 to 1981 and established The Carter Center in Atlanta in 1982. The center’s objective is to promote democracy, freedom, and global health while resolving conflicts worldwide.
Even prior to the opening of the center, Rosalynn, presently aged 95, had already commenced her efforts to destigmatize mental health disorders, according to the family. She advocated for better access to care and a reduction in the negative perceptions surrounding mental health issues during her time in the Governor’s Mansion in Georgia, the White House, and The Carter Center. In her book published in 1994, titled Helping Yourself Help Others: A book for caregivers, she discussed the isolation, trauma, and agony that caregivers frequently experience. By sharing recommendations on the best approaches gathered from multiple national surveys, she aspired to provide some form of relief.
As a former first lady, I prioritize placing attention on family caregivers, which I believe is one of the most significant missions I can fulfill. My purpose in writing this book is to offer support, understanding and advocacy for the unique needs of caregivers. While I aim to provide helpful advice for better care, my ultimate goal is also to bring more ease and joy into your life.Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter hold the record for the longest presidential marriage in U.S. history, having known each other since he was three and she was just a day old. They recently celebrated their 76th wedding anniversary and are proud parents of four children, twelve grandchildren, and fourteen great-grandchildren.
Read more: When Pregnancy Affects Your Taste Buds: The Truth About Dysgeusia and How to Cope
