Alzheimer's Foundation of America Mourns Death of Sargent Shriver

NEW YORK, Jan. 18, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Eric J. Hall, president and CEO of the Alzheimer's Foundation of America,  issued the following statement upon learning of the death of Sargent Shriver, who died today at age 95:

"The Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) is saddened to learn of the passing of Sargent Shriver and extends its deepest condolences to his family.

"We pay tribute to Mr. Shriver for his distinguished career as a public servant and his many accomplishments that changed the face of the United States, including serving as the first director of the Peace Corps, leading President Lyndon Johnson's War on Poverty, and helping his wife, Eunice Kennedy, create the Special Olympics for mentally disabled children and adults.

"More recently, he, like millions of other Americans and their families, experienced the ravages of Alzheimer's disease. The public acknowledgement of his illness served and will continue to serve a significant purpose: shedding light on the disease and helping all of us advocate for more attention to be paid to its impact on American families and society.

"We extend our heartfelt sympathy to the Shriver family, and especially to Mr. Shriver's daughter, journalist and former First Lady of California Maria Shriver, who has courageously brought her father's story and the story of so many other Americans with Alzheimer's disease to the public eye. Her passion for the cause will serve as an ongoing tribute to her father."

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The Alzheimer's Foundation of America is a nonprofit organization based in New York City that focuses on providing optimal care to individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related illnesses, and their families, and unites 1,600+ member organizations nationwide that provide hands-on programs. AFA's services include a toll-free hot line with counseling by licensed social workers, a free caregiver magazine, a National Memory Screening Day initiative and the AFA Quilt to Remember.  For information, call 866-AFA-8484 or visit www.alzfdn.org.

SOURCE Alzheimer's Foundation of America

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