Alzheimer’s disease is no respecter of fame, talent or financial status. Witness the sad news that, according to MSNBC, 75-year-old Grammy winner–Glen Campbell–has announced that he’s been diagnosed with AD. Campbell is loved by his diverse fan base for his pop/country hits, but is also widely admired by guitarists for his exceptional talent on that instrument.

Campbell plans a final tour this fall and wants his fans to know that if his guitar licks are less than fabulous, or if he gaps out on some lyrics, it’s because of his Alzheimer’s disease. Campbell’s wife, Kim, told People magazine in an interview:

Glen is still an awesome guitar player and singer…But if he flubs a lyric or gets confused on stage, I wouldn’t want people to think, “What’s the matter with him? Is he drunk?”

Campbell not a lone star with Alzheimer’s

In years past, people who lived in the limelight would hide their dementia, or their families would tuck them away where they wouldn’t embarrass themselves. With growing awareness that this disease strikes people of all walks of life, courageous entertainers and political figures have gone public with the disease. Recently, Larry King shared the spotlight with Maria Shriver on a special edition of Larry King Live. Shriver’s father died last January from Alzheimer’s disease. On the same show, Ron Reagan, son of former president Ronald Reagan, talked at length about his father’s battle with Alzheimer’s.

Actor Peter Falk is now living with Alzheimer’s disease. Charles Bronson died from it. The list of these high profile personalities is long because these people are as human as your next door neighbor. Disclosures from celebrities and other well known figures serve to spike awareness of the disease and grow the public appetite for AD information. This awareness also highlights the increasing need for funding research toward prevention and cure.

Perhaps, even more importantly, these celebrities and political figures who go public with their disease help take away some of the stigma that dementia still holds in our culture.

“Rhinestone Cowboy” shows courage and grace

Well, I really don’t mind the rain
And a smile can hide all the pain
But you’re down when you’re ridin’ the train that’s takin’ the long way
And I dream of the things I’ll do
With a subway token and a dollar tucked inside my shoe
There’ll be a load of compromisin’
On the road to my horizon
But I’m gonna be where the lights are shinin’ on me

Glen Campbell, a man who rose from very modest roots, made it big in the music business. Like every human being, he’s had his personal highs and lows. He now has chosen to ride off into the sunset of his career with courage and grace by turning his huge spotlight of success toward the illumination of Alzheimer’s disease. May his last tour be a great tour, and may his courage help others understand and cope with AD.

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Tags: Alzheimer's disease, awareness