Sandra Day O'Connor Says She Has Dementia, Withdraws From Public Life

[Dulcinea]

Former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor says she has been diagnosed with "the beginning stages of dementia, probably Alzheimer's disease," in an open letter that was released Tuesday.

O'Connor, 88, is the first female justice to serve on the high court, and she has remained active after retiring in 2006. She left the court to care for her husband, John, who had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Now, O'Connor says, the disease is forcing her to withdraw from public life.

Despite her condition, O'Connor said, "nothing has diminished my gratitude and deep appreciation for the countless blessings in my life."

In a letter released by the Supreme Court's public information office, O'Connor said she received the diagnosis "some time ago."

https://www.npr.org/2018/10/23/659816933/sandra-day-oconnor-says-she-has-dementia-withdraws-from-public-life

[Autumn]

1. Yeah, it happens. nt

[saidsimplesimon]

2. I wish her and her family

strength and unity during the worst of times.

[shenmue]

3. Bless her

[Bluepinky]

4. She helped to saddle us with 8 years of George W. Bush.

Bush vs Gore, the WORST Supreme Court decision in my lifetime.

[YOHABLO]

5. I agree. She was a Republican, and couldn't stand the thought of Gore being President.

I wish her well.

[Aristus]

6. I'd say believing Dubyah would be a better President than Al Gore is pretty much

proof of a diagnosis of dementia.

It was, after all, a demented belief...

[3Hotdogs]

8. She stated years later, maybe it wasn't the best outcome.

[Aristus]

9. Too fucking late to do any good.

She doesn't win any points with me by pulling an Urkel-style "Did I do that?"