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Zoologist and animal conservationist, Jack Hanna, captured the world with his infectious enthusiasm and gift to connect with wildlife and people. Whether on "The Tonight Show," "Late Night with David Letterman," "Good Morning America” or his own show, “Jack Hanna’s Animal Adventures," he shared the importance of conservation and preservation of the natural world with a bright smile wearing his signature all khaki zookeeper attire.
Recently, his family had an interview with The Columbus Dispatch sharing about their personal struggle with his Alzheimer’s Disease diagnosis and its progression in recent years. Despite deep support from his fans and family, he often described feeling embarrassed and worried. When first diagnosed, he feared the public finding out about his diagnosis.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association in 2023, more than 6 million Americans of all ages have Alzheimer's. Many feel that same fear, embarrassment and uncertainty about others knowing of a diagnosis and the difficulties of the disease's progression. Despite his fears and no longer remembering much of himself and his family, his story has sparked conversation, connection and hope for other families affected by the disease.
These days, Hanna no longer remembers Ohio, the place he loved or his family, the people he loved. However, he and his wife Kathleen Hanna, still have their walks by the river which have become more and more reminiscent. A beautiful reminder you can still be grateful for the memories, but remember where you are in the present moment.
Kathleen shared "The river, the sun, Brassy, our walks… That's what we have left. The Jack people knew isn't here anymore, but pieces of my husband are. And I'm going to hang onto them for as long as I can."
The impact of the Hanna family’s story has been deeply felt throughout our organization and community of family caregivers. It takes so much bravery to share about something so personal and oftentimes stigmatizing in the hopes of giving others the push to tell their own. It’s a reminder to families affected to continue to hold onto yourself as you care for your loved ones. Their family is finding ways to do this by normalizing this familiar reality to help other families get support sooner and have better outcomes.
Early diagnosis is often the key to getting ahead of the disease. While there is no drug on the market today to reverse the effects of Alzheimer’s, there are many benefits to getting an early diagnosis.
Treatment and interventions to help manage and slow the symptoms of the disease are available sooner.
Preparation for coordinating support can happen early so those diagnosed can have input while they are still able to do so.
Awareness and early understanding of Alzheimer’s disease progression can help loved ones and those diagnosed know sooner when it’s time to adjust normal activities to the loved ones' safety.
Opportunities to participate in clinical trials, research studies and experimental therapies are often not available later in the disease's progression.
Communication can become really difficult as the disease progresses. However, knowing best practices on how to communicate with a loved one can make navigating the journey a little easier. These are some useful strategies to take into consideration when communicating with someone with Alzheimer’s.
How you approach the situation will set the tone. Being calm, relaxed and cheerful can be helpful. setting aside time to chat before can also make the situation less stressful.
Be intentional when speaking. try to find a quiet and less distracting place to talk. Use short and simple sentences like yes or no questions when possible. be aware of your pitch and tone. the raising of your voice and frustrated or condescending tone can cause a situation to become more stressful.
When you don’t understand, have patience and just try your best to engage. let the other person know politely you don’t understand them and try and repeat back to them so they can clarify. while it may be frustrating, they are not doing anything on purpose and may feel frustrated themselves that it’s hard for them to communicate. never speak to them like a child, always speak to them with respect, dignity and like you are talking to an adult.
Don’t argue. The person you are arguing with may no longer have the ability to be rational or logical. don’t order the person around, use positive direction instead of negative. don’t ask a lot of questions that rely on good memory.
Despite their diagnosis, the Hanna family have continued to move on and inspire as they adjust to their new normal. The glimpse into their experience with the disease underscores what we believe at Leeza’s Care Connection: You can hold onto yourself, even as you let go go someone you love. We are all grateful for his legacy and for his family’s generosity of sharing their new normal.
Jack Hanna’s daughter has expressed "He spent a lifetime helping everyone he could. He will never know it or understand it, but he is still doing it now” and as his memory continues to fade his impact only grows. While he’s tucked away his days on television and interviews due to the disease, the world continues to be in awe of his life dedicated to his love for wildlife and his ability to create such positive change for both animals and people.
To read more about this remarkable story and get additional resources we recommend Being Patient's article "Four Years After Jack Hanna’s Alzheimer’s Diagnosis, A Look at His Symptoms."