Shriver: Impact on women

 father of Maria Shriver, Sargent Shriver, died of Alzheimer's disease in January after receiving a diagnosis in 2003. In his first public remarks on his father since his death, Shriver spoke to Larry King, of his battle against the disease, his thoughts on the research of Alzheimer's disease and why the disease is particularly hard on women. His interview can be seen in its entirety may 1 at 8 p.m. et Sunday on "" a Larry King special, the unthinkable: epidemic of the disease of Alzheimer's. ""

After the diagnosis of his father, Shriver became a vocal advocate for patients, families and caregivers of Alzheimer's disease. It has established a partnership with the Alzheimer's Association published a groundbreaking study called "Alzheimer's in America: the Shriver report on women and Alzheimer's disease," just out in hand.

The report is watched Shriver Alzheimer's disease as a women's disease from the point of view of the patient, family and caregivers. Here is an excerpt of a letter with "" the Shriver report: ""

"I am Maria Shriver, and I am a child of Alzheimer's disease."

This is how I myself am introduced last year when I've testified before the Senate Special Committee on aging. I was there to support the task force on Alzheimer's disease, a panel of Ribbon - blue Congress had accused, at the request of the Association of Alzheimer's disease, develop a plan of action to treat Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease is an epidemic. Every minute, or if - in fact, before go you at the end of this page - a person in this country will develop Alzheimer's disease. Millions of people already were officially diagnosed. Millions more are not diagnosed - or diagnosed a form of dementia that can be in reality of Alzheimer's disease. And, with 78 million baby boomers now moving in their years later, the cost of Alzheimer's disease in American society should be $ 20 billion by the year 2050. This is correct--20 billion.

There is no doubt about it. We are in the midst of a national emergency, and we're woefully unprepared.

I was so he in this courtroom packed, sat with the members of the group for the study of Alzheimer's - former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, former Senator Bob Kerrey, former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor (who left the High Court to take care of her husband with Alzheimer's disease) and Larry Butcher, President of care community in Florida Alzheimer's disease (which would lose its month wife later younger onset of Alzheimer's). We all seek this powerful Committee of Congress listening, attention, increase funding and to take on Alzheimer's disease.

I must admit it was something of an experience surreal for me, because the truth is, for many years, it is my father, Sargent Shriver, who would be seated in this Chair, arguing with the Senators to listen, pay attention and the increase in funding. My father was the one who rise to the Hill to testify for his beloved Peace Corps and for all the war on poverty programs he started and fought for, including the head start, Vista, body of employment and Legal Services for the poor. My father was legendary as he worked on Capitol Hill. He knew that each Senator and member of Congress by name. He knew that their careers, their interests, their policies and their soft spots. It was brilliant, idealistic and optimistic official. My father was a bright, a walk - his mind an encyclopedia listening beautifully instrument that has left people in awe and inspired.

At the time. It does not now know I am his daughter, and he does not even know my name. To be honest, it is always very difficult to wrap my mind around this. But so will the reality and the grief of Alzheimer's disease. It is a breathtaking disease - not only for people who get it, but for everyone around them. That is why I am so passionate about flying it.