LENEXA, Kan. — Friends and colleagues are reacting to Wednesday’s announcement made by former U.S. Congressman Dennis Moore of Kansas that he has Alzheimer’s disease.
In a statement released Wednesday, Moore says he was initially diagnosed with the disease in February 2011. After further testing and neurological evaluations, he received a final diagnosis in June 2011.
“I know there will be some good days and not so good days,” he said in his written announcement. Read Moore’s complete statement.
Now retired from Congress, Moore served as a democrat in the Kansas 3rd district from 1999 to 2011. His chief of staff during that time, Howard Bauleke, told FOX 4 that in the last few years he did notice Moore’s short term memory loss.
“Certainly never felt like it in any way compromised his ability to do his job,” Bauleke said.
Moore retired last year and says he is enjoying his time with his wife, children and grandchildren.
“They are a close family,” Bauleke added. “Between them, they have seven kids, 11 grandkids, great support network as well as friends throughout the community.”
Moore says he wants to bring more public attention to the disease that attacks the brain and is the most common form of dementia. He and his wife Stephene plan to work actively with the heart of America Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. Click here for a link to their website.