The death of actor Gene Wilder on Aug. 29 has been attributed to “complications of Alzheimer’s disease.” In a statement, his nephews said, “We understand for all the emotional and physical challenges this situation presented, we have been among the lucky ones — this illness-pirate, unlike in so many cases, never stole his ability to recognize those that were closest to him, nor took command of his central-gentle-life affirming core personality.” Troy Andersen, director of the W.D. Goodwill Initiatives on Aging at the U’s College of Social Work and the dementia specialist clinical social worker at the U’s Center for Alzheimer’s Care, Imaging and Research, is available to discuss Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, as well as the impact these diseases can have on caregivers and families.
Troy Andersen | 801-587-5354 | troy.andersen@hsc.utah.edu