I'm guessing that Reagan was suffering from the early stages of dementia while in office. Some have claimed signs were there even during his first term. His son Ron, made claims he saw signs as early as 1984 in his book (they didn't have the best of relationships). Leslie Stahl also claims she was close to reporting Reagan's diminished state after a disturbing encounter in the late 80's. White House doctors and others deny those claims. There are enough incidents from enough people with nothing to gain to lend credence to the "myth". I've never heard it described as a myth though. I think most believe he had some issues especially late in his presidency.

 

It's a myth because because every medical professional and his closest advisors dispute the claim. Ron was black balled from the family and was looking for attention.

 

It's normally a myth when all credible sources dispute an assumption.

He was diagnosed in 1994, but many (including his son Ron) believe that it began much earlier (1984 or thereabouts). Not sure how that qualifies as a liberal myth.

 

Ronald Reagan's speeches showed the beginnings of Alzheimer's before diagnosis - Telegraph

 

When Did Reagan's First Signs of Alzheimer's Appear? | Psychology Today

 

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/31/health/parsing-ronald-reagans-words-for-early-signs-of-alzheimers.html?_r=0

 

The myth was started by scorned Rony and pounced upon by pepole who wanted to discredit the president.

 

Again every credible source around him disputes it. Therefore a myth.

It's a myth because because every medical professional and his closest advisors dispute the claim. Ron was black balled from the family and was looking for attention.

 

It's normally a myth when all credible sources dispute an assumption.

 

We'll never know the real answer. I don't think he was badly impaired and unfunctional, and nor do I believe he wasn't the one running the country. Kind of like Pat Summit during the end of her run as coach at Tennessee. It's hard to define exactly when the disease starts, especially during that time period when we knew a lot less about the disease.

And let's be honest, if it began in 1984 and signs were seen there is no way anyone who would know would ever admit it. The play would be to black ball Ron from the family and do all they can to discredit him. Folks talk about our country now. If word gets out that the POTUS was mentally unstable the last four years of his term then the office of the POTUS is forever stained. I hope it is a myth and a lie but we'll never know the whole truth. Ever.

And let's be honest, if it began in 1984 and signs were seen there is no way anyone who would know would ever admit it. The play would be to black ball Ron from the family and do all they can to discredit him. Folks talk about our country now. If word gets out that the POTUS was mentally unstable the last four years of his term then the office of the POTUS is forever stained. I hope it is a myth and a lie but we'll never know the whole truth. Ever.

 

Ron was black balled way before his book.

Didnt Hillary hit her head and forget a lot of stuff too.

Hillary Clinton ‘Slips,Falls, Bumps Her Head’, Will Not Testify At Benghazi Hearing | GOVERNMENT SLAVES

If it hadn't been titled "Reagan" would it have been more likely to see production? Call it something like "Acting President" on something. It actually seems like a decent premise for a comedy.

It would be easier to buy into the myth if Reagan had been kept off of TV, kept from making speeches, appearances and even negotiating with Gorbachev late in his presidency. By all accounts he was very active publicly right until the end of his presidency.

If it hadn't been titled "Reagan" would it have been more likely to see production? Call it something like "Acting President" on something. It actually seems like a decent premise for a comedy.

 

Just watch "Dave"!

Just watch "Dave"!

 

I love that movie!

If it hadn't been titled "Reagan" would it have been more likely to see production? Call it something like "Acting President" on something. It actually seems like a decent premise for a comedy.

 

No, it doesn't. Not with Altzheimer's involved. Hit their head and have amnesia would go over. Too many families experiencing the pain this involves for it to be used in a comedy.

I love that movie!

 

He sure made cutting the budget look easy!

If it hadn't been titled "Reagan" would it have been more likely to see production? Call it something like "Acting President" on something. It actually seems like a decent premise for a comedy.

 

I don't think so. Alzheimer's is not funny, especially for those who have to live with it and through it. Not really a suitable premise for a comedy.

No, it doesn't. Not with Altzheimer's involved. Hit their head and have amnesia would go over. Too many families experiencing the pain this involves for it to be used in a comedy.

 

I don't think so. Alzheimer's is not funny, especially for those who have to live with it and through it. Not really a suitable premise for a comedy.

 

I disagree, but I understand your point.

Alzheimer's Disease is not Funny !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Anyone that thinks it is funny has a warped sense of humor ,