US First Lady Rosalynn Carter has dementia
Former US First Lady Rosalynn Carter has been diagnosed with dementia, according to a statement from her family.
Her husband, former President Jimmy Carter, is receiving hospice care at their home in Georgia.
"She continues to live happily at home with her husband," according to the statement.
In February, former President Jimmy Carter, 98, was placed on hospice care. He is the country's longest-serving president.
Mrs Carter, the oldest living former first lady, was stated to be "enjoying spring... and visits with loved ones" despite her diagnosis.
President Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, served a single term from 1977 to 1981.
Mr. Carter and his wife have stayed engaged since leaving the White House, carrying out humanitarian activities through his Carter Centre.
Mrs Carter is a long-time advocate for mental healthcare and has worked to reduce the stigma against mental illness. As first lady, she was the honorary chair of the President's Commission on Mental Health and helped pass a bill to increase spending on mental health services for disadvantaged communities.
Presidential historian Michael Beschloss hailed Mrs Carter on Twitter as "a magnificent champion for mental health in America for a half century".
Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock said he was praying for the former first lady and her husband "during these tough and tender times. So grateful for their continuing example of service and sacrifice".
According to the Alzheimer's Association, dementia is a broad diagnosis for a loss of cognitive abilities such as memory, language, and problem-solving that is severe enough to interfere with daily life. According to the Alzheimer's Association, nearly one in every three American seniors dies from Alzheimer's or another form of dementia.
Mrs Carter also launched the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Carers after leaving office, which provides assistance, research, and funding to Americans who care for ageing family members and loved ones.
"The universality of caregiving is clear in our family, and we are experiencing both the joy and the challenges of this journey," stated the family in a statement.
"We hope that sharing our family's news will spark important conversations around the country at kitchen tables and doctor's offices."
