1994年11月5日，里根向公众宣布，他患了老年痴呆症（Alzheimer's）。
他在致美国人民的一封信中说，他希望他的病情披露可以增进公众对这种疾病的了解，正如他过去的病情披露提高了人们对癌症的认识。
他在信中写道：“此时此刻，我感觉良好。我打算享受上帝赐予我在这个地球上余下的岁月，做我一贯做的事。”在宣布患老年痴呆症之后，里根很少公开露面，但还继续会见友人。不过，随着病情加重，他越来越难以辨认亲朋好友。
My Fellow Americans，
I have recently been told that I am one of the millions of Americans who will be afflicted with Alzheimer's disease.
Upon learning this news， Nancy and I had to decide whether as private citizens we would keep this a private matter or whether we would make this news known in a public way.
In the past Nancy suffered from breast cancer and I had my cancer surgeries. We found through our open disclosures we were able to raise public awareness. We were happy that as a result many more people underwent testing.
They were treated in early stages and able to return to normal， healthy lives.
So now， we feel it is important to share it with you. In opening our hearts， we hope this might promote greater awareness of this condition. Perhaps it will encourage a clearer understanding of the individuals and families who are affected by it.
At the moment I feel just fine. I intend to live the remainder of the years God gives me on this earth doing the things I have always done. I will continue to share life's journey with my beloved Nancy and my family. I plan to enjoy the great outdoors and stay in touch with my friends and supporters.
Unfortunately， as Alzheimer's Disease progresses， the family often bears a heavy burden. I only wish there was some way I could spare Nancy from this painful experience. When the time comes I am confident that with your help she will face it with faith and courage.
In closing let me thank you， the American people for giving me the great honor of allowing me to serve as your President. When the Lord calls me home， whenever that may be， I will leave with the greatest love for this country of ours and eternal optimism for its future.
I now begin the journey that will lead me into the sunset of my life. I know that for America there will always be a bright dawn ahead.
Thank you， my friends. May God always bless you.
Sincerely， Ronald Reagan.
