B. Smith, the NYC and Washington DC restaurant owner and former model revealed she has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Ms. Smith, 64, revealed this recently in advance of an interview to be discussed on June 15 on CBS Sunday Morning. This is the first prominent African-American to reveal a diagnosis of probable Alzheimer's disease.
I watched part of the story on Sunday Morning, her partner seems to think that this is a walk in the park. She is a beautiful and gracious lady, I am so sorry that she is faced with this horrible disease.
I watched the segment with B. Smith this morning on CBS's Sunday Morning show and was saddened to see that her illness seems to be progressing quickly. I am glad that her doctors were so upfront that this is a disease that effects not just the elderly. I couldn't help thinking they have no idea what's ahead of them. I certainly didn't.
She is a lovely, still gracious woman and I am glad she and her partner have decided "to go public". Actually, I applaud CBS for featuring stories about early onset dementia with highlighting Barry Petersen's story about his wife Jan and now B. Smith.
If you think back, Glen Campbells family gave that impression; the female basketball coach definitely gave that impression. Seems to be normal until reality hits. In some diseases - AD in these cases - fame and/or money can't help change the progression and outcome.
I watched the entire interview yesterday. I was so happy to hear her doctor say, that by her being so open, this could change the way that America looks at dementia.
She is a former super model and was the first African-American on the cover of I believe Vogue. Then she opened several restaurants in Manhattan and Washington DC. She also was touted as the black Martha Stewart. Very talented, very personable, lovely lady. So sad. She's 64. And she is very aware of her condition and what might happen in the future.
Thanks, gals. I got the information I needed, & a little friendly encouragement at the same time!
I've got to go to bed - I'm typing on all the wrong keys, correcting.....it's beddy bye for me. Good night everyone & I mean a GOOD NIGHT! Sweet dreams.
Mim, I never heard of her either. I was never interested in celebrities and having spent the last 7 years in Dementia World killed what little interest I had in that alternative universe. But she sounds like a nice person and too young to hear this news -- and aren't we all?
Of course the interviewer asked the stupid questions...."what was the first dish you ever cooked at age 15?" "Do you know what the date is?" It was very hard to watch and very embarssing for her.