Sandra Day O'Connor announces likely Alzheimer's diagnosis
Posted: Updated:By JESSICA GRESKO
Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) - Sandra Day O'Connor, the first woman on the Supreme Court, announced Tuesday that she has the beginning stages of dementia, "probably Alzheimer's disease."
O'Connor made the announcement in a letter. The 88-year-old said her diagnosis was made some time ago and that as her condition has progressed she is "no longer able to participate in public life."
"While the final chapter of my life with dementia may be trying, nothing has diminished my gratitude and deep appreciation for the countless blessings in my life. How fortunate I feel to be an American and to have been presented with the remarkable opportunities available to the citizens of our country. As a young cowgirl from the Arizona desert, I never could have imagined that one day I would become the first woman justice on the U.S. Supreme Court," she wrote.
O'Connor was nominated by President Ronald Reagan and took her seat on the court in 1981. She was 75 when she announced her retirement from the court in 2005. It was a decision influenced by the decline in the health of her husband, John O'Connor III, who himself had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
O'Connor was a state court judge before being unanimously confirmed to the Supreme Court at 51. She had graduated third in her class from Stanford Law School and was the first woman to lead the Arizona state senate. On the Supreme Court, her votes were key in cases about abortion, affirmative action and campaign finance as well as the Bush v. Gore decision effectively settling the 2000 election in George W. Bush's favor.
O'Connor's announcement of her diagnosis came a day after a story by The Associated Press that she had stepped back from public life. Her son Jay O'Connor said in that story that his mother had begun to have challenges with her short term memory. He also said that hip issues have meant she now primarily uses a wheelchair and stays close to her home in Phoenix.
(Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
10/23/2018 10:30:38 AM (GMT -4:00)
Brooklyn Top StoriesTop StoriesMore>>
Police: 17-year-old boy robbed in Sheepshead Bay
Police: 17-year-old boy robbed in Sheepshead Bay
Police say a group of teens is wanted for robbing another teenager in Sheepshead Bay on Dec. 5.Police say a group of teens is wanted for robbing another teenager in Sheepshead Bay on Dec. 5.Brooklyn-based Dolly Parton cover band celebrates singer in annual show
Brooklyn-based Dolly Parton cover band celebrates singer in annual show
Musicians from Brooklyn are getting ready for an upcoming showcase that celebrates all things Dolly Parton.Musicians from Brooklyn are getting ready for an upcoming showcase that celebrates all things Dolly Parton.Weekend Workout: Lower body circuit - Sleigh push & pull
Weekend Workout: Lower body circuit - Sleigh push & pull
This week's workout comes from Jon at Synergy. He goes over a circuit to work your lower body.This week's workout comes from Jon at Synergy. He goes over a circuit to work your lower body.Poll: National Wreaths Across America Day
Poll: National Wreaths Across America Day
National Wreaths Across America Day is a movement to cover all veterans' grave markers with a Christmas wreath. Have you ever participated in a Wreaths Across America event?
National Wreaths Across America Day is a movement to cover all veterans' grave markers with a Christmas wreath. Have you ever participated in a Wreaths Across America event?
The National Wreaths Across America Day movement aims to cover all Veterans graves with a Christmas wreath.The National Wreaths Across America Day movement aims to cover all Veterans graves with a Christmas wreath.Users urged to password-protect home security cameras
Users urged to password-protect home security cameras
Recent hacks into security camera systems like Ring have sparked concern among homeowners nationwide.
Recent hacks into security camera systems like Ring have sparked concern among homeowners nationwide.
Recent hacks into security camera systems like Ring have sparked concern among homeowners nationwide.Recent hacks into security camera systems like Ring have sparked concern among homeowners nationwide.
Brooklyn SlideshowsGalleriesMore>>
Concert for The Rainforest Fund held at the Beacon Theatre
Concert for The Rainforest Fund held at the Beacon Theatre
Red carpet arrivals at The Concert for The Rainforest Fund at the Beacon TheatreThe Rainforest Fund 30th anniversary benefit concert was held Monday at the Beacon Theatre in New York City.Your Brooklyn 2019 Holiday Photos
Your Brooklyn 2019 Holiday Photos
From sparking holiday lights to fun Santa photos, News 12 wants to see your holiday photos!From sparking holiday lights to fun Santa photos, News 12 wants to see your holiday photos!Your December 2019 Snow Photos
Your December 2019 Snow Photos
December has already brought some snow to the tri-state area. Here's how the snow looked through your lens.December has already brought some snow to the tri-state area. Here's how the snow looked through your lens.Chinese lantern festival lights up the sky above Citi Field for the holiday season
Chinese lantern festival lights up the sky above Citi Field for the holiday season
A new lantern festival has taken over Citi Field, lighting up the sky starting Friday.A new lantern festival has taken over Citi Field, lighting up the sky starting Friday.2019 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
2019 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
The 87th annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2019 in New York.The 87th annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2019 in New York.