Heston says he has signs of dementia

LOS ANGELES — Charlton Heston, veteran Oscar-winning actor and president of the National Rifle Association (NRA), announced yesterday that he has symptoms similar to those of Alzheimer's disease. The announcement was made at a news conference at the Beverly Hills Hotel via a taped statement from Heston.

Looking strong and determined, Heston, 77, who played heroic figures including Moses and Ben-Hur during his five-decade film career, said he's "neither giving up nor giving in."

"For an actor," he said, "there is no greater loss than the loss of his audience. I can part the Red Sea," referring to his role as Moses in the 1956 classic "The Ten Commandments," "but I can't part with you."

Heston had recorded the statement Wednesday. His spokeswoman, Lisa Powers, said Heston wanted to do it by videotape because of the nature of the announcement. "It is very emotional and personal," Powers said.

Heston said he made the announcement now, "because when the time comes, I might not be able to." He added that he would continue as president of the NRA — his fourth term will end in April — and plans to maintain his political speaking schedule and campaign stumping for Republican candidates this fall.

His announcement was reminiscent of a 1994 statement released by his friend Ronald Reagan, whose "sunset of my life" letter told the U.S. public that he had been found to have Alzheimer's.

Like Reagan, Heston clearly took the occasion to signal a farewell of sorts. He concluded by quoting William Shakespeare, who wrote his farewell through the words of Prospero in "The Tempest":

"Be cheerful, sir.

Our revels now are ended. These our actors,

As I foretold you, were all spirits and

Are melted into air, into thin air."

His statement also acknowledged the support of his wife, Lydia; their children, Fraser and Holly; and their three grandchildren.

Heston has been as well-known for his political activism as for his acting. Having been involved with Martin Luther King Jr. in the 1960s civil-rights movement, he has taken on a more conservative bent on other issues in recent years.

A longtime member of the NRA, he was elected to its presidency in 1998. He is credited with increasing the NRA's membership from 2.8 million at the time of his election to its current 4 million.

Sarah Brady, chairwoman of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, released a statement yesterday acknowledging her group's ideological differences with Heston and the NRA but offering solidarity with his family.

"We understand how painful Alzheimer's disease can be for those suffering from it and for their loved ones. Our thoughts are with Mr. Heston and his family during this difficult time."

Some 4 million Americans have the neurological disorder, which destroys brain cells and causes memory loss. Alzheimer's patients eventually need 24-hour care and usually live eight to 10 years after diagnosis.

Information from The Associated Press is included in this report.