Phil Robertson, famous for his patriarchal role in the A&E reality show “Duck Dynasty,” has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Jase, the Duck Commander Co. founder’s son, announced the news on their podcast.
“There is no curing what he has,” Robertson’s son Jase explained on “Unashamed with the Robertson Family.” The podcast usually features the 78-year-old reality TV star, who has been absent since facing escalating health challenges.
“According to the doctors, they’re sure he has some sort of blood disease that’s causing all kinds of problems,” Jase said.
“It’s accelerated and causing problems with his entire body, and he has early stages of Alzheimer’s,” he added. “If you put those things together, he’s just not doing well. He’s really struggling. He keeps saying, ‘I’m going to get back to the podcast.’ I’m like, ‘You can barely walk around without crying out in pain, and you’re memory is not what it once was.’”
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the disease kills more people than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined, affecting nearly 7 million Americans. Roughly 33% of seniors die with some form of dementia.
“He is literally unable — I think he would agree — to sit down and just have a conversation,” Jase Robertson said.
A progressive disease that causes memory loss, it’s the most common cause of dementia, accounting for up to 80% of all cases. A person lives, on average, four to eight years after diagnosis.
“They’re optimistic about doing a few things to slow it down, so we’re not being doom and gloom here,” the younger Robertson added.
In the meantime, the “Duck Dynasty” star said he, his family and a team of doctors are doing all they can to make the patriarch more comfortable.
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