disease
John Patrick “JP” McManus is a well-known Irish billionaire and philanthropist. However, what many people may not know is that he has also become a prominent advocate for Alzheimer’s disease awareness and research. McManus has been personally affected by this devastating disease, as his wife, Noreen, was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s in 2010.
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys a person’s memory, thinking skills, and ability to perform daily tasks. It is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60-70% of all cases. The risk of developing Alzheimer’s increases with age, and it is estimated that 5.8 million Americans over the age of 65 are living with this disease.
McManus has used his influence and wealth to raise awareness and support for Alzheimer’s research. In 2014, he established the JP McManus Charitable Foundation, which has donated millions of dollars to Alzheimer’s organizations such as Alzheimer’s Association and Alzheimer Society of Ireland. McManus has also personally funded a research project at Trinity College Dublin, aimed at identifying genetic risk factors for early-onset Alzheimer’s.
One of the reasons McManus has been so invested in finding a cure for Alzheimer’s is because of the personal toll it has taken on his family. His wife Noreen, who had a successful career as a nurse, was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s at the age of 62. Early-onset Alzheimer’s is a rare form of the disease that affects individuals under the age of 65. It progresses more rapidly and can have a more severe impact on a person’s daily life.
McManus has witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s on his wife and family. He has described it as a “cruel disease” that “strips away a person’s dignity and memories.” Noreen’s diagnosis has also motivated McManus to become an advocate for better support and care for individuals living with Alzheimer’s and their families.
In addition to his philanthropic efforts, McManus has also been vocal about the need for increased government funding for Alzheimer’s research. He has criticized the lack of investment in finding a cure for this disease, which currently has no effective treatments. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, only 0.3% of the National Institutes of Health’s budget is dedicated to Alzheimer’s research, despite its high prevalence and devastating impact.
McManus has also used his platform and influence to raise public awareness about Alzheimer’s disease. He has participated in fundraising events, including the annual Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland coffee morning, and has shared his personal story in interviews and speeches. His efforts have helped to bring attention to the urgent need for a cure for Alzheimer’s and to break the stigma surrounding the disease.
Despite the challenges and setbacks faced by Noreen and their family, McManus remains optimistic about finding a cure for Alzheimer’s. He believes that with increased investment in research, we can make significant progress in understanding this complex disease and developing effective treatments.
In recognition of his dedication and contribution to the fight against Alzheimer’s, McManus was awarded the Humanitarian Award by the American Ireland Fund in 2018. This award honors individuals who have made a significant impact in the fields of philanthropy and humanitarianism.
In conclusion, while JP McManus may be well-known for his success in the world of business and his philanthropic efforts, his advocacy for Alzheimer’s disease is a testament to his compassion and dedication to making a positive difference in the world. His personal connection to this disease has driven him to use his resources and influence to raise awareness, support research, and provide better care for those affected by Alzheimer’s. McManus serves as an inspiration to us all to join the fight against this devastating disease.
