Acting legend Danny Glover shared in an exclusive interview with TODAY that he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease a few years ago. His speech is beginning to slow, as well as his movements and memories, but he’s doing ok.

“I can live with it in a sense,” Glover shared when asked how he’s coping. But he’s also realistic. “I’m sure as it advances, things are going to be different and changing,” the 79-year-old stated in conversation with Lester Holt.

Thankfully, though, the actor, who received an honorary Oscar in 2022, is surrounded by family who support him and are helping remove the stigma attached to such a diagnosis.

“We all get old. It happens. That’s what I think is important: he tells his story. That he has ownership of his life,” said Mandisa Glover, the actor’s daughter. “That’s really important. And the time is now. What better time but now for him to speak for himself?”

“He took me under his wing, and I love him to death,” Danny’s youngest brother, Martin, said to Holt. “And I’m here to help him now.”

He also has the support of the Alzheimer’s Association, with whom he’s working to help others. They note that early detection can make a major difference, and staying physically active, managing one’s blood pressure and any diabetes diagnoses, as well as prioritizing good sleep and staying social can aid in one’s battle with the disease.

He’s grateful for the help and the love, especially from his family. “They’ve got my back.”

And, as he told PEOPLE as well in an exclusive chat, he’s not letting the diagnosis stop his joy.

“I still have my daughter, I have friends,” Danny shares. “I want to just say, your life continues.”

Author: ESSENCE Editors

Read the original article on Essence.