Dementia has all but silenced one of the most outspoken politicians in Alberta's history.
Former Premier Ralph Klein has been given a diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia, a rare condition that occurs in only five per cent of dementia cases.
It is progressive and incurable.
The diagnosis is cruel irony for Klein, whose quick wit and skill at communicating made him one of Calgary's most popular mayors and Alberta's most popular premiers.
"For the greatest political communicator of our generation, it's tough to see," said Rod Love, a former Klein aide and longtime friend.
"I've spent 30 years of my life with him so it's a bit of a shock."
The diagnosis came after months of tests and visits with specialists.
The aphasia has left Klein unable to speak more than just a few short words and phrases.
Colleen Klein says her husband now has trouble focusing on reading, spends much of his day napping, and has problems with his memory.
Just four months ago, the Kleins confirmed the former premier also suffers from the smoking-related lung disease, emphysema.
Although frontotemporal dementia, or FTD, accounts for only two to five per cent of all dementia cases, it is the second-most common form of dementia, after the much more well-known Alzheimer's disease.
Unlike Alzheimer's, FTD affects middle-aged adults, typically between the ages of 45 and 65.
The disease also affects the brain quite differently than Alzheimer's. Alzheimer's affects the memory primarily, by destroying cells throughout the brain. FTD on the other hand, actually causes the front lobes of the brain, which control speech and behaviour, to shrink.
Sarah Price with the Alzheimer Society of Calgary says life expectancy is 5-7 years for people diagnosed with the disease.
"But every individual is different. We have individuals who really buck that trend and can be living with their diagnosis for 15-20 years," she says.
"The memory loss will likely be part of that over time and get more progressive and eventually care might become a real concern for the family."
Price hopes Klein's story will shine the light on the condition and encourage people to seek out support.
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With files from ctv.ca
