“it looks like Donald Sterling isn’t going to sell off the Clippers for a half billion dollars and use that money to get scientists and engineers to build him a time machine so he can back to the 1800s and live his racist dream by owning a bunch of slaves. (“Take me wit you, Donnie!” – Paula Deen)” – DListed.com
The notion that Donald Sterling possibly having dementia is being whipped into the mash of tabloid media thanks in large part to his wife, Shelly Sterling, and her infamous Barbara Walters interview.
The 80-year NBA co-owner created a tsunami of scandal ever since TMZ revealed him telling his person of interest, V. Stiviano, to avoid African-Americans, including Magic Johnson, who he allegedly feared was sexually interested in Stiviano.
In her interview with Walters, Shelly Sterling said her husband of 60 years told her: “I don’t remember saying that. I don’t remember ever saying those things.”
“I said, ‘Well, this is the tape.’ And he says, ‘Hmm. I don’t remember it,'” she added. “That’s when I thought he had dementia.”
But Anderson Cooper of CNN interviewed Mr. Sterling, and he went on record at the networksaying if he even suspected that Mr. Sterling was incapacitated by any neurological symptoms or confusion typically associated with dementia, he would have never continued with the segment.
So why does Mrs. Sterling say her husband may have dementia? Donald Sterling’s estranged wife Shelly admits there in no love left in her marriage, and has her say with ABC’s Barbara Walters, offering a bold explanation to Donald’s racist remarks alluding that he is confused and forgetful, and vows to fight to keep control of the Los Angeles Clippers.
Board certified Internist, Geriatrics and Men’s Health specialist Dr. Damon Raskin is a frequent contributor to Monsters and Critics and was interviewed by Access Hollywood for his expert opinion and observation of the bad boy billionaire who keeps insulting Magic Johnson.
Dr. Raskin says that the early symptoms of dementia may include mood and personality changes, but can his racist comments were said in proper context of the conversation recorded, and did not appear in any way the ramblings of someone afflicted with dementia.
Mr. Sterling’s litigious reputation and pattern of behavior have been consistent according to those who have dealt with him. Early dementia normally exhibits as a personality change, difficulty in dressing and with language and finding the right words.
Shelly Sterling is as combative legally as her husband, She is currently estranged from the Clippers owner. She is also currently involved in a lawsuit against V. Stiviano.
Dr. Raskin tells M&C that dementia affects more than 5 million Americans and that number is growing. Dementia is the common term for several diseases, including Alzheimer’s. The majority are over the age of 65, but an estimated 200,000 are younger, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the major early warning signs include:
- Challenges in planning or solving problems
- Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, work or leisure
- Confusion with time or place
- Trouble understanding visual image and spatial relationships
- New Problems with words in speaking or writing
- Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
- Decreased or poor judgment
- Withdrawal from work or social activities
- Changes in mood and personality
