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Charlton Heston has Alzheimer's symptoms

Last Updated: Friday, August 9, 2002 | 12:00 AM ET

CBC Arts

Arts Now

Beverly Hills, Calif. - Charlton Heston, the Oscar-winning star of Ben-Hur , revealed Friday that he has symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. "I'm neither giving up nor giving in," the 77-year-old actor said in a taped statement played at a news conference at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Heston recorded the statement on Aug. 7.

"My dear friends, colleagues and fans, my physicians have recently told me I may have a neurological disorder whose symptoms are consistent with Alzheimer's disease," he said. "I wanted to prepare a few words for you now because when the time comes I may not be able to," he said.

Heston's screen credits include starring roles in The Ten Commandments , El Cid and Planet of the Apes .

He is an outspoken opponent of gun control in the U.S., and has served as president of the National Rifle Association lobby group.

For more arts news, listen to The Arts Report weekdays at 7:12 a.m., 8:12 a.m. and 5:55 p.m. on CBC Radio Two.

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