PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, Md. (CBSDC) - Prince Georges County Executive Rushern Baker shared some difficult news with the media about the health of a family member.

Baker says his wife Christa Beverly has been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s or dementia.

In a statement released by Baker, he says he and his three children have struggled to adjust and manage, as the rock of the household began to need patience, presence, and support.

Baker adds they decided to share the story in hopes other families in Prince George’s County and the D.C. metro area can learn what they’ve learned: that mental health disease is not the end, nor do you need to be embarrassed or ashamed.

Baker captured the essence of mentally debilitating diseases and how perplexing they can be in the opening lines of his statement:

“All of us can recall a moment when we might have been confused, a little disoriented, challenged by an unfamiliar situation or felt frustrated because we could not place a face or recall something we should remember.

For thousands of people in Prince George’s and over 100,000 people the metropolitan region, this is not a temporary condition but a permanent part of life that is not likely to ever improve.”

The 53-year-old Rushern Baker III has been serving Prince George’s County as its County Executive since December 2010.