Diseases and Their "Poster" People Quiz

Answer: Rock Hudson

Since 1985, much has been learned about Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome and Human Immunodefieciency Virus, with a great number of advances made. With Hudson's death and Elizabeth Taylor's continued support to find a cure, after over two decades and millions of dollars, this disease continues to plague the world.

Answer: Lou Gehrig

ALS or Lou Gehrig's Disease affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord which results in deterioration of the muscles that control movement. Gehrig died in 1941 after making his "Farewell Speech" in Yankee Stadium in 1939. Noted physicist Stephen Hawking also sufferred from this disease.

Answer: John Merrick

John Merrick, whose real name was Joseph Carrey Merrick, was depicted in the 1980 movie "The Elephant Man" by John Hurt. His deformity resulting from the unchecked growth of tumors made him a figure of horror and derision, despite his inherent charm and intellect.

Answer: Karen Carpenter

Karen and her brother Richard were known as the famous 1970s singing duo, "The Carpenters" who had hits like "Close to You" and "We've Only Just Begun". She died of heart failure as a result of complications from this relatively unknown disease and brought to light the eating disorder known as anorexia.

Answer: Bulimia

Bulimia is an eating disorder associated with recurrent binges and purges. It usually occurs in girls and young woman obsessed with being thin and with a need to control their lives in some fashion. Bulimia Nervosa can result in death.

Answer: Ronald Reagan

Alzheimer's Disease or senile dementia is a progressive brain disease occurring in older people, usually after the age of 60. This insidious disease results in the deterioration of memory and the ability to reason. Some progress in medication has been achieved since it was first observed by Dr. Alois Alzheimer in 1906, but there is still much which needs to be done.

Answer: Abraham Lincoln

Did you get this one right? I knew that Lincoln suffered from "melancholy" and depression but I just discovered that it has also been suggested that he also had Marfan's syndrome.

Answer: Franklin D. Roosevelt

Polio is an infectious viral disease which can lead to paralysis. Famous sufferers of the disease include violinist Isaac Stern, Donald Sutherland and Gwen Verdon. Fortunately, with the development of a polio vaccine by Jonas Salk in 1955 and the subsequent Sabin oral vaccine, this disease has become a thing of the past.

Answer: Farrah Fawcett

Farrah Fawcett was diagnosed with anal cancer in 2006. She underwent chemotherapy and surgery and, four months later, was determined to be cancer free; however, in May 2007, a malignant polyp was found in the same area. She documented her battle with the disease in a poignant 2009 documentary titled "Farrah's Story".

Answer: All of them

Yes, with proper checkups and screening, we have made great strides in increasing the survival rate of breast cancer. Organizations like the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation have increased public awareness and provided a more positive prognosis for many.