What president died of Addison's disease?

Asked by: Winfield Borer  |  Last update: February 4, 2026
Score: 4.3/5 (67 votes)

President John F. Kennedy (JFK) suffered from Addison's disease, a serious adrenal gland disorder, but it wasn't the direct cause of his death; he died from gunshot wounds during his assassination, though his chronic illnesses, including Addison's and severe back pain, were kept secret during his presidency and required constant medication.

What caused JFK's Addison's disease?

Kennedy had adrenal insufficiency of an unknown cause but he was not in any way, shape or form, infected with tuberculosis. So, technically, he did not have "real Addison's disease."

What were John F. Kennedy's last words before he died?

Nellie Connally turned and commented to Kennedy, who was sitting behind her, "Mr. President, they can't make you believe now that there are not some in Dallas who love and appreciate you, can they?" Kennedy's reply – "No, they sure can't" – were his last words.

What famous person has Addison's disease?

As the youngest man ever to be elected president of the United States, JFK is one of the most well-known public figures with Addison's. However at the time, the US President managed his Addison's disease and other autoimmune conditions in secret.

What famous person died of Addison's disease?

Apart from her literary fame, Austen is also recognised as being the first notable historical figure to have had Addison's disease. It has long been suggested that Austen died of Addison's Disease, diagnosed posthumously by British physician Dr Thomas Addison from reading her diaries.

JFK's Hidden Health Secrets Uncovered - Biographical Documentary

19 related questions found

What is the lifespan of someone with Addison's disease?

Addison disease is a lifelong condition that can be treated successfully with the replacement of steroid hormones. People with Addison disease can have a normal life span because cases of Addison disease may go undiagnosed, and it is difficult to determine its true frequency in the general population.

What is the saddest death of a famous person?

15 Heartbreaking Celebrity Deaths That Shocked The World, And People Are Still Mourning

  • Alan Rickman died in 2016 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. ...
  • Robin Williams died in 2014 by suicide, according to a coroner's report. ...
  • Steve Irwin died in 2006 after a stingray stabbed his chest and heart.

Who usually gets Addison's disease?

In Addison's disease, the adrenal gland is damaged, and not enough cortisol and aldosterone are produced. About 8,400 people in the UK have Addison's disease. It can affect people of any age. It's most common between the ages of 30 and 50.

What is the best exercise for Addison's disease?

no specific restriction on exercise for people with Addison's disease. For general fitness, I suggest an aerobic routine like a treadmill for 30 minutes with added training exercises like weights if desired. There is nothing wrong with doing more exercise - just listen to your body.

Has anyone ever recovered from Addison's disease?

Partial recovery from Addison's disease is possible although uncommon. Patients with long-term endocrine conditions on replacement therapy still benefit from regular clinical and biochemical assessment, to revisit optimal management.

Was Jackie Kennedy's pink suit cleaned?

The suit, which was never cleaned, is kept out of public view in "an acid-free container in a windowless room ... the precise location is kept secret.

Did people cry when JFK died?

The news shocked the nation. Many people wept openly. Crowds gathered in public places to watch the television coverage. Traffic in some areas came to a halt as the news spread from car to car, even gathering around cars to listen to radio reports.

What was the last thing JFK ate?

We know exactly what President Kennedy ordered for his last meal: toast with butter and marmalade, crisp bacon (Jackie's notes stress that it should be oven broiled), a 5 minute egg, coffee with hot milk, and freshly squeezed orange juice.

What organ causes Addison's disease?

Located on top of the kidneys, the adrenal glands make hormones that help regulate metabolism, the immune system, blood pressure and other important functions. Although small, these glands control much of what happens in the body. Damage to the adrenal glands causes Addison's disease.

Did Eunice Kennedy have Addison's disease?

Like her brother Jack, Eunice suffered from Addison's disease and colitis. The fifth of Joe and Rose Kennedy's nine children—known in the family as "Puny Eunie"—also had a tendency toward nervous exhaustion.

What were your first signs of Addison's disease?

Symptoms of Addison's disease

  • extreme tiredness (fatigue)
  • areas of skin that are darker than surrounding skin – this may be harder to see on brown or black skin.
  • loss of appetite, weight loss, tummy pain, feeling or being sick and cravings for salty foods.
  • feeling dizzy or light-headed when standing up.

What is the best drink for Addison's disease?

Some good liquid options to consider: water (always the best liquid), seltzer or soda water, tea of any type, fruit juice, milk, broth, etc. (Cold salted liquids are not recommended… too much salt at one time can cause diarrhea.) Salty food ideas: dill pickles, pretzels, nuts, olives, broth, potato chips, etc.

How do you flush cortisol out of your body?

How To Reduce Cortisol

  1. Eat a whole-food, plant-based diet. ...
  2. If needed, add supplements. ...
  3. Take deep breaths. ...
  4. Reduce your caffeine intake. ...
  5. Get adequate sleep. ...
  6. Exercise regularly. ...
  7. Write in a journal. ...
  8. Indulge in hobbies.

What not to eat with Addison's disease?

Avoid foods high in sugar and saturated fat and limit or avoid processed meats, refined grains, soft drinks, and fried foods.

Does Addison's affect the eyes?

Virtually all patients have visual symptoms. Loss of acuity, hemianopia, visual agnosia, optic atrophy, and strabismus are the most common features. Neuropathy may cause a decrease in corneal sensation. Gaze abnormalities due to ocular apraxia are sometimes seen.

Are you born with Addison's?

In rare cases, Addison's disease is inherited as an X-linked trait, meaning that the gene responsible for the condition is located on the X chromosome and passed down from a mother to her child. In this form, symptoms typically begin in childhood or adolescence.

Can emotional stress cause Addison's disease?

In some cases — such as after an injury or severe illness or time of intense stress — symptoms can come on quickly and cause a life-threatening event called an addisonian crisis or acute adrenal failure.

What's the hardest death to get over?

There is also discussion of the response to suicide, often regarded as one of the most difficult types of loss to sustain. Other types of particularly difficult losses, such as multiple simultaneous deaths resulting from accidents or natural disasters and deaths caused by war and terrorism, are not discussed.

What famous singer died on stage?

Singer Onie Wheeler died of a massive heart attack while performing on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry.