If Alzheimer's were cured, people would simply age, rather than disappear into the unforgiving vortex of the disease. There are many octogenarians and nonagenarians who age as nature meant them to. Take for example:

Warren Buffet, 83, who is called the "Sage of Omaha" and is noted for his adherence to the value investing philosophy and for his personal frugality -- probably because he recently was demoted to the third richest person in the world.

Or

Betty White, 90, the vibrant comedian known for her expert timing and for never going down on a line.

Or

Fidel Castro, 88, who gave a seven-hour speech last year in a park in Havana. No one was allowed to leave. This man knows the power of a captive audience.

Or

Henry Kissinger, 90, who undoubtedly can still regale with stories of the war in Vietnam, his peace success and his prayer sessions with President Nixon

Or

Joan Rivers, who is 80 and admits to almost an equal number of plastic surgeries. She still remembers every insult -- to herself as much as others. Joan says that when she was born she was so homely, the doctor slapped her mother.

Or

Joseph Lerner, who was 94 when he died a premature death. Most everything had given out -- he was unable to walk, could barely hear a treble, his eyes had dimmed to darkness. But his mind, his glorious mind, was crystal-clear as he absorbed the news of the day. He was my father.

Or

One of the most extraordinary women I have seen -- Johanna Quaas, an 88-year-old who still competes in gymnastics competitions. Check out this incredible video about Johanna, produced by the Guinness Book of World Records:

We need to ramp up the fight against Alzheimer's so that there are more women in the world like Johanna. Learn more about how your can join our movement in our action center. 

Editor's note: this blog originally appeared on Huffington Post 50