Please see below for comments from Annabel Bowlen, her five children — Patrick, Johnny, Brittany, Annabel and Christianna — and President/CEO Joe Ellis.
STATEMENT FROM ANNABEL BOWLEN
"I recently learned that I've joined my husband Pat and the millions of others who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
"Since Pat's diagnosis, I have gained a vivid understanding of this disease's progression and its effect on those living with it as well as their families. My family and I have been — and will remain — dedicated supporters of Alzheimer's awareness, treatment and research funding.
"I decided to make my diagnosis public right away in the hope that it continues to raise awareness for those battling Alzheimer's and their loved ones. With June also being Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month, the timing was right for me to share this personal update with everyone.
"I feel that it is important for people to know that those in my situation do not need to completely withdraw from their daily activities. Based on my own experience with Pat, there will still be many joyous and rewarding moments for me as well as my family and friends.
"I intend to proceed in life with the same strength, courage and endurance that Pat has shown in his battle with this disease. Like Pat, I know there will be good days and bad days ahead. I'm grateful to have the support of my family and especially my children — Patrick, Johnny, Brittany, Annabel and Christianna.
"It's my hope to remain involved in various Alzheimer's events as my health allows. And of course, I'll be cheering on our Broncos.
"Most importantly, thank you to all of our incredible fans for the compassion and support you've given to me, Pat and our entire family."
STATEMENT FROM ANNABEL BOWLEN'S FIVE CHILDREN (PATRICK, JOHNNY, BRITTANY, ANNABEL AND CHRISTIANNA)
"We are fully supportive of our mother and will face her Alzheimer's diagnosis together as a family.
"During the last few years, all of us have been inspired by the strength and courage our mother has shown as she's supported our father in his own battle with Alzheimer's disease. We're confident that she will bring the same grace, compassion and determination to her fight.
"In addition to being a loving mother, she has always found ways to positively impact our community. By publicly announcing her illness, we are reminded again of our mother's commitment to raising awareness and empowering those living with Alzheimer's disease.
"We'll continue to support our parents, stay strong as a family and do our part to raise awareness for everyone affected by Alzheimer's disease."
STATEMENT FROM DENVER BRONCOS PRESIDENT AND CEO JOE ELLIS
"Our hearts go out to Annabel and the entire Bowlen family. She's been a wonderful ambassador and advocate for the Broncos over the years, especially in recent seasons as Pat has focused on his own battle with Alzheimer's disease.
"All of us at the Broncos are behind Annabel and know she'll face this challenge with courage and determination.
"Our support extends not only to Annabel and Pat, but also to their children. While having both parents diagnosed with Alzheimer's is daunting, they've already demonstrated such strength and compassion in their roles as caregivers.
"We commend Annabel for her brave public announcement and look forward to increasing our involvement in the Alzheimer's community."
A look at Annabel Bowlen's years with the Broncos.
Annabel Bowlen finishes her speech with a flourish during Ring of Fame induction ceremonies for her husband, Broncos Owner Pat Bowlen, on Nov. 1, 2015.
Demaryius Thomas greets Annabel Bowlen prior to the Broncos' Super Bowl 50 team photo on Feb. 6, 2016.
Peyton Manning greets Annabel Bowlen prior to the Broncos' Super Bowl 50 team photo on Feb. 6, 2016.
Annabel Bowlen holds the Ring of Fame ring for Red Miller's wife, Nan Miller, during the halftime Ring of Fame festivities on Nov. 19, 2017.
Annabel Bowlen during pregame ceremonies to celebrate the Broncos' three Super Bowl championships on Sept. 8, 2016.
Annabel Bowlen,center, celebrates postgame on the awards platform with the team after Denver defeated the New England Patriots in the AFC Conference Championship Game on Jan. 24, 2016.
Annabel Bowlen and Joe Ellis pose for a photo at the White House on June 6, 2016.
Annabel Bowlen presents a personalized Broncos jersey to President Barack Obama during the team's visit to the White House on June 6, 2016.
Annabel Bowlen during the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame halftime ceremonies at Sports Authority Field on Sept. 14, 2014.
Annabel Bowlen waves to the camera as Lombardi Trophy confetti falls around her, John Elway, Paige Elway, Gary Kubiak and Rhonda Kubiak after the Broncos' Super Bowl 50 win.
Annabel Bowlen and head coach Gary Kubiak pose for a photo with the Lombardi Trophy during the Broncos' Super Bowl 50 parade and celebration.
Annabel Bowlen and Joe Ellis receive the Lombardi Trophy from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on the awards stage after the Broncos defeated the Panthers on Feb. 7, 2016.
NFL commission Roger Goodell, right, hands Annabel Bowlen the Lombardi trophy as President and CEO Joe Ellis assists during the Lombardi Trophy presentation after Denver defeated the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50.
Annabel Bowlen and the Bowlen family at the 2017 Walk to End Alzheimer's on Sept. 16, 2017. (Ben Swanson)
Peyton Manning, John Elway,Terrell Davis and Annabel Bowlen during pregame ceremonies celebrating the Broncos' three Super Bowl championships on Sept. 8, 2016.
Annabel Bowlen and the Bowlen family at the 2017 Walk to End Alzheimer's on Sept. 16, 2017.
Executive Vice President of Football Operations/General Manager John Elway, outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware (94), Annabel Bowlen, outside linebacker Von Miller (58) at the Broncos' 2016 team photo picture day at the Pat Bowlen Fieldhouse.
Annabel Bowlen during the Ring of Fame Banquet on Nov. 17, 2017.
Annabel Bowlen, representing Owner Pat Bowlen, talks with Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) before the team photo on Oct. 4, 2017.
Annabel Bowlen and the Bowlen family at the 2016 Walk to End Alzheimer's at City Park on Sept. 17, 2016.
Broncos Owner and CEO Pat Bowlen and wife Annabel prior to ceremonies where Bowlen received the Mizel Institute's 2013 Community Enrichment Award on May 22, 2013, in front of more than 2,000 guests, including Broncos Hall of Famers.
Annabel Bowlen hoists the Lombardi Trophy during the Broncos' Super Bowl 50 celebration and parade.
Annabel Bowlen, holding the Lombardi Trophy, sits next to Von Miller and Peyton Manning's daughter, Mosley, on top of a fire truck during the Broncos' Super Bowl 50 championship parade on Feb. 9, 2016.
Peyton Manning speaks with Annabel Bowlen after his retirement ceremony at UCHealth Training Center on March 7, 2016.
Annabel Bowlen stands with John Elway, Gary Kubiak, DeMarcus Ware, Von Miller and guests from the Wounded Warrior Project, who joined the Broncos for their visit to the White House.
Annabel Bowlen speaks during the induction of Denver Broncos Owner Pat Bowlen into the Ring of Fame on Oct. 30, 2015.
Annabel Bowlen shakes the hand of a veteran who was at the White House with the Broncos as a guest of the Wounded Warriors Project during the team's visit after winning Super Bowl 50.
Karl Mecklenburg embraces Annabel Bowlen during the induction of Denver Broncos Owner Pat Bowlen into the Ring of Fame on Oct. 30, 2015.
Annabel Bowlen holds up the Lombardi Trophy while standing with her family, including her mother, Joan Spencer, during the Broncos' Super Bowl 50 parade and celebration.
Annabel Bowlen and Von Miller pose for a photo with the Lombardi Trophy on the top of the lead firetruck before the Broncos' Super Bowl 50 parade.
Annabel Bowlen holds up the Lombardi Trophy during the Broncos' Super Bowl celebration on the steps of the Denver City Council building.
Von Miller gives Annabel Bowlen a hug at the Broncos' 2016 team photo picture day at the Pat Bowlen Fieldhouse.
Annabel Bowlen at the 2017 Walk to End Alzheimer's on Sept. 16, 2017.
Broncos Hall of Famers Shannon Sharpe, John Elway, Gary Zimmerman and Floyd Little congratulate Annabel Bowlen after her speech during Ring of Fame induction ceremonies for her husband, Broncos Owner Pat Bowlen, on Nov. 1, 2015.
Annabel Bowlen and Executive Vice President of Football Operations/General Manager John Elway at the Broncos' 2016 team photo picture day at the Pat Bowlen Fieldhouse.
Annabel Bowlen,center, celebrates postgame on the awards platform with the team after Denver defeated the New England Patriots in the AFC Conference Championship Game on Jan. 24, 2016.
Annabel Bowlen talks with Head Coach Vance Joseph and his wife Holly, right, daughter Nataly, left, and Stone, foreground, at Joseph's introductory press conference . Jan. 12, 2017.
Annabel Bowlen, representing Broncos Owner Pat Bowlen, hugs Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) before the team photo on Oct. 4, 2017.
Annabel Bowlen greets DeMarcus Ware prior to the Broncos' Super Bowl 50 team photo on Feb. 6, 2016.
Annabel Bowlen receives a game ball from head coach Gary Kubiak as members of the Bowlen family look on postgame in the locker room after Denver defeated the Packers on Nov. 1, 2015. Mrs. Bowlen had represented her husband, Broncos Owner Pat Bowlen, during the day's Ring of Fame induction festivities and gave a speech on his behalf at halftime.
Annabel Bowlen holds the game ball she received from head coach Gary Kubiak as she hugs her daughter Brittany postgame in the locker room after Denver defeated the Packers on Nov. 1, 2015. Mrs. Bowlen had represented her husband, Broncos Owner Pat Bowlen, during the day's Ring of Fame induction festivities and gave a speech on his behalf at halftime.
Annabel Bowlen stands with Joe Ellis by the Lombardi and Super Bowl 50 trophies during the team's White House visit on June 6, 2016.
Annabel Bowlen watches with pride during the Ring of Fame induction ceremony for Broncos Owner Pat Bowlen at halftime of the Broncos' game against the Packers on Nov. 1, 2015.
During 2014 Ring of Fame ceremonies for inductees Dan Reeves, Gene Mingo and Rick Upchurch, the Ring of Famers put their hands in along with Annabel Bowlen for a photo at Sports Authority Field on Sept. 12, 2014.
Annabel Bowlen, wife of Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen, poses for a photograph near MetLife Stadium before the NFL Super Bowl XLVIII football game against the Seattle Seahawks Sunday, Feb. 2, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
