Asssociate Justice (retired) Sandra Day O'Connor announces likely Alzheimer's diagnosis Title Here FTA:  Sandra Day O’Connor, the first woman on the Supreme Court, announced Tuesday that she has the beginning stages of dementia, “probably Alzheimer’s disease.” O’Connor made the announcement in a letter. The 88-year-old said her diagnosis was made some time ago and that as her condition has progressed she is “no longer able to participate in public life.”