As one of the first African-American women to grace the cover of Mademoiselle back in 1986, B. Smith is known for knocking down barriers. Now she has a new battle--Alzheimer's Disease.
According to CBS.com, the restaurant owner, designer and decorator says she told her doctor about her symptoms about four years ago.
She informed doctors before she even told her husband and business partner.
Last year, doctors did a special scan to look for a sticky protein that damages the nerves.
"It's everywhere," says neurologist Dr. Martin Goldstein of Mount Sinai Hospital in New York.
Her symptoms have progressed but she continues to maintain a positive outlook.
"I think the future's going to be fine," she said. "I'm going to do my best to make it work out for me, and for as many people that I can possibly help, too."
Click here to read the full story on cbs.com.
