A Canadian man battling early-stage Alzheimer's disease through brain disorder graduated with a bachelor's degree at the age of 84. Ron Robert, who spent the past four years studying 35 courses in history, political science, and stability studies, graduated from King's College, part of Western University in London, on October 19. Robert was also diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2015, and he experienced depression after receiving the news. He described his decision to enroll in university as "a personal experience that succeeded by example." Additionally, Robert told CTVNews.ca: "It’s a great feeling" as he prepared to receive his degree in the conference hall, adding: "It gives many people hope that they can live a good life with Alzheimer's. A time will come when I will not be able to do so, and I fully expect that. But in the meantime, I live a full life." Robert is not alone either; according to the Alzheimer's Society of Canada, more than 569,000 people were living with dementia in Canada in 2020. In a report issued by the group in September of this year, they predicted that nearly one million people in the country would be living with dementia by the end of the decade. Likewise, over the four years he spent at university, Robert said that despite the progression of his Alzheimer's disease, he believes the regular mental challenges probably helped slow the decline. His wife, Katherine Cornelius, told CTVNews.ca that her husband persevered through the course despite his condition, saying: "He worked hard and I definitely believe that his focus on studies prevented Alzheimer's from progressing." At the same time, while on campus, Robert also spoke to medical students, explaining what it means to live with memory loss and how patience and kindness from healthcare professionals are appreciated by those with dementia. Robert also credits his instructors for adapting their classes to help him remember information by recording the lectures he attended so he could listen to them several times. The elderly man's journey culminated on stage to receive his degree, fulfilling Robert's 60-year-old desire. He said he had always wanted to attend university, and instead, he had 20 years working as a journalist in radio and television in Saskatchewan and Alberta and worked as a political assistant to former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau.