Franklin D. Roosevelt had polio. He was diagnosed with infantile paralysis, better known as polio, in 1921, at the age of 39. Although dealing with this crippling disease was difficult, many believe that his personal struggles helped shape FDR, both as a man and as a president. As a result of polio, Roosevelt lost the use of his legs, but with the help of his family, staff, and the press, he often tried to hide his disability from the public.