Dementia can strike ANYONE, regardless of
wealth, fame, or status.
SCIENTIFIC FACTS: 42% lifetime risk of dementia. No cure once it strikes. But up to 51% of cases can be REVERSED — if detected early.
His family went public to raise awareness of FTD — a less-known form of dementia.
Photos via news media · License before reuse
His handwritten letter to America remains one of the most moving moments in dementia awareness.
Left: White House (PD) · Right: license before reuse
Lived publicly with his diagnosis and pushed for more research worldwide.
Left: VOA News · Right: license before reuseDementia has no cure,
but, can be stopped.
"Dementia" patients have a X7.5 times higher mortality rate than others their age. Yet 92% of Americans are never formally diagnosed — until it’s too late.
There are 100+ different types of Dementia. Knowing which one matters: treatment, planning, and outlook all depend on it. Every year of detection delay represents an average loss of 0.8 to 1.2 years of healthy life expectancy.
That is why screening early is crucial.
The Key Facts
- 60–80% Alzheimer'sThe most common type of Dementia. Memory loss usually first.
- >92% Patients Never Diagnosed (U.S.)Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), precursor stage of Dementia, the last golden window to stop Dementia.
- ~42% Lifetime risk of DementiaAfter age 55 without intervention ~42% of MCI patients progress to dementia within 3-5 years.
- ~51% Is ReversalableWith early detection and intervention intervention, progression from MCI to Dementia can be halted or reversed.
- x7.5 Higher Mortality RateDementia patients' all-cause mortality is about 7.5 times higher than in cognitively normal peers of the same age.
Eight Signs worth a second look!
Forgetting one thing is normal. Forgetting often, or losing track of daily life, is a reason to ask.
Forgetting things that just happened
Recent talks or plans slip away while older memories stay clear.
Poor judgment, out of character
Strange money decisions. Falling for scams. Ignoring hygiene.
Things put in odd places
Keys in the freezer. Glasses in the dishwasher. No memory of how.
Trouble with familiar tasks
Forgetting steps in a recipe known by heart. Lost on a familiar route.
Words that won't come
Stopping mid-sentence. Calling a wristwatch a "hand clock."
New mood or personality
Sudden anger, worry, suspicion — or a flat indifference.
Confused about time or place
Losing track of seasons or how they got somewhere.
Pulling away from people
Dropping hobbies. Avoiding friends and family events.
Eight short questions.
5 minutes only.
The AD8 is an internationally trusted screening tool. A trained staff member walks you through it, one-on-one, in plain language.
A quick, reliable screening to see if you need a full Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) assessment. Results are confidential.
"Has there been a change?" That is the heart of the AD8 — designed for a family member, but you can also take it yourself.
You can't control everything.
But you can do a lot.
Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), the precursor stage to dementia, is the only window for effective intervention— up to 51% of patients can return to normal cognition if identified and treated early.Together, these habits move the odds.
Get screened — early
If something has felt off for six months or more, don't wait. Earlier testing means more options.
Keep your mind in motion
Read. Play cards. Learn something new. The brain works best with regular use.
Move every day
Walking. Tai chi. Dancing. Anything that gets your heart rate up helps the brain.
Eat for your brain
Greens, berries, olive oil, fish twice a week. Less red meat, sugar, and fried food.
Manage chronic conditions
High blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol all hurt the brain. Take meds. Get checkups.
Sleep well, stay close
Seven to eight hours of real sleep. The brain clears waste while you sleep. Loneliness also raises risk.
Meet us in Times Square.
Five minutes today.
Years of Quality Life ahead.
Worried about a parent, a spouse, or yourself? The bravest thing you can do is show up and ask. We'll meet you where you are.