Richard Taylor, Ph.D. (decd. 2015), was a psychologist who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s-type dementia at the age of 61. He started writing short essays for his own benefit—trying to better understand what was going on inside of him. He sought out others with dementia and began forming online chatrooms, which eventually grew into an international network. Through his writing and other communication efforts, he became a champion for individuals with early-stage and early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, speaking regularly throughout the U.S. to avid audiences about the challenges of living with dementia.
Dr. Taylor had been recognized with innumerable awards for his advocacy work and his efforts to give voice to the millions of people living with this disease. He helped to found the Dementia Advocacy and Support Network International (DASNI) and was a moving force in the establishment of the Dementia Advisory Committee of the national Alzheimer’s Association, a group comprised of people living with dementia, as well as a similar committee for the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.
Dr. Taylor garnered international recognition and was a regular presenter for many years at the annual conference of Alzheimer’s Disease International.
