Samuel A. Simon: Tackling His “Existential Journey” Onstage in “Dementia Man”

This video is part of the Journey to Diagnosis series, produced by Being Patient with support provided by Eli Lilly. Learn more about Journey to Diagnosis: https://www.beingpatient.com/journey-to-diagnosis/ Award-winning playwright and performer Samuel A. Simon joined Being Patient live talks to discuss his experience with Alzheimer’s and developing and performing his autobiographical play about his diagnosis journey, “Dementia Man, an Existential Journey.” Before becoming involved in theatre as a playwright and performer, Simon worked as a lawyer for Ralph Nader’s first advocacy group. He then spent 25 years as head of a public affairs firm. After he sold his firm, he became involved with theatre, with his first play, “The Actual Dance, Love’s Ultimate Journey Through Breast Cancer,” which has toured from 2013 to the present. In 2021, this play was turned into an award-winning biography. In 2018, Simon was diagnosed with mild-cognitive impairment and in 2021 with early-stage Alzheimer’s. He used his experience in his previous play to develop “Dementia Man, an Existential Journey.” In the play, he shares his “existential journey” as he navigates diagnosis and living with dementia. He also imagines a future for the millions of others living with the disease and what that would look like. Directed by Thadd McQuade with dramaturgy by Gabrielle Maisels, “Dementia Man, An Existential Journey” made its world premiere at Capital Fringe in Washington D.C. in July 2023 and is the recipient of the 2023 Dementia Arts Impact Award by the Dementia Spring Foundation. He continues to tour performances of the play throughout the United States. Simon lives in Mclean, Virginia, with his wife Susan. They have two children and four grandchildren. He is under medical treatment for Alzheimer’s disease and took part in a clinical trial.

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