Led by founder Mike T. Zuendel, the Initiative to Change the “D-Word” unites a coalition of multidisciplinary stakeholders from patient advocacy, professional societies, industry, and policymakers to eliminate the words “dementia/demented” to reduce stigma and increase accuracy around cognitive impairment.

Mike T. Zuendel

Mike T. Zuendel is a Des Moines, Iowa native who has found a passion in advocating for a better life and hope for those with Alzheimer’s disease. Mike graduated from the University of Iowa and completed post-doctorate training in pediatric dentistry at The Ohio State University.

With a family history of Alzheimer’s disease — and as a caretaker for his parents, who died from Alzheimer’s — Mike proactively sought out proper diagnosis, patient-centered treatment and positions of advocacy. In 2020, at the age of 66, Mike was diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease.

 His story is one of practicality, courage, and the strength to see through a new era of treatment in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.

He served on the National Early-Stage Advisors Group of the Alzheimer’s Association, selected for the Global Neuroscience Patient Council, Champion for the Voices of Alzheimer’s organization, and sits on the Alzheimer’s Patient Advisory Board of the Center for Study on Clinical Research Participation. Mike also serves on the Board of Directors of the Banner Alzheimer’s Institute Foundation.

Mike is the Founder and CEO of Legacy Bridge Private Family Offices located in Des Moines, IA, New York, NY, and Telluride, CO.

Mike and his wife, Brooks, divide their time among Des Moines, IA, Telluride, CO, and Newport Beach, CA. They have five adult children and enjoy skiing, Baja off-road racing, paddle boarding, traveling, and finding gratitude in everyday life.