DEMENTIA MAN An Existential Journey

DEMENTIA MAN An Existential Journey is the autobiographical story of a man who faces his diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease by actor and playwright Samuel A. Simon.

In this full-length theatrical piece, Simon takes the stage as a man facing his cognitive decline and asks the hard questions of what to do next in the face of what he calls “an existential journey.” It is a peek into the head and heart of the struggle with a broken medical system and a personal and family tragedy. The play challenges the audience to imagine a meaningful future for the millions of people with neurocognitive disease, with accommodation and adaptation.

Dementia Man is directed by Thadd McQuade with dramaturgy by Gabrielle Maisels and made its World Premiere at Capital Fringe in Washington D.C. in July 2023.

"Congratulations to Sam Simon on his brilliantly conceived new work! All were in agreement on the vital importance of this message. A unique first hand account from a charismatic storyteller."
- Gloria Rosen, TEDx Speaker, Performer, and Playwright

"Sam’s story offers a raw, unfiltered view into the challenges one faces when beginning to lose cognition, including the fear of the unknown; the urgency of decisions that have to be made; and the tribulations of navigating a healthcare system, all while balancing the desire to live a full life, a comfortable life, and a life of service to others."
- Broadway World