Worldwide, more than 55 million people are living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. June is dedicated to encouraging a global conversation about the brain, Alzheimer’s disease, and other forms of dementia. It’s also an opportunity to honor those living with Alzheimer’s.

A Conversation with Dexter W.J. Davis

As we continue our conversation with NFL Alumni Dexter W.J. Davis, we dive deeper into his personal journey with Alzheimer’s and dementia. In a previous feature, we introduced Dexter as part of our focus on mental health, and now, we go beyond that, exploring the emotional challenges and steps he has taken to manage his condition. Diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s and dementia, Dexter has become a passionate advocate for brain health. As the South Carolina Chapter President and Chairman of the NFL Alumni Association Chapters, Dexter uses his platform to raise awareness and offer support to others facing similar struggles.

What is Early Onset Dementia?

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s is not just a disease of old age. Younger-onset (also known as early-onset) Alzheimer’s affects people younger than age 65. Younger-onset is much less common, and the prevalence among the more than 7 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s is uncertain.

A Personal Journey

Diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s and dementia, Dexter has become a passionate advocate for brain health. His experience navigating this diagnosis, dealing with emotional challenges, and taking proactive steps to manage his condition mirrors the essence of what football has always represented: strength, perseverance, and unity. Football, as Bill Curry so aptly described in “Ten Men You Meet in the Huddle,” is not just a game—it’s a metaphor for life. Dexter’s journey is one of connection, not just with his family and community, but with the values learned through the sport itself. The camaraderie and shared experiences of football, from the locker room to the huddle, have empowered him to face his own challenges head-on.

Dexter’s path to a diagnosis was not easy. As he recalls, it took time to understand what was happening to him. “It’s a process to get answers,” Dexter explains. “I sought out different doctors and even got a second opinion before they could conclusively arrive at a diagnosis of early onset Alzheimer’s and dementia.”

For Dexter, this journey was deeply personal. His family has a history with Alzheimer’s, as both his 93-year-old grandmother and her 78-year-old daughter are living with the disease in the same nursing home. But it was his own symptoms that led him to seek answers. Major headaches, difficulty with communication, and confusion in day-to-day activities started interfering with his ability to function. “I was forgetting words, losing my way in the mall, and even having trouble with directions while driving,” Dexter shares. The turning point came when his wife and children encouraged him to get help. “It was affecting my family, and I needed to know what was going on. Getting the diagnosis brought relief – I finally knew what was happening.”

Finding Strength Through Faith and Poetry

One of the things that kept Dexter grounded throughout his journey was his connection to poetry. “I’ve always had a deep connection to poems, especially those that inspired me to motivate others,” he says. “Reciting poems has always been effortless for me – but when I started forgetting a word here or there, it gave me pause.”

Dexter shares how he still turns to poems by M. Scott Peck, Robert Frost, and William Ernest Henley, which he was encouraged to memorize in 7th grade in exchange for a grade. “One of the most powerful poems that stays with me is ‘The Road Not Taken.’ I used to recite it in the locker room, in front of CEOs of major corporations, and even at weddings and funerals. It reminds me that sometimes the road less traveled is the one you have to consider.”

It was through these poems and his faith that Dexter learned to persevere. “I remind myself, ‘It’s okay. Faith is there. I can get help. I have a life, and I’m okay. Everybody has something they’re going through.’”

The Influence of NFL Legends

Throughout his career, Dexter saw firsthand how mental health struggles affected NFL players. He recalls the tragic loss of former teammate Dave Duerson, who took his own life after battling with brain health issues. “Dave was a great guy, a sharp businessman. But we were all dealing with something. The early 2000s players, especially, were facing things that weren’t being talked about enough,” Dexter reflects. “It made me realize how important it is to have an outlet to talk and help each other through it.”

His experiences led him to be a strong advocate for fellow NFL Alumni. As the Chairman of the NFL Alumni Association chapters, Dexter is working to raise awareness about the challenges of Alzheimer’s and dementia, hoping to offer support to those who may be going through similar struggles.

A Champion for Brain Health

Dexter’s commitment to raising awareness is also reflected in his recent nomination to the National Alzheimer’s Association’s National Early-Stage Advisory Group (ESAG). This group focuses on providing support and guidance to individuals living with early-stage Alzheimer’s or dementia, and Dexter is proud of the opportunity to be part of it.

“Being part of the ESAG is another chance to give back and help others who are facing similar challenges,” Dexter says. “It’s about raising awareness, sharing resources, and helping people get the support they need—much like the support given in the huddle during a crucial play in a game.”

For Dexter Davis, his diagnosis hasn’t defined him. Instead, it has fueled his passion for advocating for brain health, helping others, and living out his mission as a “True Champion.”

Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia

It’s important to distinguish between Alzheimer’s and dementia. Although often used interchangeably, these terms refer to different aspects of brain health. Source: Alzheimer’s Association

Dementia overview

• Dementia describes a group of symptoms associated with a decline in memory, reasoning or other thinking skills. Many different types of dementia exist, and many conditions cause it. Mixed dementia is a condition in which brain changes of more than one type of dementia occur simultaneously. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of dementia cases.
• Dementia is not a normal part of aging. It is caused by damage to brain cells that affects their ability to communicate, which can affect thinking, behavior, and feelings.

Alzheimer’s overview

• Alzheimer’s is a degenerative brain disease that is caused by complex brain changes following cell damage. It leads to dementia symptoms that gradually worsen over time. The most common early symptom of Alzheimer’s is trouble remembering new information because the disease typically impacts the part of the brain associated with learning first.
• As Alzheimer’s advances, symptoms get more severe and include disorientation, confusion, and behavior changes. Eventually, speaking, swallowing, and walking become difficult.
• Though the greatest known risk factor for Alzheimer’s is increasing age, the disease is not a normal part of aging. And though most people with Alzheimer’s are 65 and older, approximately 200,000 Americans under 65 are living with younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease.

Source: Alzheimers Association

If you are experiencing memory problems:

• Have a comprehensive medical evaluation with a doctor who specializes in Alzheimer’s disease. Getting a diagnosis involves a medical exam and possibly cognitive tests, a neurological exam and/or brain imaging. Contact your local Alzheimer’s Association for a referral.
• Write down symptoms of memory loss or other cognitive difficulties to share with your health care professional.
• Keep in mind that there is no one test that confirms Alzheimer’s disease. A diagnosis is only made after a comprehensive medical evaluation.

Additional Resources: If you or someone you know is an NFL Alumni facing similar challenges resources are available through NFL Alumni Health for more information and support: Alzheimer’s Association Resources
NFL Alumni Health Resources

Written by Carolé Dacey-Young 
Medically Reviewed by Jaime R. Garza MD, DDS, FACS and Holly Geyer, MD