Cassandra Giraldo

Photojournalist

www.cassandragiraldo.com

New Face of Alzheimer's | The Washington Post

Follow Hire

"The New Face of Alzheimer's." Photo Assignment for The Washington Post (2023).

ORCUTT, CA - FEBRUARY 23, 2023:...do for The Washington Post) USA

ORCUTT, CA - FEBRUARY 23, 2023: Tony Gonzales poses for a portrait at his favorite wine bar Lark & Sparrow. Tony has early stage Alzheimer's and thanks to small changes he and his wife have made to their daily routine, he's able to enjoy regular activities with his family and community. (Cassandra Giraldo for The Washington Post) USA

ORCUTT, CA - FEBRUARY 23, 2023: Tony Gonzales plays in the backyard with his grandson Sandy, age 2. Gonzales was recently diagnosed with early stage Alzheimer's. (Cassandra Giraldo for The Washington Post) USA

ORCUTT, CA - FEBRUARY 23, 2023: Tony Gonzales colors with at his drawing table in the family living room which was set up as one of his "safe zones" by his wife Kori, to help him feel safe and focused while socializing with family and friends in the home space. Coloring is not only comforting activity for Tony, he uses the Alzheimer's colors in his drawings in order to sell and make proceeds for the Alzheimer's Association. Gonzales was recently diagnosed with early stage Alzheimer's. (Cassandra Giraldo for The Washington Post) USA

ORCUTT, CA - FEBRUARY 23, 2023: One of Tony's drawings called the "Care Bunny," was made for his wife using the colors of caregiving and other colors representative of the Alzheimer's Association. Tony Gonzales colors with at his drawing table in the family living room which was set up as one of his "safe zones" by his wife Kori, to help him feel safe and focused while socializing with family and friends in the home space. Coloring is not only comforting activity for Tony, he uses the Alzheimer's colors in his drawings in order to sell and make proceeds for the Alzheimer's Association. Gonzales was recently diagnosed with early stage Alzheimer's. (Cassandra Giraldo for The Washington Post) USA

ORCUTT, CA - FEBRUARY 23, 2023: Tony Gonzales cheers on his grandson Sandy, age 2, in the home office which is one of Tony's safe zones created by his wife Kori to help him feel comforted and safe as his Alzheimer's symptoms progress. Gonzales was recently diagnosed with early stage Alzheimer's. (Cassandra Giraldo for The Washington Post) USA

ORCUTT, CA - FEBRUARY 23, 2023: The Gonzales home is filled with decorations to help Tony, who has early stage Alzheimer's, feel comforted and to act as time markers depending on the season and seasonal holiday. "If life gives you lemons, make margaritas," has become a common motto between husband and wife since Tony's diagnosis. (Cassandra Giraldo for The Washington Post) USA

ORCUTT, CA - FEBRUARY 23, 2023: Kori Gonzales pulls out a "Live 4 Today" mug the couple designed for their Alzheimer's non-profit. Kori and her husband Tony have become national advocates for Alzheimer's ever since Tony was diagnosed with early stage Alzheimer's. (Cassandra Giraldo for The Washington Post) USA

ORCUTT, CA - FEBRUARY 23, 2023: Tony Gonzales and his wife Kori attend their regular Kiwanis meeting with their friends and neighbors. Since Tony's early stage Alzheimer's diagnosis, he and his wife Kori have taken steps to ensure that Tony can still live a regular and social life by still participating in community groups and events, what Tony likes to call the "animal circuit." (Cassandra Giraldo for The Washington Post) USA

ORCUTT, CA - FEBRUARY 23, 2023: Tony Gonzales sports his Alzheimer's Association gear at his regular Kiwanis meeting. Since Tony's early stage Alzheimer's diagnosis, he and his wife Kori have taken steps to ensure that Tony can still live a regular and social life by still participating in community groups and events, what Tony likes to call the "animal circuit." (Cassandra Giraldo for The Washington Post) USA

ORCUTT, CA - FEBRUARY 23, 2023: Tony Gonzales and his wife Kori leave the community center where their regular Kiwanis meetings are held. Since Tony's early stage Alzheimer's diagnosis, he and his wife Kori have taken steps to ensure that Tony can still live a regular and social life by still participating in community groups and events, what Tony likes to call the "animal circuit." (Cassandra Giraldo for The Washington Post) USA

PLAY

STOP

GRID

FULL

LOVE

Private Project

New Face of Alzheimer's | The Washington Post

Copyright Cassandra Giraldo 2024

Updated Aug 2023

6,775

Cassandra Giraldo

Also by Cassandra Giraldo —

Voices of the Women's March | Vice News

George Floyd Protests | Vice News

Legacy Regenerated

The Zorilla | ESPN

Pound for Pound | ESPN W

Today Was A Good Day | Marshall Project

Documentary Series

Branded

Tearsheets

World of Hurt

News Documentary

Election Night 2016 | Vice News

Fey's Senior Prom

East LA Punks

Roll Tech