Alzheimer’s, Endurance, and the Power of Routine: Scott Berkheiser’s Story

Join us Friday, June 20th, at 11 a.m. PT/2 p.m. ET for a Live Talk with athlete and dementia advocate Scott Berkheiser and his wife Kris. In the talk, Scott Berkheiser will share his story about a surprise diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, and share how endurance sports have helped him cope.

Berkheiser was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease in 2023 at age 57. He and Kris had noticed memory issues years earlier, but these early symptoms had been dismissed by doctors as Attention Deficit Disorder. Before his diagnosis, he worked 18 years as an engineer for Lockheed Martin, mostly on the F22 stealth Raptor fighter jet. 

In his personal life, Berkheiser has become legendary for several hobbies. He loves to go-kart and was the World Karting Association National Champion in 2003. Since 2014, he has completed two full IRONMANs and 10 half IRONMANs. He has run one full IRONMAN since his Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

Berkheiser is currently undergoing treatment on Leqembi, and he finds strength and clarity in the routines that keep him going, he says — especially endurance sports. He plans to complete his next IRONMAN race at the end of this year.

RSVP to learn more about Scott Berkheiser’s experience with early-onset Alzheimer’s and how endurance sports are helping him keep his mind and body sharp.