Ginger Smith is a survivor, advocate, and voice for change in how we understand dementia. A longtime resident of San Mateo, California, Ginger defied a terminal dementia diagnosis after being placed on hospice care at the age of 83—and then reclaimed her life.

Through her journey, Ginger hopes to spark greater awareness, inspire expanded research into dementia cures, and encourage the medical community to think beyond traditional limitations. She believes that recovery stories like hers should be studied, not dismissed, and that education about dementia must include the full range of experiences — including unexpected healing.

Now 88 and living mostly independently, Ginger stands as proof that people living with dementia can still experience love, joy, and a meaningful life. Her message calls for open-mindedness, compassion, and tolerance—especially among caregivers, healthcare providers, and society at large. Ginger shares her story through Dementia Denied not just to tell what happened to her, but to ignite hope, challenge assumptions, and push for a future where every life touched by dementia is met with dignity, possibility, and care.