"The Hidden Window" at the Harvard Club of Vero Beach
I'm honored to present "The Hidden Window" at the Harvard Club of Vero Beach next month. This talk explores one of the most important—and most overlooked—opportunities families face when a loved one's cognition begins to change.
Why This Matters
Most families wait for a dementia diagnosis before taking action. But by then, the window for proactive planning has largely closed.
Research consistently shows that cognitive and financial decision-making changes begin 7-10 years before a formal diagnosis. This is precisely when families can shape outcomes best—yet most don't realize they're in this critical window.
What We'll Cover
The presentation addresses four key areas:
The Hidden Window — Understanding when cognitive decline actually begins versus when it gets diagnosed, and why this gap matters for families.
Advances in Detection — New biomarkers, blood-based testing, and digital tools that are transforming early identification.
Proactive Stewardship — What it looks like to navigate cognitive change with a strategic plan rather than crisis management.
Practical First Steps — Concrete guidance for families who are noticing changes and wondering what to do next.
The Core Message
If you're noticing changes in a parent, spouse, or loved one—or if you're a professional advisor whose clients are asking difficult questions about cognitive capacity—the window for meaningful action is open now. Waiting has real costs: lost planning opportunities, financial vulnerability, family conflict, and missed treatment windows.
The good news? Proactive planning during this hidden window can prevent most of these outcomes while preserving autonomy and family harmony.
Join Us
This presentation is open to Harvard Club members and guests. If you're interested in attending, register through the Harvard Club of Vero Beach website. If you are not a Harvard affiliate, you are my guest!
