Championing a Cause: Princess Yasmin Aga Khan’s Journey of Advocacy and Hope
In an age where style can trump substance, Princess Yasmin Aga Khan is the epitome of optimism and commitment. The daughter of Hollywood star Rita Hayworth and Prince Aly Khan, her life has been one of elegance, global power and transcendent meaning. She has been fighting Alzheimer’s for more than 40 years after her mother was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s. From her untiring work with the Alzheimer’s Association to spearheading campaigns such as the Rita Hayworth Gala, she has distilled personal tragedy into a global drive for awareness, research and support.
In this exclusive interview, Princess Yasmin Aga Khan reflects on her advocacy journey, the persistence of her philanthropic work and how she dreams of a future without Alzheimer’s. And her story is not only a testament to resilience but also a message to anyone who wants to make a meaningful difference.
Growing up as the daughter of the iconic Rita Hayworth, how did your upbringing influence your views on philanthropy and giving back?
Both of my parents (my father is Prince Aly Khan) were people who cared about giving back. They understood that, as notable figures, they had a platform to really make an impact. This understanding and value helped to shape me, but I never thought that raising awareness and funds for the Alzheimer’s Association would become my life’s work.
How has your personal experience with your mother’s illness influenced your life’s mission and philanthropic focus?
My mother was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease at the age of 62. Back then, no one talked about Alzheimer’s. There was, and still is, a stigma surrounding this disease. Knowing first-hand what it was like to care for someone living with Alzheimer’s, how hard it was, and still can be, to get a diagnosis, I decided to speak publicly about my mother’s diagnosis. I felt so alone in my experience. But I knew so many others must have felt that same way. Because of that, it was important to me to share my story to help others feel less alone in their own journey. With the Alzheimer’s Association, over the past 40 years, we have worked to continue to break down the stigma around the disease and raise critical awareness and funds to change the course for future generations.
The Imagine Benefit, built on the legacy of the Rita Hayworth Gala, has raised millions over the last 40 years. What do you believe has contributed to its enduring success?
The shared passion from people who have experienced the disease first-hand is what fuels the progress and success we’ve made. A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s is very isolating. The Alzheimer’s Association is a safe place for people to come together over their experiences. It’s cathartic when you don’t have to describe piece-by-piece what it’s like to be a caregiver for someone living with this disease because others in the room have gone through this themselves and know exactly what it’s like. But it’s not all sad, we know the disease is devastating, so we try to add levity and hope through events like the Imagine Benefit and its sister event, the Rita Hayworth Gala in Chicago, which is in its 38th year, it takes place over Mother’s Day weekend in honor of my mother.
What has been the most memorable moment from the gala over the years, and how has it impacted you personally?
I can’t pinpoint just one moment because there are so many, but what I will say is that it’s incredible to see how many people have supported this event over the past 40 years. I’m filled with gratitude to everyone who has stood by me in the fight against Alzheimer’s. When I look back at photos from the 80s, it’s remarkable to see so many of the same people still standing with me today. What is also amazing is the new, young faces joining the fight. It’s inspiring to see that this event is multigenerational. It energizes me to keep fighting.
As a longtime advocate, how have you seen the conversation around Alzheimer’s evolve since you first became involved with the Alzheimer’s Association?
When I started working with the Alzheimer’s Association in 1980 after it was founded, federal funding for dementia research was in the low millions. Now federal funding for Alzheimer’s and dementia research is more than $3.8 billion annually. That alone shows that the conversation around the disease has shifted significantly. For the first time, there are drugs on the market that treat the underlying biology of Alzheimer’s disease. While these drugs aren’t cures, they are a major step in advancing the state of Alzheimer’s treatment. Stigma is still a significant problem for all dementia and I hope that in the coming years that becomes less so.
The funds raised through the Imagine Benefit, built on the legacy of the Rita Hayworth Gala and the Chicago Rita Hayworth Gala have significantly contributed to Alzheimer’s research and support. Can you share a particular project or research breakthrough that you’re especially proud of?
The era of treatment we’re in right now is particularly exciting. For the first time ever, there are multiple treatments available that can slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, giving families more time with their loved ones. This progress is so exciting!
What advice would you give to families currently facing an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, based on your own experiences with your mother?
You are not alone. We are in this together. I felt so isolated when we received my mother’s diagnosis. I am forever grateful to Jerome Stone, the founder of the Alzheimer’s Association, for reaching out to me and giving me the support system that I needed. Jerry (Jerome) saw my interview where I shared my mother’s diagnosis. When he contacted me, we were a small “ma and pa shop” with a team of ten working toward a common goal. He, and the Alzheimer’s Association, became my lifeline and helped me navigate all that I was going through.
The Association has a free, 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900) that offers support for people living with the disease, their caregivers and the general public. Callers speak with a live person who can provide information, local resources and referrals, crisis assistance and emotional support. No one has to go through this disease alone. Reach out to the Alzheimer’s Association for help and support.
Your life has taken you on a journey through Hollywood glamour, international diplomacy, and philanthropy. How have these diverse experiences shaped your worldview?
I have been fortunate to be able to have a lot of access in my life, but through this, I was able to leverage these relationships to help move the needle forward. For example, through my mother’s work as an actress, I was able to get the Alzheimer’s Association a meeting with President Reagan because he was a friend of hers. At that meeting with my fellow Board Members at the time, he signed a proclamation for Alzheimer’s Awareness month. I feel strongly that all of the experiences in my life have supported me to make an impact in this fight. I have seen people from all walks of life come together for this cause. We have incredible researchers working around the world to find a cure, and there have been so many breakthroughs over the years that have moved us one step closer to ending this dreadful disease.
In addition to your work with the Alzheimer’s Association, are there other causes you are passionate about supporting?
Working with the Alzheimer’s Association has been my life’s work. That’s not to say that there aren’t other incredible causes that I support, but I am passionate about what I do with the Association. I work year-round with them to raise critical funds and awareness and until there’s a cure, we have so much more work to do.
Looking back, is there any message you would like to share with those who supported you throughout your journey, both personally and professionally?
Thank you. I am in awe of everything we have accomplished over the past 40 years. Sometimes it’s hard to not get frustrated that we aren’t farther along, but then I reflect on everything that has happened since the event was founded in 1984, and I am speechless. I have an overwhelming sense of pride and gratitude to each and every person who has supported me and this event over the years. I hope they share that same sense of accomplishment because it is something to be proud of and to celebrate.