Samuel Valverde, 55, was diagnosed with younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease in 2022.

A lifelong Texas resident, Samuel was born in Junction, Texas. He joined the military following high school, serving in the Army for nine years. Samuel is a combat veteran of Operation Desert Storm.

Following his military service, he served as a police officer, eventually rising to police chief for the Waelder, Texas Police Department.

As a member of the 2024-2025 National Early-Stage Advisory Group, Samuel wants to encourage others living with dementia to be proactive in managing their diagnosis, while living their lives fully.

Samuel and his wife, Heather, live in New Braunfels, Texas.