Clear Thought Foundation Raises Funds to Eradicate Dementia

Every day thousands of families in the United States learn that someone they love has been diagnosed with a form of dementia such as Alzheimer’s or frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The lack of available drugs or treatments to slow the progression of these diseases can make such a diagnosis that much harder to bear. Clear Thoughts Foundation is striving to solve this problem by raising funds and launching research projects that will lead to the discovery of breakthrough drugs. As a Pittsburgh-based nonprofit organization, Clear Thoughts Foundation has access to a wealth of outstanding health researchers, which makes it well positioned to tap into novel scientific ideas and discoveries happening here. North Hills Monthly reached out to Hayley D. Jameson, president and founder of Clear Thoughts Foundation, to learn more about the important work being done.

North Hills Monthly (NHM): What is the mission of Clear Thoughts Foundation?

Hayley D. Jameson (HDJ): Our mission is to fund the discovery of breakthrough drugs and novel treatments to eliminate dementia.

NHM: What is your guiding creed?

HDJ: Funding is our barrier … Awareness is our opportunity … Research is our salvation … Time is our enemy … YOU are our hope

NHM: How many people in the world are affected by dementia? What does the care of dementia patients cost each year worldwide?

HDJ: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 57 million people worldwide live with dementia, and every year there are 10 million new cases. In the U.S. alone, the national cost of caring for individuals with dementia is projected to reach more than $284 billion in 2025.

NHM: What or who inspired the creation of Clear Thoughts Foundation?

HDJ: Donald M. “DJ” Jameson Jr. is the inspiration behind Clear Thoughts Foundation. It is a role that DJ never wished for himself. It is a story his family never wanted to tell. But facing DJ’s horrific diagnosis with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and the seven-year battle that followed, I and my brother Matthew, along with our dear friend Sharon Sippel, turned this sad story into one of love and dedication ... a rally for a cure. An unselfish decision to share their story in the hopes of saving future families the pain and suffering their family, and millions of others, have had to endure.

NHM: How many years has Clear Thoughts Foundation been raising money for the fight against dementia?

HDJ: We have been raising support for research since 2010. It took several years to get off the ground, but to date we have raised more than $2 million to fund the fight against dementia.

Clear Thoughts Foundation Research Event

NHM: When was the CTF Consortium launched and what does the research focus on specifically?

HDJ: The CTF Consortium, launched in 2020, is a collaborative group of renowned doctors and researchers working here in Pittsburgh to cure dementia. Comprised of top researchers from UPMC and the University of Pittsburgh, this initiative unites three highly productive research groups, encouraging collaboration and tripling the impact of every dollar donated.

We are also honored to have Dr. Stacey Rizzo, PhD, deputy director for preclinical research at the University of Pittsburgh Aging Institute, serve as Clear Thoughts Foundation’s chief scientific advisor.

Our 2024-2025 CTF Consortium funding supported research focused on melatonin and cellular events in the brain that trigger neuroinflammation and eventually memory deficits. 2026-2027 research funding will be announced soon.

NHM: What are some of the ways that Clear Thoughts Foundation raises money? Are you a registered 501(c)(3) organization?

HDJ: CTF is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We raise funds through events and individual donors, grants, and corporate support. Our most common donors are folks who have lost a loved one to dementia. By naming Clear Thoughts Foundation as a beneficiary for memorial donations, they can take action to prevent others from suffering the pain of dementia.

Clear Thoughts Foundation Research Event

NHM: How can North Hills Monthly readers support the mission of Clear Thoughts Foundation?

HDJ: Dementia is often treated as a dirty secret, something to be ashamed of or hidden. Bring dementia into the light ... ask questions, learn more, inspire others. Attend our events, donate if you are able, and join the fight for research that will lead to drug and treatment discoveries to end dementia.

NHM: What are some of the planned fundraising events for 2026?

HDJ: Mark your calendars and join us on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, for the 12th Annual Roll for a Reason Gala. This strolling Monte Carlo casino-themed event is full of games, food, magic, music, and inspiration ... all to raise funds for dementia research. We also host a series of small events each May as part of our Dementia Awareness Month. You can always check our website, www.clearthoughtsfoundation.org, for details about upcoming CTF events.

NHM: How can our readers follow CTF on social media such as Facebook and Instagram?

HDJ: Follow CTF on:

Facebook and Instagram: @clearthoughtsfoundation

X/Twitter: @CTF_PITTSBURGH

YouTube: @clearthoughtsfoundation6670

LinkedIn: @Clear Thoughts Foundation

You can also subscribe to our email newsletter and Dementia Digest publication on LinkedIn.

Contact us here:https://clearthoughtsfoundation.org/contact-us/