Jackie Bezos, Jeff Bezos' mother, passes away at 78 — what is Lewy Body Dementia, the disease she battled?
, the mother of Amazon's founder
Jeff Bezos
, died at the age of 78. The Bezos family is mourning the death of a woman they apparently called their biggest support system. She spent her life dedicated to family and philanthropy. She bravely battled
Lewy body dementia
before her passing.
Jackie is remembered as a devoted mother and co-founder of the
Bezos Family Foundation
, leaving behind her husband, three children, eleven grandchildren, and a legacy of love and generosity.
Jeff Bezos wrote a heartfelt tribute on social media, saying that his mother died after a long battle with Lewy body dementia, surrounded by family and friends. He wrote, "I know she felt our love in those final moments. We were all so lucky to be in her life. I hold her safe in my heart forever,' as per a report by People.
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D: Jacklyn Gise Bezos Dies at 78: Jeff Bezos mother's cause of death and net worth
What did Jeff Bezos do to honor his mother?
Jeff talked about Jackie becoming a mother at the age of 17 in his tribute. "She pounced on the job of loving me with ferocity," he wrote, talking about how she welcomed his stepfather, Mike Bezos, into their lives and later added his siblings Christina and Mark to her love.
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Jeff remembered her as someone whose "list of people to love never stopped growing" and who always gave more than she asked for. Lauren Sánchez Bezos, his wife, also said how sad she was. She wrote, "We will miss her SO much."
What is Lewy Body Dementia?
Lewy body dementia (LBD) is a brain disease that gets worse over time and is caused by abnormal protein deposits that change how you think, move, and act. After Alzheimer's disease, it is the second most common type of dementia in older people. Jackie was diagnosed in 2020, and her family has been honest about how hard it is to deal with the condition.
People with LBD may have memory problems, confusion, hallucinations, trouble moving, mood swings, and trouble sleeping.
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Stiff muscles, trembling, sluggish steps, poor balance, trouble speaking or swallowing, and a lack of facial expression are examples of movement problems. Blood pressure, digestion, temperature regulation, bladder and bowel control, lightheadedness, fainting, and loss of smell are all examples of nervous system problems. Sleep problems can also manifest as restless legs at night, drowsiness, or erratic dreams, as per a report by Cleveland Clinic.
It's possible for symptoms to appear early or later. A biological family history of LBD or Parkinson's disease, specific genes like APOE and GBA, and ongoing research on additional factors that may raise the risk of developing this condition are risk factors for LBD, though the exact cause of the condition is unknown, as per a report by Cleveland Clinic.
There is no cure, but treatments can help with symptoms and make life better.
What will people remember Jackie Bezos for?
The Bezos Family Foundation said that Jackie was a "dedicated mother" who always put her kids first. She was known for going to Radio Shack a lot for Jeff's projects, helping Christina with her cheerleading practices, and bringing Mark's drums to shows.
She spent her life caring for her family, giving to others, and making a warm, welcoming space for everyone. Jackie always knew how to make people feel loved and important, whether it was by cooking them a meal, listening to them, or giving them good advice.
FAQs
What caused Jackie Bezos' death?
She passed away after a lengthy battle with Lewy body dementia.
Who survives Jackie Bezos?
Her husband, Mike Bezos, and their three children, Jeff, Christina, and Mark, have 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
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