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Jeff Bezos is mourning a profound personal loss. His mother, Jacklyn Gise Bezos, passed away at the age of 78, leaving behind a legacy rooted not only in family, but in education, perseverance, and philanthropy.

Although the family kept the news private in the immediate days following her passing, a spokesperson later confirmed that Jacklyn died after a long battle Lewy body dementia. She had reportedly been receiving treatment for several months and was surrounded by close family members in her final moments.

Jacklyn Gise Bezos became a mother at a very young age (17) and raised Jeff while pursuing her education. At a time when very few schools would even accept teen mothers as students. While taking night classes and working at a bank, she met Miguel (Mike) Bezos. They later married, and Miguel adopted Jeff and helped raise him. Throughout his career, Jeff has credited both his mother and stepfather for much of his success.

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In addition to being a powerful influence in her son’s life, Jacklyn created her own legacy through philanthropy and education advocacy. In 2000, she co-founded the Bezos Family Foundation, an organization focused on supporting educational initiatives around the world.

What Is Lewy Body Dementia?

Lewy body dementia (often shortened to LBD) is a progressive brain disorder that affects how a person thinks, moves, and behaves. It’s one of the most common forms of dementia after Alzheimer’s, but it’s still widely misunderstood.

According to Mayo Clinic, what makes it different is the presence of something called Lewy bodies — abnormal protein deposits that build up in certain areas of the brain. These deposits interfere with normal brain functions, especially those related to memory, movement, and mood regulation.

Main Symptoms

LBD affects each person differently, but the most common symptoms include:

• Cognitive changes — Problems with memory, concentration, or decision-making
• Visual hallucinations — Seeing things that aren’t really there (very common in early stages)
• Movement difficulties — Slowness, stiffness, or trembling (similar to Parkinson’s)
• Sleep disturbances — Acting out dreams or moving while sleeping
• Changes in mood or behavior — Anxiety, confusion, depression, or sudden changes in alertness

There’s no single test that confirms Lewy body dementia, so doctors typically rely on a combination of evaluations. Because LBD can resemble Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s in its early stages, it’s often misdiagnosed. Getting an accurate diagnosis early on can make a real difference.

Jacklyn’s passing is a reminder that behind even the most public figures are personal stories built on the strength, sacrifice and guidance of others.