Princess Yasmin Aga Khan’s story begins at the intersection of Hollywood glamour and royal heritage. She is the daughter of screen legend Rita Hayworth — who earned her first film contract at age 16 after being raised by professional New York City dancer parents — and Prince Aly Salomone Khan. Their marriage, and Yasmin’s birth, captivated the international jet set.
Yasmin had a happy, loving childhood in Southern California with her mother. But, tragically, undiagnosed Alzheimer’s took hold of Hayworth during Yasmin’s teen years after she had moved across the country to attend a Massachusetts boarding school. “I would have phone calls with her once a week, and she started asking me the same questions over again, ” says Yasmin. “She seemed very confused. I became concerned but really had no idea what to do.”
Following Yasmin’s graduation from Bennington College, she moved to New York City to start her performing arts career. However, it became clear that Hayworth’s health was declining. Knowing that no one else would care for and protect her mother as well as she did, Yasmin successfully filed for conservatorship of Hayworth and moved her to New York, where they finally were able to get an official diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. They were fortunate enough to live in side-by-side apartments, providing stability and care.
At the time of her mother’s death, in 1987, polite society avoided difficult topics like Alzheimer’s and other dementias. But Yasmin was determined to use her platform to raise awareness and generate funds for research and other forms of support for those living with Alzheimer’s and their families.
Throughout the years, Yasmin met with U.S. presidents, was interviewed by Barbara Walters, and served as an Alzheimer’s Association Ambassador, founding and growing two major annual events — the Rita Hayworth Gala, held every Mother’s Day weekend in Chicago, and New York City’s Imagine Benefit, built on the legacy of the Rita Hayworth Gala. In 2022, France bestowed its highest honor on Yasmin — the Knight of the Legion of Honor.
Today, Princess Yasmin Aga Khan carries forward her mother’s legacy through her decades-long partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association. In this conversation, she reflects on how far awareness and research have come — and the hope that drives her work forward.
Susan B. Noyes: Thank you for your brave, grace-filled example. You’ve consistently responded by doing the right thing for others, from your initial public efforts in the early ’80s until today. How would you like the world to measure your impact?
Princess Yasmin Aga Khan: When I started working with the Alzheimer’s Association in 1980, federal funding for dementia research was in the low millions. Today, federal funding for Alzheimer’s and dementia research is more than $3.8 billion annually. That alone shows how significant the conversation around the disease has shifted. 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. My hope to achieve our vision of a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementias has never been greater.
SBN: Where can people seek out these treatments, and what else might be coming through the pipeline?
Princess Yasmin Aga Khan: It’s a very exciting time for the Alzheimer’s community because for the first time, we have FDA-approved treatments available. While these treatments are not a cure, they do slow the progression of the disease in people living in the earliest stage of Alzheimer’s, which allows people more time to spend with their families.
Also, new and exciting results from the U.S. POINTER study were presented at the 2025 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference. These positive results confidently show that lifestyle changes can meaningfully protect brain health across diverse communities in the U.S., particularly for people who are at risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
There are a handful of habits people can incorporate into their lives to improve their brain health. Some of them you might already be doing, and you don’t know it! I encourage people to check out the information and resources available to them on the Alzheimer’s Association’s website and call their free, 24/7 Helpline.
SBN: What challenges did you experience on your journey with your mother? What advice do you have for others?
Princess Yasmin Aga Khan: It was a very isolating experience, as so many who have gone through similar situations know. When the founder of the Alzheimer’s Association, Jerome Stone, reached out to me, it was such a blessing because I found a support system through him and this organization. My biggest piece of advice I can offer is don’t be afraid to ask for help. Reach out to the Alzheimer’s Association and find the tools that can help you through this journey.
SBN: What advice do you have for others who are similarly blessed with a public platform that can be leveraged to champion an important cause?
Princess Yasmin Aga Khan: We can’t be afraid to talk about this disease. It’s our voices and stories that truly move the needle forward. It has always been important to me to use my voice and network to raise funds and awareness for the disease. It’s my goal to create a better public understanding of the disease, rally support for research, and help people feel less alone, knowing there are so many people experiencing this terrible disease.
SBN: How can others help you grow this mighty Alzheimer’s Association movement?
Princess Yasmin Aga Khan: There are so many wonderful ways to get involved, which make a big difference in advancing our cause. One wonderful way is by joining a local Walk to End Alzheimer’s. There are over 600 walks in communities across the country, bringing people together to support each other through our common mission to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementias. Additionally, people can volunteer through their local chapter, with 70 offices serving every zip code in the country.
SBN: We love that your mom grew up dancing in New York City and returned to that city to be with you. How do you incorporate your mother’s influence into the events you founded?
Princess Yasmin Aga Khan: My mother was most famous for her dancing, and I also adore it! My favorite part of the Chicago Rita Hayworth Gala and Imagine Benefit in New York City is the end of the night when everyone lets loose and has a great time dancing to hits from all different decades. Dancing brings joy to people, and my mother obviously knew that quite well!
SBN: What are your hopes for the future?
Princess Yasmin Aga Khan: Obviously, a cure is our ultimate goal. Until that time comes, which I believe it will, we must make sure that everyone impacted by this disease knows that they are not alone. The Alzheimer’s Association is an invaluable resource with help and support available 24/7/365.
SBN: Is there anything else you want to share?
Princess Yasmin Aga Khan: I’d love to invite everyone in Chicago to join us and support the Chicago Rita Hayworth Gala on May 9, 2026, at The Old Post Office. It is such a fun night to support an important organization that is changing the course of Alzheimer’s and dementia for the next generation.
How to Help
The Chicago Rita Hayworth Gala, on May 9, 2026, honors the legacy of Rita Hayworth and celebrates the work of the Alzheimer’s Association. Sponsorship opportunities are available on the Alzheimer’s Association’s website.
You can also help keep the momentum going in your community by participating in your local Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s, the world’s largest fundraiser to fight the disease. Find your local walk here.
Those unable to attend the gala can still donate to the Alzheimer’s Association to support Alzheimer’s care, support, and research.
Susan B. Noyes is the founder of the Make It Better Foundation, which publishes Better Magazine, writer, philanthropist and civic activist who has founded or served on many boards — including the American Red Cross, Chicago Public Education Fund, Harvard Graduate School Of Education, Joffrey Ballet, Poetry Foundation, Rush Nerobehavioral Center for Children, New Trier High School District, and her beloved Kenilworth Union Church.
