A Full-Circle Mission: Charles Mattocks Brings Global Attention to Dementia

From Personal Loss to Purpose-Driven Storytelling

Charles Mattocks has built a distinguished career as an award-winning filmmaker and television producer, widely recognized for creating impactful health-focused programming. His work has consistently centered on real people navigating complex conditions—most notably diabetes, cancer, and menopause—blending education with deeply human storytelling.

But his latest project may be his most personal yet.

Mattocks is now turning his focus to dementia, a condition that has profoundly shaped his family history. Diagnosed with type 2 diabetes himself, he previously channeled that experience into powerful programming. Cancer, too, became a focal point after his father’s passing in 2016. Now, dementia brings his journey full circle.

His mother—sister to reggae icon Bob Marley—is living with early-onset dementia. His grandmother also succumbed to the disease.

“I remember the day she walked out of the house in a robe,” Mattocks recalls of his grandmother. “I saw her later at the hospital, and it felt like it came out of nowhere. She was my heart. I never imagined my work would come full circle like this.”

Understanding Dementia: A Growing Global Health Crisis

Dementia is not a single disease but a syndrome characterized by progressive cognitive decline affecting memory, thinking, behavior, and the ability to perform everyday activities. The most common form is Alzheimer’s disease, accounting for approximately 60–70% of cases.

Key statistics:

• Over 55 million people worldwide are currently living with dementia.
• Nearly 10 million new cases are diagnosed every year.
• In the United States alone, more than 6 million adults are affected—a number projected to double by 2060.
• Dementia is now the 7th leading cause of death globally, according to the World Health Organization.

Beyond the numbers lies an immense emotional and economic burden. Annual global costs exceed $1.3 trillion, factoring in healthcare, caregiving, and lost productivity.

Early symptoms—such as memory lapses, confusion, and mood changes—are often misunderstood or dismissed, delaying diagnosis and intervention. While there is currently no cure, research shows that up to 40% of dementia cases may be preventable or delayed through modifiable risk factors like physical activity, diet, cardiovascular health, and cognitive engagement.

A New Kind of Health Series: Immersive, Human, Transformative

Mattocks’ approach to filmmaking is both strategic and deeply empathetic. His process begins with a concept, but it’s brought to life through collaboration with leading experts across healthcare disciplines.

“We work with some of the biggest names in health globally,” he explains. “Experts have flown in from as far as Dubai to participate. That part is actually the easiest—the work speaks for itself.”

What sets his productions apart is their immersive format. Participants—patients, caregivers, and families—are guided through a multi-day experience that explores every dimension of their condition:

• Clinical education
• Emotional and mental health support
• Family dynamics and caregiving
• Treatment pathways and lifestyle changes

“For those few days, they become family,” Mattocks says. “We go from A to Z—what they’re feeling, what their options are, and what happens if they don’t take action.”

This approach has proven particularly impactful in his diabetes series, where he addressed the dangers of unmanaged disease.

“Uncontrolled diabetes can be devastating,” he notes. “When people see the reality, they understand the urgency—taking medication properly, improving diet, adding movement. Small changes can make a big difference.”

Bringing Clarity to a Confusing Diagnosis

For Mattocks, dementia presents a unique challenge: confusion—not just for patients, but for families navigating next steps.

“I remember searching online after my mom’s diagnosis,” he says. “I came away more confused than before. That’s a scary place to be.”

His forthcoming dementia series is designed to cut through the uncertainty that so often surrounds the condition, replacing confusion with clear guidance, practical insight, and a renewed sense of hope. The program brings together caregivers, medical experts, physicians, advocates, and families navigating similar journeys—fostering a collaborative environment where shared experiences lead to deeper understanding, meaningful support, and informed next steps.

Filming in Costa Rica: Healing Through Environment

The series is set to film in July in Costa Rica, with a release planned for later in the year across major platforms including Amazon Prime Video and Tubi.

The location is intentional.

“The setting matters,” Mattocks explains. “Costa Rica offers a peaceful, tropical environment where guests can step away from daily stress and focus on healing and learning.”

The serene backdrop is designed to foster openness, connection, and transformation—key elements in addressing a condition often marked by fear and uncertainty.

Beyond the Screen: Innovation in Healthcare Navigation

In addition to filmmaking, Mattocks is venturing into digital health with his startup, What’s Next in Health. The platform leverages artificial intelligence to help individuals understand clinical guidelines, anticipate care pathways, and prepare for medical decisions.

“I’ve met so many people who simply didn’t know what to do next after a diagnosis,” he says. “They’d ask me, and while I appreciated their trust, they deserve clear, expert guidance.”

The platform connects users with healthcare professionals based on personalized criteria—bridging a critical gap between diagnosis and action.

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Community Impact: Taking the Mission on the Road

Mattocks’ commitment extends beyond screens and software. He is also launching a nationwide Black church RV tour, visiting ten churches to provide:

• Free health screenings (including diabetes and blood pressure)
• Educational resources
• Community engagement and support

The initiative will culminate in a short documentary aimed at film festivals, further amplifying awareness and outreach with the tour focus on Dementia. 

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A Life Guided by Purpose

Echoing the philosophy of his uncle, Bob Marley, Mattocks is driven by a sense of service.

“If this life is just for me, I don’t want it,” Marley once said—a sentiment Mattocks carries forward.

With features on major outlets like CNN, The Today Show, and appearances alongside leading health organizations, he has become a powerful voice in advocacy. Whether through film, technology, or grassroots initiatives, his mission remains clear: to educate, empower, and guide.

And with dementia now at the forefront, that mission has never been more urgent—or more personal.