Dave Pensado – the Grammy-winning mix engineer behind classic records by Michael Jackson, Beyoncé, Shakira and many others – is living with Alzheimer’s, and his family are appealing for help with treatment costs.

In a post on Pensado’s social media profiles, his family note his “heavy” care costs, adding: “Dave spent a lifetime elevating others… If his work moved you, please consider giving or sharing this post.”

• READ MORE: Hybrid music production in 2025: The good, the hard, and the recall

A page has been set up at davepensado.com where fans can donate anything from $50 to $5,000 – or even a custom amount – either as a one-time or regular donation, weekly, monthly, quarterly or annually. There’s also a special run of merchandise, the proceeds of which will go towards Pensado’s care.

Pensado’s family say these donations will go towards his medical and memory care support, dignified daily care and supervision, and basic living needs not covered by insurance.

“For decades, Dave helped shape the soundtracks of our lives,” Pensado’s family write. “He poured care into artists, crews, and friends, always making others feel bigger than the moment.

“Today, Dave is living with Alzheimer’s and facing a difficult decline. He’s in a new chapter – spending precious time with family and grandchildren – remembering with warmth his years as a recording engineer, even as day-to-day life has become challenging.

“We want to speak plainly and respectfully: Dave does not have the financial cushion many assumed. Ongoing care costs are significant, and our family is doing everything we can – but we need help.

“If Dave’s work moved you – as a colleague, artist, student, or listener – this is a chance for the community he loved to give back.”

Pensado’s family also encourage supporters to share their stories of how his work has impacted them: “Dave always lit up hearing how the work connected. His family visits him daily and will make sure he receives your words of love and encouragement.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Frank David Pensado (@davepensado)

Dave Pensado began his career as a live and studio sound engineer in the ‘70s and ‘80s, and has since mixed hundreds of songs and albums by top recording artists. He won a Grammy for Best Contemporary R&B Album in 2008 for his work alongside Jaycen Joshua and Kuk Harrell on Mary J. Blige’s Growing Pains.

You can head to davepensado.com to make a donation to his ongoing Alzheimer’s treatment costs.

The post Family of Grammy-winning mix engineer Dave Pensado appeal for help with cost of his Alzheimer’s treatment appeared first on MusicTech.