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You can donate, match donations, grant funds, or promote employee engagement and corporate social responsibility. Your organization can make a difference! Corporate Support Join the ranks of leading companies and organizations in their support of the Dementia Society of America. You can donate, match donations, grant funds, or promote employee volunteerism, engagement, and corporate social responsibility. Your organization can make a difference! Clicking image will take you to a third-party website. ADT Security Services Amgen Bristol Myers Squibb Capital One ConocoPhillips Duke Energy Fidelity Investments Honeywell Johnson & Johnson Price Waterhouse State Farm UBS Financial W. W. Grainger Aetna Anderson Corp CSX Corporation Chubb Costco Elsevier General Electric Illinois Toolworks Macy's Progressive Insurance State Street US Bank Wells Fargo Allstate Bank of America CVS Health Comcast Disney Excelon Home Depot JP Morgan Chase Merck Securian Financial TD Bank Verizon

We're a leading volunteer-driven all-Dementias awareness organization serving the nation for all causes of Dementia, including Alzheimer's (AD), Vascular Dementia, and others. Who Are We? Our all-volunteer Board of Directors and Advisory Council members use the power of technology and virtual offices to help us make a real-world difference. Dementia Society of America® (DSA) proudly serves individuals and families across the country who are facing the challenges of over two hundred Dementia-related disorders. Through vital resources, educational outreach, groundbreaking research, and critical programs for caregivers and those diagnosed, we strive to bring hope, understanding, and meaningful support to every community. DSA encourages life-enrichment achievements through its Ginny Gives® Awards Program, which focuses on music and singing, dance and movement, the visual arts, touch, and sensory stimulation. The Dementia CARER®, Dementia SMART®, and Dementia QUEST® Programs recognize those who serve the Dementia community through meaningful care, innovation, and research, respectively. Lastly, DSA often provides the first significant infusion of funding for certain early-stage seed investments in advanced research centered on the causes of and interventions for Dementia, as well as overall brain health-related science. See the Scientific Review Committee members here . LEADERSHIP, ADVISORY COUNCIL, ADVOCATES & SUPPORT TEAM Members Kevin Jameson Salaried CEO | Volunteer Board Member & Chairman | View Bio → Jeff Moyers CFP Volunteer | Board Member & Treasurer | View Bio → Michael Trayford DACNB Volunteer | Advisory Council, Medical | View Bio → Lauren Schwabish MS CCC-SLP Volunteer, Advisory Council, Speech Pathology | View Bio → Arun Rao MD Volunteer | Advisory Council, Geriatric Medicine | View Bio → Ann Redfield RN MSN Volunteer | Programs | Executive Vice President Emeritus | View Bio → Lilly Roth Volunteer | Board Member & Secretary | View Bio → Vanessa Adams Volunteer | Advisory Council, Caregiver Advocate | View Bio → Minjung Shim PhD BC-BMT Volunteer | Advisory Council, Movement Therapy | View Bio → Kimberly Dolan MT-BC Volunteer | Advisory Council, Music Therapy | View Bio → Blaine Greenfield Volunteer | Board Member, Sr VP & Compliance Officer | View Bio → Michael Fossel MD PhD Volunteer | Advisory Council, Medical | View Bio → Rachel Wiley MS OTR L CDP Volunteer | Advisory Council, Occupational Therapy | View Bio → Samir Patel MD Volunteer | Advisory Council, Geriatric Psychiatry | View Bio → Gary Kozick LCSW Volunteer | Advisory Council - Care Management | View Bio → SUPPORT TEAM Jeannine Forrest PhD RN Independent Contractor - Care Coach | View Bio → Jean Whaley PhD Volunteer | Programs | View Bio → Tami Anastasia MA Independent Contractor - Care Coach | View Bio → Robin Kaufold Hourly Employee - Programs | View Bio → We thank our past Volunteer Board & Advisory Council Members... Barbara Marte Nathan Schulhof Jeff Dershin Eric Hopkins Tony Martin Gary Howard NREMT Sandra DeHaven Natalie Kaye Hayley Francis Cann BMT H Branch Coslett MD Thomas Atkins Partial list of our Partners and Sponsors, please click here . Partial list of our Press Releases, please click here . Access our completed IRS Form W-9 2024-Version, click here . Access our IRS determination letter, please click here . Access our sales tax exemption certificate, please click here . Download our current bylaws; please click here . Our NAICS Code #813212: Voluntary Health Organization IRS 990s: 2013 ; 2014 ; 2015 ; 2016 ; 2017 ; 2018 ; 2019 ; 2020 ; 2021 ; 2022; 2023; 2024 ; 2025; 2026; 2027; 2028; 2029; 2030

Search the Dementia Society of America website. Please enter what you're looking for ... Home Mission Canada / Mexico Education FAQs Definitions Videos & Publications Health Information Links Directories Helpful Technology Dementia Clinical Trials Online Training Brain Health Connections™ The Dementia Action Plan® The Cognitive Action Plan® The Big Umbrella® Dementia Society Blog Dementia Care Blog Brain Health Blog BBN Blog Better Brain Nation Magazine Subscribe to eNews & More DSA Facebook ® DSA YouTube ® DSA LinkedIn ® DSA Instagram ® DSA Twitter ® About Contact Us 1-800-DEMENTIA ® Programs | Initiatives Provide Recognize Memorials Ginny Gives ® Ginny Gives ® Awards Aware & Share ™ Cards Better Brain Nation® Magazine Know Dementia® Dementia ENRICH™ Dementia SMART® Dementia QUEST® Dementia CARER® Dementia Diplomat® Dementia Answers® Dementia Unplugged™ Operation KeepSafe® Care Network America® Music App Ride Against Dementia™ Challenge Operation KeepSafe® Challenge Step2Raise® Challenge Dementia Aware America™ Dementia Community Collaboratives™ State Charitable Registrations Intellectual Property | Trademarks Don ate IRS TAX ID 46-3401769 Donate Online Donate by Mail with Check Employer Match Legacy Gifts and Bequests Donate with Bitcoin/Crypto Donate a Car, RV, Boat & More Donate with Pledge.to Create Your Own Fundraiser Create Your Own Challenge Create a GoFundMe Campaign Buy - A - Brick Legacy Walkway Facebook Fundraisers More Ways to Help PayP al Giving Fund Our IRS Form W-9 Text "DSA" to 707070 Venmo @DementiaSociety Dementia Help Corporate Support Dementia Society Reviews Dementia Society Partnerships Dementia Society Collaborators Dementia Society Shop Gift Card Dementia Society Shop

Have you ever felt tired or foggy after eating junk food? That might be because some foods cause inflammation in the body, which can also affect the brain. Scientists have found that inflammation may increase the risk of Dementia, a condition that makes it hard for people to remember things and think clearly. One way researchers study this link is by using something called the Dietary Inflammation Index (DII) . This index measures how much a person’s diet causes inflammation. The higher the score, the more inflammatory the diet is. Let’s explore how DII and Dementia are connected and what foods can help keep the brain healthy. What is the Dietary Inflammation Index (DII)? The Dietary Inflammation Index (DII) is a system scientists created to measure how much a diet increases or decreases inflammation in the body. Some foods fight inflammation and help the brain, while others worsen inflammation. Foods that increase inflammation (high DII score) : Sugary drinks Processed meats (like bacon and hot dogs) Fried foods White bread and pasta Fast food Foods that lower inflammation (low DII score) : Fruits (like blueberries and oranges) Vegetables (like spinach and broccoli) Nuts (like almonds and walnuts) Whole grains (like brown rice and oats) Fatty fish (like salmon) When people eat more inflammatory foods, their DII score goes up. A high DII score has been linked to a higher risk of diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and Dementia. How Does Inflammation Affect the Brain? Inflammation is the body's way of protecting itself from harm; when you get a cut, it turns red and puffy, indicating that your immune system is at work fighting infection. But when inflammation lasts too long, it can damage cells, including brain cells. This can lead to memory loss and problems with thinking, which are signs of Dementia. Scientists believe that a diet high in inflammatory foods can: Increase damage to brain cells , making it harder to think and remember things. Raise the risk of Alzheimer’s disease , a common type of Dementia. Cause poor blood flow to the brain,  affecting learning and memory. What Can You Do to Protect Your Brain? The good news is that choosing the right foods can help lower inflammation and reduce the risk of dementia. The Dementia Society of America ® recommends some easy ways to follow a brain-friendly diet: Eat more colorful fruits and vegetables : The more colors on your plate, the better for your brain! Choose whole grains : Swap white bread for whole wheat or brown rice. Add healthy fats : Avocados, olive oil, and nuts are great for brain health. Drink more water : Avoid sugary sodas and drink water or herbal teas instead. Limit junk food : Eat fewer fast foods, fried foods, and processed snacks. Conclusion What you eat today can affect your brain health in the future. A diet high in inflammatory foods can increase the risk of dementia, but choosing healthy, anti-inflammatory foods can help keep your brain sharp. By eating well, you’re not just feeding your body—you’re also protecting your memory and future! Author:  AI-Assisted Human-Edited Staff Writer We do not endorse nor guarantee products, comments, suggestions, links, or other forms of content contained within blog posts that have been provided to us with permission, paid or otherwise. Dementia Society does not provide medical advice. Please consult your doctor. www.DementiaSociety.org Additional Reading: Shivappa, N., Hébert, J. R., Rashidkhani, B. (2017). Dietary Inflammatory Index and Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease in Older Adults. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease , 58(2), 515–523.DOI: 10.3233/JAD-161202 Wirth, M. D., Shivappa, N., Davis, L., et al. (2018). The Dietary Inflammatory Index, Cognitive Function, and Dementia Risk: A Review of Observational Studies. Nutrients , 10(8), 1100. DOI: 10.3390/nu10081100 Zamroziewicz, M. K., Paul, E. J., Zwilling, C. E., Barbey, A. K. (2018). The Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acids and the Dietary Inflammatory Index in Cognitive Aging and Brain Health. Nutritional Neuroscience , 22(10), 1–12. DOI: 10.1080/1028415X.2018.1476054 Kesse-Guyot, E., Andreeva, V. A., Lassale, C., et al. (2017). Mediterranean Diet and Cognitive Function: A Review of Evidence. Advances in Nutrition , 8(4), 570–580. DOI: 10.3945/an.116.014480 Harvard Health Publishing . How Inflammation Affects the Brain and Memory. https://www.health.harvard.edu

Most people know that it's essential to take care of their heart. But did you know that your heart and brain are closely connected? When your heart is strong and healthy, your brain works better too. Scientists are learning more and more about how caring for your heart helps your memory, focus, and mood. Let's explore the powerful connection between heart health and brain health! What Is Cardiovascular Health? Your cardiovascular system includes your heart, blood, and blood vessels. It moves oxygen and nutrients through your body and removes waste. Your heart pumps blood to every body part—including your brain! So, if your heart and blood vessels aren't working well, your brain might not get enough oxygen and nutrients to do its job. How a Healthy Heart Helps the Brain Your brain needs a steady supply of oxygen-rich blood to stay healthy. The heart makes this possible. If your heart pumps strongly, blood flows more easily to your brain. But when your heart or blood vessels are unhealthy, like when someone has high blood pressure or clogged arteries, it gets harder for blood to reach the brain. Over time, this can lead to problems like memory loss, confusion, or even diseases causing Dementia. What Can Hurt Your Heart (and Brain)? Certain habits and conditions make the heart work harder or wear it out. These include: High blood pressure High cholesterol Smoking Obesity Lack of exercise Eating lots of sugar, salt, and processed foods All of these can damage blood vessels and make it harder for blood to reach the brain, causing parts of the brain to slow down or shrink. What Can Help Both Your Heart and Brain? The good news is that many things that keep your heart healthy also help your brain stay sharp. The Dementia Society of America ® recommends some easy ways to care for both: Eat Brain-Healthy Foods. Fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, and fish are great for your heart and brain. Try to eat colorful foods and limit fast food, soda, and processed snacks. Move Your Body. Exercise strengthens the heart and increases blood flow to the brain. Walking, biking, dancing, and playing outside are all fun ways to get moving. Get Enough Sleep. Your brain uses sleep to rest and repair. Kids and teens need about 8–10 hours  of sleep each night. Reduce Stress. Stress can raise blood pressure and hurt your heart. Try relaxing activities like deep breathing, drawing, or spending time with friends and family. Don't Smoke. Smoking hurts both your heart and brain. If you don't smoke, don't start. If you do, talk to someone about how to quit. What Does Science Say? Scientists have conducted many studies to explore the link between the heart and brain. They've learned that people who care for their hearts—by eating well, moving more, and not smoking—have better brain health as they age. One long-term study found that people with healthy hearts in their 20s had better memory and thinking skills in their 50s! That shows how important it is to start healthy habits early in life. Brain Diseases Linked to Poor Heart Health When the brain doesn't get enough blood, it can lead to serious problems. Some of these include: Stroke : Happens when blood flow to the brain is blocked. Vascular Dementia : Caused by damage to blood vessels in the brain. Alzheimer's disease : Linked to changes in blood flow and brain cells. Caring for your heart may help lower your risk of these brain diseases. Final Thoughts: One Body, One System Your heart and brain work as a team. What helps one usually helps the other. So, when you care for your heart, you also give your brain the best chance to stay strong for life. It 's never too early to start! Small steps like choosing water instead of soda, walking instead of riding, and going to bed on time can make a big difference. Your heart—and your brain—will thank you! Author:  AI-Assisted Human-Edited Staff Writer We do not endorse nor guarantee products, comments, suggestions, links, or other forms of content contained within blog posts that have been provided to us with permission, paid or otherwise. Dementia Society does not provide medical advice. Please consult your doctor. www.DementiaSociety.org Additional Reading: Gorelick, P. B., et al. (2011). Vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and Dementia: A statement for healthcare professionals from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. Stroke , 42(9), 2672–2713. Lamar, M., & Resnick, S. M. (2004). Aging and vascular health: The impact on neurocognitive function. Geriatrics , 59(5), 19–24. Williamson, J. D., et al. (2019). Effect of intensive vs standard blood pressure control on probable Dementia: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA , 321(6), 553–561. Yaffe, K., et al. (2014). Cardiovascular risk factors and cognitive decline in elderly persons: A review of the literature. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society , 62(5), 945–952. Ngandu, T., et al. (2015). A 2-year multidomain intervention of diet, exercise, cognitive training, and vascular risk monitoring versus control to prevent cognitive decline in at-risk elderly people (FINGER): A randomized controlled trial. The Lancet , 385(9984), 2255–2263.

Dr. Jeannine Forrest with Dementia Horizons Academy Graduating Class Ready to take the Online Course? Click Here . The Dementia Horizons Academy™ (DHA), led by its Director, Jeannine Forrest, PhD, is a mission-driven educational support group program from the Dementia Society of America designed to empower care partners, friends, community members, and professionals with the practical skills needed to address the most common challenges of Dementia. WATCH: Dementia Society interview with Dr. Jeannine Forrest, Director of the Dementia Horizons Academy Ready to take the Online Course? Click Here . Unlike many programs that focus solely on Alzheimer’s disease, Dementia Horizons Academy takes a comprehensive and supportive approach to Dementia, covering a broad spectrum of Dementia-related conditions—including Alzheimer's and its subtypes, Lewy Body Dementia, Frontotemporal Degeneration, Vascular Dementia, and many more. The goal is to move beyond awareness into actionable learning, helping participants develop practical strategies for connection, communication, and care in real-world settings. At its core, the Academy consists of 16 interactive workshops, which can be delivered either online or in person. These sessions are highly customizable: they can be taken individually or as a whole series. They can be organized as two eight-week programs or adapted to the needs of specific groups. Workshops are intentionally kept small, with a maximum of 16 participants in person or eight participants virtually, to encourage discussion, peer support, and engagement. Each workshop follows a structured format designed for adult learners. Sessions begin with a warm welcome and icebreaker to foster connection, followed by the reading of a positive credo that sets the tone. A short, topic-focused video provides context, after which participants engage in workbook-based activities, group discussions, and role-play exercises. Every session concludes with an action plan, ensuring that participants leave with practical steps they can apply immediately. To reinforce key lessons, fun quizzes are included, and in-person workshops close with social time and even a healthy snack—highlighting the importance of both learning and self-care. Ready to take the Online Course? Click Here . Participants who complete all 16 workshops can elect to earn a certificate of completion through the program’s online learning management system, providing both personal validation and a way to demonstrate commitment to Dementia education. The supportive workshops can be hosted in a variety of venues, including libraries, community centers, senior centers, houses of worship, civic organizations, and long-term care facilities, making them accessible to a broad audience. While virtual delivery allows for flexibility and a wider reach, in-person sessions offer unique benefits, including role-playing, deeper socialization, and the opportunity for caregivers to dedicate meaningful “me time” to their own growth. To expand access, DHA also trains empathetic facilitators through the “Train the Trainer” program, offered in various formats, depending on facilitator experience. Ultimately, Dementia Horizons Academy stands out as a practical, flexible, supportive, and inclusive educational program that equips caregivers with tools, knowledge, and confidence to better support individuals living with Dementia—while also fostering community, self-care, and HOPE! Ready to take the Online Course? Click Here . Contact the Dementia Society for more information here: www.dementiasociety.org/contact