View the profile of Arun Rao MD and learn more about their background and involvement with Dementia Society of America. Advisory Council ◄ Back to Members | Arun Rao MD Advisory Council Dr. Arun S. Rao, a fellowship-trained & board-certified geriatrician with over 20 years of experience is the founder & CEO of Geriatrics Planning & Solutions, Inc., a direct-pay house call service for older adults that provides medical care management and consultations. He started this endeavor so he could bring his expertise, passion, & advocacy to the older adults in our area- giving them the answers they need in their homes, on their time. Originally from New Jersey, he obtained his undergraduate degree from The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and his M.D. from Rutgers- Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Subsequently, he completed his internal medicine training at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and The Medical Center of Princeton. Dr. Rao then returned to The University of Michigan Medical Center to complete an intense 2-year academic and clinical fellowship in geriatric medicine, with a research focus on infections in long-term care facilities. Over the span of his career, Dr. Rao has served on the faculty of the Division of Geriatrics at Weill Cornell Medical College; lead the Division of Geriatrics at St. Peter’s University Hospital; and been the Medical Director for LIFE St. Mary (a PACE site). Most recently, he has worked at Penn Medicine Princeton Health. He is well-versed in the care of older adults in hospitals, nursing facilities & assisted-living facilities, outpatient practices, and especially at home. With his sound academic base, Dr. Rao can also be a dynamic and informative speaker to provide education on various topics in geriatrics for professionals and the public.

View the profile of Rachel Wiley MS OTR L CDP and learn more about their background and involvement with Dementia Society of America. Advisory Council ◄ Back to Members | Rachel Wiley MS OTR L CDP Advisory Council Rachel Wiley, MS, OTR/L, CDP is an occupational therapist and the founder and owner of Day By Day Home Therapy . Rachel has been adjunct faculty in the occupational therapy departments at Thomas Jefferson University and Temple University. She also worked previously as the occupational therapist and Dementia Service Coordinator for the Pew Charitable Trust Grant with Jefferson Elder Care. Rachel is certified in Skills2Care® for caregivers of individuals with dementia and LSVT BIG for Parkinson's Disease. Rachel is also has an older adult NBCOT practice area of emphasis. She is a certified master trainer of Skills2Care® through Jefferson Elder Care and trains occupational therapists from around the country in the Skills2Care® program. She had the privilege of presenting at the Alzheimer's Association conferences in Pennsylvania and Delaware and was featured in a Philadelphia Inquirer article in 2017. Rachel attended Penn State University for her Bachelor's in Rehabilitation and Human Services and minor in Psychology and attended Thomas Jefferson University for her Master's in Occupational Therapy. She served as the Gerontology Chair for the Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association's District V Board. Rachel has been working with individuals with dementia for over 10 years.

Thousands of individuals and their care partners have benefited from our life-enrichment, research, innovation, care, and community Ginny Gives Awards. Ginny Gives ® Awards Named for Ginny J., the beloved late wife of our founder, the annual recognition award programs have benefited thousands of individuals and their care partners. In addition, the Society regularly selects targeted Dementia-related medical research and mission-aligned nonprofit programs to receive recognition and cash/non-cash awards. Go to List of Award Winners Our cornerstone Ginny Gives ® Award categories: Dementia ENGAGE™ - MUSIC, ARTS, MOVEMENT & MORE Dementia CARER® - PEOPLE, SERVICES & PROGRAMS Dementia SMART® - UNIQUE, NOVEL & ORIGINAL Dementia QUEST® - SCIENCE, DIAGNOSTICS & THERAPEUTICS Click Here to Learn More About the Meanings of the Categories Important Notice: The Dementia Society of America (DSA) is not liable for statements or omissions made by award winners, creators, researchers, developers, manufacturers, distributors, marketers, and/or sales representatives about their research, products, services, or work output. DSA is not liable for any failure of the products or services to work as intended, as advertised, or to fit their particular purpose. Dementia Society of America does not endorse or take an ownership interest in any companies, individuals, devices, software applications, solutions, research projects, or services listed or mentioned in our electronic, printed, or verbal communications. 2026 Award Submissions Open October 1, 2026 Anchor 1 Clicking image will take you to a third-party website. ADRC of Dodge County 2024 DEMENTIA CARER® AWARD Beautiful expressions Dementia awareness walk & exhibition. ARTZ Philadelphia 2024 DEMENTIA ENRICH™ AWARD ARTZ Philadelphia is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life and well-being of people living with dementia and their care partners through joyful interactions around arts and culture. African American Alzheimer's and Wellness RECENT DEMENTIA CARER® AWARD With African American's having the greatest risk for developing this disease, we are here to provide the much needed support and education to move our community of caregivers forward. American Heart Association RECENT DEMENTIA QUEST® AWARD The American Heart Association funds cardiovascular research, and fosters appropriate cardiac care in an effort to reduce disability and deaths caused by cardiovascular disease and stroke. Asheville Jewish Community Center 2024 DEMENTIA ENRICH™ AWARD Welcome Shabbat for Jewish Seniors, provides a welcoming community that includes cultural programs for older adults living with various levels of cognitive impairment. Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration 2024 DEMENTIA QUEST® AWARD AFTD's mission is to improve the quality of life of people affected by FTD and drive research to a cure. Baker Senior Center Naples 2024 DEMENTIA ENRICH™ AWARD Respite with Music Therapy for those living with Dementia. Our nurturing environment invites seniors to socialize, stay active, and learn at their own pace. Carolyn L. Farrell Foundation for Brain Health 2024 DEMENTIA ENRICH™ AWARD Arts and Imagination Fuel the Mind. The arts enrichment program provides opportunities for socialization for individuals affected by Dementia. Central Bucks Senior Activity Center RECENT DEMENTIA COMMUNITY SUPPORT The Central Bucks Senior Center primarily focus on helping seniors, aged 55 and over, lead richer, fuller lives by providing a variety of programs to both entertain and stimulate. Concussion Legacy Foundation 2024 DEMENTIA QUEST® AWARD The Concussion Legacy Foundation's mission is to support athletes, Veterans, and all affected by concussions and CTE; achieve smarter sports and safer athletes through education and innovation. Creative Story Project 2024 DEMENTIA ENRICH™ AWARD Creative Story stimulates the mind without the stress of memory. A collaboration of people who are dedicated to the use of story to encourage, enlighten, and educate. Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Foundation, Inc 2024 DEMENTIA QUEST® AWARD CJD support families affected by Prion diseases. Prion diseases are a group of rare, invariably fatal brain disorders which occur both in humans and certain animals. Dementia Friendly Denton County 2024 DEMENTIA ENRICH™ AWARD Wellness in nature walks with Dementia Friendly Denton County. This grass roots effort brings our community much needed meaningful activity for persons living with Dementia. Dementia Friendly Saline (MI) 2024 DEMENTIA ENRICH™ AWARD A Dementia Friendly Day At The Movies. Creating fun, judgment-free events for those affected by Dementia, both directly and indirectly. ESS Support Services, Inc. 2024 DEMENTIA ENRICH™ AWARD ESS supports seniors in their desire to remain in their own homes and community. Fairmount Home 2024 DEMENTIA QUEST® AWARD Fairmount Home is a licensed long-term care home that provides exceptional resident-centered quality care in a safe, respectful, and compassionate home. Ho-dee-ay 2024 DEMENTIA SMART® AWARD A photo-based card game without rules, developed for people living with Dementia and those who love & care for them. Hydrocephalus Association 2024 DEMENTIA QUEST® AWARD The mission of the Hydrocephalus Association is to find a cure for hydrocephalus and improve the lives of those impacted by the condition. Institute for Therapy Through the Arts 2024 DEMENTIA ENRICH™ AWARD Empowering individuals, families and communities to grow and heal through advanced approaches in Creative Arts Therapy, setting the standard for treatment, practice and training within the field. James A. Michener Art Museum 2024 DEMENTIA ENRICH™ AWARD Art for All: Gallery Visits for Those Living with Dementia. Jelly Drops 2024 DEMENTIA SMART® AWARD Water-based candies (sugar-free) enriched with vitamins and electrolytes to boost hydration for people living with Dementia and others that struggle to drink enough water. Jewish Family Services of WNC, Inc. 2024 DEMENTIA ENRICH™ AWARD Jewish Family Services of WNC enriches the lives of our clients by providing a broad array of clinical and social support services to adults of all faiths, with special emphasis on the needs of older adults. Johns Hopkins University RECENT DEMENTIA QUEST® AWARD John Hopkins University believes in improving public health and bringing the benefits of discovery to the world. Lewy Body Dementia Association, Inc. 2024 DEMENTIA QUEST® AWARD The Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA) is dedicated to raising awareness of the Lewy body dementias (LBD), supporting people with LBD, their families and caregivers and promoting scientific advances. Meals on Wheels of Central Bucks 2024 DEMENTIA COMMUNITY SUPPORT Established in 1972, Meals on Wheels of Central Bucks County supplies and delivers nutritious meals to community members who are seniors, or otherwise challenged to prepare their own meals in the short or long term. Men In Harmony (ashevillebarbershop.com) 2024 DEMENTIA ENRICH™ AWARD Enriching Lives Through Singing. The Land of the Sky Chorus provides life-enriching music to those living with Dementia. Morningside Ministries RECENT DEMENTIA COMMUNITY SUPPORT Morningside Ministries is San Antonio's oldest and largest not-for-profit, faith-based senior living organization providing a full continuum of care in two communities. Music & Memory NPO, Inc. RECENT DEMENTIA ENRICH™ AWARD Programs helps individuals with a wide range of cognitive and physical conditions to engage with the world, ease pain, and reclaim their humanity through the use of personalized music. Music Mends Minds RECENT DEMENTIA ENRICH™ AWARD Music Mends Minds is a nonprofit that creates musical support groups for individuals with Dementia, Parkinson's, traumatic brain injury, PTSD, and other neurological disorders. Music for Seniors RECENT DEMENTIA ENRICH™ AWARD Area musicians coupled with older adults through live and interactive music programs designed to engage, entertain and educate seniors promoting health and wellbeing, reducing isolation and enriching the lives. Musicians On Call RECENT DEMENTIA ENRICH™ AWARD Musicians On Call brings live and recorded music to the bedsides in healthcare communities. Providence Care Centre - Providence Manor 2024 DEMENTIA ENRICH™ AWARD Providence Care's long-term care home, Providence Manor, provides music therapy that supports engagement, reminiscence, and socialization. Respite Care Atlanta 2024 DEMENTIA ENRICH™ AWARD Club RCA: Community Based, Individual Focused Care that seeks to decrease social isolation among individuals experiencing cognitive decline. SUNY Upstate Medical University 2024 DEMENTIA QUEST® AWARD Pathogenesis and drug treatment development for Dementia caused by cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) and Alzheimer's disease. Spring Theatre 2024 DEMENTIA ENRICH™ AWARD Spring Theatre's Christmas Tour. The holiday tour exists to bring the community and young talent into retirement communities, specifically for those living with Dementia units, at no charge. The Grand Baby Project 2024 DEMENTIA ENRICH™ AWARD Enhancing lives through tactile and sensory engagement with therapy dolls. The Memory Care Alliance 2024 DEMENTIA ENRICH™ AWARD Tri-cultural Dementia awareness in northern New Mexico Wesley Enhanced Living at Stapeley in Germantown 2024 DEMENTIA ENRICH™ AWARD A fun community fashion show supporting those living with Dementia. West Virginia University Foundation RECENT DEMENTIA QUEST® AWARD Providing the foundation for pioneering advances in brain health. Zinnia Technologies 2024 DEMENTIA CARER® AWARD Extensive library of streaming videos that diminish agitation, foster connection, and ease daily activities for TVs, PCs, and mobile devices.

Dementia Unplugged: Care Conversations | Immersive Virtual Reality Video Care Opportunities With Virtual Reality Jeannine Forrest joins PJ Ware and Susan Limongelli of NRG VR Journeys to discuss virtual reality and its potential to create meaningful experiences and connections for people living with Dementia. It is just one example of the people, programs, research, ideas, and experiences that Dementia Unplugged: Care Conversations will continue to explore. About Dementia Unplugged™: Care Conversations Real people. Real experiences. Real care conversations about Dementia. Dementia Society of America® brings us Dementia Unplugged™: Care Conversations, a series created to listen, learn, and explore the many different experiences that make up the Dementia care community. Exploring New Possibilities in Dementia Care Led by Dr. Jeannine Forrest, a Dementia care expert and member of the Dementia Society of America Advisory Council, these conversations go beyond prepared presentations and traditional interviews. Instead, Jeannine sits down with people whose lives and work are intertwined with Dementia—and simply starts a conversation. Listening to the Dementia Care Community There is no single Dementia experience. Through Care Conversations, Jeannine will speak with a wide variety of voices from across the Dementia community, including: Care partners and family members sharing their personal experiences Professionals developing new approaches to Dementia care Researchers discussing emerging research and findings Organizations introducing innovative programs and resources Individuals bringing new ideas, perspectives, and lived experiences to the conversation Some conversations may introduce something new. Others may ask difficult questions. And sometimes, the most important thing is simply giving someone the opportunity to tell their story. The goal is to listen, ask questions, learn from one another, and help more people better understand the many sides of Dementia. Join the Dementia Care Conversation Whether Dementia has touched your life personally, professionally, or you simply want to learn more, we invite you to listen along. Every experience can teach us something. Every question can lead to greater understanding. And every conversation can help us all Know Dementia® a little better. Watch or listen to Dementia Unplugged: Care Conversations here: YouTube Vimeo Spotify Apple Music Disclaimer: Dementia Society of America (DSA) provides educational content only and does not offer medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing your medical care. DSA content is created by both human and computer-generated means and is reviewed for accuracy; however, errors may occur. Views expressed by third-party contributors do not necessarily reflect those of DSA. Unless expressly stated, DSA does not endorse or guarantee any third-party products, services, organizations, or external content. All DSA content is copyrighted and/or trademarked and may not be used without written permission.

Dementia Awareness Ribbon Alzheimer's Disease Prevalence Between 4.9 and 5.6 million individuals have some form of Dementia in the United States*, based on current estimates. Because the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease can now be based on clinical measurements of Alzheimer's specific biomarkers, along with imaging and clinical signs and symptoms, the true prevalence of Alzheimer's disease among all Dementias in the US remains unclear. Although prevalence data using multiple criteria are still emerging, current estimates suggest that Alzheimer's disease represents approximately 60% of the Dementia burden. The underlying processes that cause Dementia represent a significant cause of mortality. In the US, estimates suggest that Dementia is the 6th leading cause of death in persons aged 65 or older. In the UK, Alzheimer's Disease and other Dementias were the leading cause of death in 2024, suggesting an increasing mortality risk in developed countries. What Goes Wrong in Alzheimer's Disease? Alzheimer's Disease is caused by a complex, progressive interplay of genetics, lifestyle, environment, and age-related brain changes that unfold over decades. While the exact trigger remains unknown, the disease is characterized by several hallmark brain changes and biological mechanisms. We know that the deposition and accumulation of fibrous proteins accompany irreversible brain damage. These insoluble proteins, called beta-amyloid, form plaques that disrupt cellular communication, alter how brain cells use energy, and promote cell death. The second hallmark of AD, also observed by Dr. Alois Alzheimer over 100 years ago under a microscope, is the neurofibrillary tangles of dead and dying neurons, composed of Tau, another brain protein. That's why medical professionals will often speak of the "plaques and tangles" of AD. The result is a slow and progressive decline in memory, thinking, and reasoning skills. Eventually, people lose the ability to swallow and breathe in a coordinated fashion. Even in the absence of other diseases such as kidney failure and cancer, Alzheimer's Disease is a terminal illness. What Are The Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease? Alzheimer's Disease comprises a spectrum rather than a defined set of signs and symptoms. Slow progression, rather than a sudden change, is often the key to differentiating Alzheimer's behaviors from those associated with other kinds of Dementia. Life expectancy after an Alzheimer's diagnosis can be anywhere from four to 20 years. People who have Dementia often die from other causes such as cancer, kidney failure, and cardiovascular disease. The Alzheimer's Association lists the 10 warning signs of Alzheimer's Disease – the first of which is memory loss. After reading the list, you might think, "How are these behaviors different from what everybody does at one time or another?" The difference is the frequency and the ability to make self-corrections. Healthcare providers often use staging to describe the progression and severity of diseases such as cancer, kidney failure, and Dementia. The following staging criteria will help you understand your loved one's condition and plan for future caregiving needs. Mild or Early-stage Alzheimer's Disease In this first stage, people experience memory loss, difficulty remembering newly learned information, and have trouble completing complex tasks such as planning a family event. Personality changes, such as uncharacteristic anger and increasing difficulty finding the right words, getting lost, or misplacing items, are other common signs. With help, your parent, spouse, or sibling in this stage may still be able to live independently. Moderate or Mid-stage Alzheimer's Disease During this phase, people may confuse family members with close friends, forget personal history details such as where they went to school or where they were born, and need help with dressing and personal hygiene. Some people may become restless, suspicious of others, and confrontational. At this stage, your relative will need close supervision and assistance during the day, and perhaps a caregiver at night. Severe or Late-stage Alzheimer's Disease In the final stage, people lose the ability to speak coherently and need help with eating, dressing, using the bathroom, and walking. Eventually, late-stage Alzheimer's patients lose the ability to swallow and control their bladder and bowels. During this final stage, your loved one will need 24-hour care, either at home or in a Dementia care facility. For more information on Alzheimer's disease and how to manage care, please see the source material below and the related blog post, "Empowering Caregivers: Essential Tips for Supporting Individuals With Alzheimer's." Additional video to watch regarding new developments in Alzheimer's disease treatments: Leqembi & Kisunla: New Alzheimer's Treatments Explained | Dr. Armen J. Moughamian *Sources: CDC.gov: All about Alzheimer's JAMA Neurology 2025: US Burden of Disorders Affecting the Nervous System. 2025 World Health Organization Factsheet: Dementia. National Institute on Aging: What Causes Alzheimer's Disease? Disclaimer: Dementia Society of America (DSA) provides educational content only and does not offer medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your medical care. DSA content is created by both human and computer-generated means and is reviewed for accuracy; however, errors may occur. Views expressed by third-party contributors do not necessarily reflect those of DSA. Unless expressly stated, DSA does not endorse or guarantee any third-party products, services, organizations, or external content. All DSA content is copyrighted and/or trademarked and may not be used without written permission.

Click here for Spanish Click here for French Video Transcript [Answer 1140] Welcome and thank you for joining me. Today, we're going to talk about Razadyne® (generic name for galantamine) and how it helps people living with Dementia. Razadyne is a medication used to help manage symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Its generic name is galantamine. How does Razadyne work? Razadyne helps brain cells communicate by supporting a natural chemical in the brain called acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is important for memory, learning, and attention in people living with Dementia. Levels of this chemical become lower over time. Razadyne works in two helpful ways. First, it slows the breakdown of acetylcholine, so more of it stays available in the brain. Second, it helps brain cells respond better to this chemical. Together, these actions improve communication between nerve cells, which may support thinking and memory. What symptoms can it help with? Razadyne may help improve memory, attention, and the ability to manage daily tasks. Some people may also experience improvements in mood or behavior. It is important to remember that Razadyne does not cure Dementia, but it may help slow symptoms for a time. How is Razadyne taken? Razadyne is available as a pill, liquid, or extended-release capsule. It is usually taken once or twice a day with food to reduce stomach upset. Are there side effects? Some people may have nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or dizziness. These are often mild and may improve as the body adjusts. Why is medical guidance important? A doctor will decide whether Razadyne is right for your loved one and monitor how well it is working. Doses are usually increased slowly for safety and comfort. Razadyne is one tool that may help support brain communication and daily life for people living with Dementia. On behalf of the Dementia Society of America®, thank you again for joining me today. Stay informed, stay healthy, and take care of yourself. Additional video to watch regarding new developments in Alzheimer's disease treatments: Leqembi & Kisunla: New Alzheimer's Treatments Explained | Dr. Armen J. Moughamian Disclaimer: Dementia Society of America (DSA) provides educational content only and does not offer medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your medical care. DSA content is created by both human and computer-generated means and is reviewed for accuracy; however, errors may occur. Views expressed by third-party contributors do not necessarily reflect those of DSA. Unless expressly stated, DSA does not endorse or guarantee any third-party products, services, organizations, or external content. All DSA content is copyrighted and/or trademarked and may not be used without written permission.