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Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a condition in which people have memory or other thinking problems that do not normally disrupt activities of daily living. MCI Not necessarily "Dementia" in the strictest sense of the word, but a condition that commonly leads to Dementia, and therefore there should be a high level of concern. "Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a condition in which people have memory or other thinking problems greater than normal for their age and education, but their symptoms are not as severe as those seen in people with Alzheimer’s disease. More older people with MCI, compared with those without MCI, go on to develop Alzheimer’s. Studies are underway to learn why some people with MCI progress to Alzheimer’s and others do not. The problems associated with MCI may also be caused by certain medications, cerebrovascular disease (which affects blood vessels that supply the brain), and other factors. Some of the problems brought on by these conditions can be managed or reversed. The type of MCI with memory loss as the main symptom is called amnestic MCI. In another type, non-amnestic MCI, the main symptom is an impaired thinking skill other than memory loss, such as trouble planning and organizing or poor judgment." Source: click here . Click below on the various terms to learn more about both common and more rare conditions, syndromes and diseases, that can cause, or include symptoms leading to Dementia: Dementia-Like Conditions (that may be reversible); Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI); Alzheimer's Disease (AD or ALZ) Dementia; Mixed Dementia; Vascular Dementia; Young Onset Dementia; Lewy Body Dementia (LBD); Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD); AIDS Dementia Complex (ADC); Huntington's Disease with Dementia; Multiple Sclerosis (MS) with Dementia; Parkinson's Disease (PD) with Dementia; Chronic Traumatic Brain Injury (CTE) Dementia; Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) with Dementia; Down Syndrome with Dementia; Posterior Cortical Atrophy (PCA); Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA); Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (WKS) Dementia; Limbic-predominant Age-related TDP-43 Encephalopathy (LATE);*** Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) Dementia; Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD); Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP); CADASIL;*** Sanfilippo Syndrome*** Batten Disease (Childhood Dementia);*** Binswanger Disease.*** Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy (CAA)*** Various Childhood Dementias*** Adult-Onset Leukoencephalopathy*** Don't see what you're looking for? Please contact us. *** Takes you to a non-DSA website. Go back to Definitions | Click Here

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) arises from the body's immune system attacking nerve cells. Contact us to learn about diseases that can cause, or include symptoms leading to Dementia. Multiple Sclerosis "Conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS) that arise from the body's immune system attacking nerve cells" Additional complications can include "mental [status] changes, such as forgetfulness [Dementia-like] or mood swings." Source1: click here . Read more: click here. Read additional info : click here . Click below on the various terms to learn more about both common and more rare conditions, syndromes and diseases, that can cause, or include symptoms leading to Dementia: Dementia-Like Conditions (that may be reversible); Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI); Alzheimer's Disease (AD or ALZ) Dementia; Mixed Dementia; Vascular Dementia; Young Onset Dementia; Lewy Body Dementia (LBD); Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD); AIDS Dementia Complex (ADC); Huntington's Disease with Dementia; Multiple Sclerosis (MS) with Dementia; Parkinson's Disease (PD) with Dementia; Chronic Traumatic Brain Injury (CTE) Dementia; Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) with Dementia; Down Syndrome with Dementia; Posterior Cortical Atrophy (PCA); Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA); Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (WKS) Dementia; Limbic-predominant Age-related TDP-43 Encephalopathy (LATE);*** Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) Dementia; Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD); Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP); CADASIL;*** Sanfilippo Syndrome*** Batten Disease (Childhood Dementia);*** Binswanger Disease.*** Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy (CAA)*** Various Childhood Dementias*** Adult-Onset Leukoencephalopathy*** Don't see what you're looking for? Please contact us. *** Takes you to a non-DSA website. Go back to Definitions | Click Here

​Attend our public workshops for educational learning experiences with factual, easy-to-understand concepts, and accessible information. For more information, visit our website. Public Workshops Two educational learning experiences with factual, easy-to-understand concepts, and accessible information. DONATE Click image to watch & learn more. Click image to learn more. Go back to Education | Click Here

Where does one get the truth about Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of Dementia? Right here. We have collected definitions we believe will be helpful to you. Definitions Important Notice: Dementia Society of America (DSA) does not provide medical advice. The contents are for informational purposes only and are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Anchor 1 Where does one get the truth about Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of Dementia? Right here. We have collected definitions we believe will be helpful to you. We also offer a variety of presentations and programs to help people living with these conditions and their families and caregivers. You don’t have to make this journey alone. We can help. Access additional Dementia resources here. 1:40 Minutes 4:00 Minutes DEFINITIONS A broad factual definition of Dementia from the U.S. Government: "Dementia is not a specific disease. It is a descriptive term for a collection of symptoms that can be caused by a number of disorders that affect the brain. People with dementia have significantly impaired intellectual functioning that interferes with normal activities and relationships. They also lose their ability to solve problems and maintain emotional control, and they may experience personality changes and behavioral problems, such as agitation, delusions, and hallucinations. While memory loss is a common symptom of dementia, memory loss by itself does not mean that a person has dementia. Doctors diagnose dementia only if two or more brain functions - such as memory and language skills -- are significantly impaired without loss of consciousness. Some of the diseases that can cause symptoms of dementia are Alzheimer’s disease (AD), vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, Huntington’s disease, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Doctors have identified other conditions that can cause dementia or dementia-like symptoms including reactions to medications, metabolic problems and endocrine abnormalities, nutritional deficiencies, infections, poisoning, brain tumors, anoxia, or hypoxia (conditions in which the brain’s oxygen supply is either reduced or cut off entirely), and heart and lung problems. Although it is common in very elderly individuals, dementia is not a normal part of the aging process"* Moreover, recent studies have found that newer brain scans may point to other causes of Dementia in approximately one-third of presumed AD cases, thereby helping avoid an Alzheimer’s disease misdiagnosis, which may lead to better treatment and care.** A fundamental concept to grasp is that the symptoms of Dementia often go beyond memory loss. They can include significant shifts in mood, more falls, disturbed gait (how we walk), and more. In addition, hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia are not uncommon. *Sources- 2015, United States National Institutes of Health: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Additional Sources- Read updated information from NIH; click here . Mayo Clinic has an excellent brief definition; click here . The National Institute on Aging maintains an excellent site; click here . World Health Organization, click here . **Source- 2019, click here. Click below on the various terms to learn more about both common and more rare conditions, syndromes and diseases, that can cause, or include symptoms leading to Dementia: Dementia-Like Conditions (that may be reversible); Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI); Alzheimer's Disease (AD or ALZ) Dementia; Mixed Dementia; Vascular Dementia; Young Onset Dementia; Lewy Body Dementia (LBD); Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD); AIDS Dementia Complex (ADC); Huntington's Disease with Dementia; Multiple Sclerosis (MS) with Dementia; Parkinson's Disease (PD) with Dementia; Chronic Traumatic Brain Injury (CTE) Dementia; Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) with Dementia; Down Syndrome with Dementia; Posterior Cortical Atrophy (PCA); Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA); Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (WKS) Dementia; Limbic-predominant Age-related TDP-43 Encephalopathy (LATE);*** Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) Dementia; Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD); Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP); CADASIL;*** Sanfilippo Syndrome*** Batten Disease (Childhood Dementia);*** Binswanger Disease.*** Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy (CAA)*** Various Childhood Dementias*** Adult-Onset Leukoencephalopathy*** Don't see what you're looking for? Please contact us. *** Takes you to a non-DSA website. Go back to Education | Click Here

Posterior cortical atrophy (PCA), also called Benson's syndrome, is the visual variant of Alzheimer’s disease. Posterior Cortical Atrophy "Posterior cortical atrophy (PCA), also called Benson's syndrome, is the visual variant of Alzheimer’s disease. The disease causes shrinkage (atrophy) of the back part of the brain, causing a progressive decline in vision. People with PCA may often go to see an eye doctor first, thinking that their difficulties are due to a problem with their eyes and that they may need new glasses. Visual impairment commonly develops as people get older, and in most cases a decline in vision is due to this natural aging process. In people with PCA, the visual problems are not due to problems with their eyes. Rather, the shrinking brain can no longer interpret and process the information received from the person's healthy eyes. In the vast majority of PCA cases, the underlying cause is Alzheimer's disease , and the brain tissue at autopsy shows an abnormal accumulation of the proteins amyloid and tau that form plaques and tangles as is seen in Alzheimer's. Although PCA is almost always caused by Alzheimer's disease, it can also be due to other diseases including Dementia with Lewy bodies and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. PCA is thought to affect less than 5% of people with Alzheimer's disease, although epidemiological studies are lacking and PCA has been under-recognized in the past." Source: click here . Click below on the various terms to learn more about both common and more rare conditions, syndromes and diseases, that can cause, or include symptoms leading to Dementia: Dementia-Like Conditions (that may be reversible); Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI); Alzheimer's Disease (AD or ALZ) Dementia; Mixed Dementia; Vascular Dementia; Young Onset Dementia; Lewy Body Dementia (LBD); Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD); AIDS Dementia Complex (ADC); Huntington's Disease with Dementia; Multiple Sclerosis (MS) with Dementia; Parkinson's Disease (PD) with Dementia; Chronic Traumatic Brain Injury (CTE) Dementia; Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) with Dementia; Down Syndrome with Dementia; Posterior Cortical Atrophy (PCA); Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA); Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (WKS) Dementia; Limbic-predominant Age-related TDP-43 Encephalopathy (LATE);*** Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) Dementia; Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD); Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP); CADASIL;*** Sanfilippo Syndrome*** Batten Disease (Childhood Dementia);*** Binswanger Disease.*** Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy (CAA)*** Various Childhood Dementias*** Adult-Onset Leukoencephalopathy*** Don't see what you're looking for? Please contact us. *** Takes you to a non-DSA website. Go back to Definitions | Click Here

The Dementia Society provides vital help and advice to those living with Dementia, their families and caregivers. Discover the wide range of resources, tools and support available. What Is Dementia? Dementia is a collection of symptoms resulting from certain brain disorders where two or more functions have significant impairment, such as memory and language skills. Experts believe that many factors contribute to Dementia, and it often presents as a combination of progressive symptoms affecting personality, behavior, memory, language, mood, and motor skills. DONATE Learn More What Dementia Is Not Dementia is not a specific disease; it is a syndrome . Rather, it describes a wide range of medical conditions that affect the brain, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Vascular Dementia, Lewy Body Dementia, Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), Huntington’s disease, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, and more. Dementia is not characterized by memory loss alone. While it is one of the common symptoms of Dementia, memory loss by itself does indicate Dementia. Healthcare providers may diagnose Dementia if two or more brain functions have significant impairment without loss of consciousness, and there are declines in cognitive performance over time. Dementia is not widely considered a “normal” part of aging. While mild changes in cognition are common to experience as people mature, Dementia is different in its ability to cause a severe disruption in daily life and functioning. While certain conditions can masquerade as Dementia and may be treatable, the pathologies that cause Dementia are not considered curable. While no cure exists for Dementia today, several symptom management techniques are available for consideration, including medications, non-medical therapies, and even alternative medicine. Types of Dementia As referenced in this useful Dementia help infographic , the major types of Dementia include: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) – A progressive brain disorder that typically begins slowly destroys short term memory and other mental functions Vascular Dementia (multi-infarct) – The loss of cognitive function caused by multiple mini-strokes Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) – A progressive condition that is sometimes accompanied by hallucinations that may cause a decline in reasoning, mobility (slight tremors, falls), and function due to damaging microscopic deposits on the brain. Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD) – An umbrella term for brain disorders that affect the nerve cells in the frontal and/or prefrontal lobes, causing the lobes to shrink, which most affects executive functions like decision making. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) – A disruption of brain function usually caused by a violent blow, bump, or jolt of the head (concussion). Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (WKS) – A neurological disorder caused by a deficiency in thiamin (vitamin B1). Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease – A rapidly degenerative brain disorder experts believe caused by an abnormal isoform of a cellular glycoprotein called prion protein. Huntington’s disease – A rare and inherited condition that causes a breakdown of the brain’s nerve cells, triggering movement, cognitive, and psychiatric symptoms. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) – A brain and spinal cord disease where the immune system attacks the protective covering of nerves, disrupting communication between the brain and body. AIDS Dementia complex – A loss of mental skills in people with late-stage AIDS affecting thinking, reasoning, learning, understanding, and moving. Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) – A neurodegenerative disease thought to be caused by repeated concussions Contact Us to Learn More The First Stages of Dementia While initial Dementia symptoms are unique to each person, a few of the early signs can include: Short term memory loss Normal daily activities become difficult May lose the ability to solve problems May be unable to control emotions Personality changes Agitation Desires to "go home" or leave their house May see things that aren’t there Repeating questions Inability to retrace steps Frequently misplacing items Forgetting the functions of everyday items Difficulty remembering the names of objects or close relatives As the condition progresses, people living with Dementia may experience personality changes and behavioral challenges, such as delusions and hallucinations. For additional Dementia help, consult your doctor or medical specialist to understand symptoms and behaviors unique to one's specific situation. How to Help Someone With Dementia If you’re helping to care for a person living with Dementia, there are many tips and resources to guide your journey. The following are a few helpful suggestions for how to care for someone with Dementia: Learn post-diagnosis steps. Reference the practical steps we outlined in this infographic on Dementia help after diagnosis, including getting a written diagnosis, considering a second opinion, and creating a plan of care. Make it legal. If you are responsible for a loved one’s care, ensure you have the proper legal rights to do so by becoming the designated Power of Attorney (POA) or conservator or guardian. Educate yourself on the diagnosis. Learn as much as you can about the diagnosis to help you understand the person living with Dementia with compassion and empathy. These health information links and brain health resources may also help shed light. Think about the future. Determine the amount and type of long-term care your loved one will need, such as a caregiving service or assisted living facility, and begin researching the options early so that you’re prepared. Reference free online training resources. Look to Dementia help organizations such as the Dementia Society, UCLA, Morningside Ministries, and Johns Hopkins School of Nursing that provide free online videos, education, and training for caregivers of people living with Dementia. Make home safe. Make the home environment D ementia-friendly with simple adjustments to noise levels, lighting, color schemes, labeling, safety measures to prevent accidents, etc. Rely on routines. Develop and adhere to predictable routines to help reduce confusion and frustration. Use technology. Helpful Dementia technologies can bring joy to a person you know, living with Dementia. Browse our award-winning S.M.A.R.T. winners , including SingFit™ for music health, SafeWander device, and Joy for All Companion Pet toys. Communicate with care. When talking to a parent or loved one living with Dementia, use their name to get their attention, offer simple phrasing with short sentences, and take care not to talk to them as a child. Use patience and compassion. Be patient by allowing plenty of time to speak to avoid startling, confusing, or agitating, and avoid correcting things they may not remember correctly. Follow medical advice. Adhere to your loved one’s healthcare provider’s advice for daily exercise and activities, dental care, nutrition, bathing and skincare, and medications. Get a DSA Aware & Share card. Request a complementary Aware & Share Card that you or your loved one can present to people in hotels, restaurants, hospitals, stores, and elsewhere to quietly request extra TLC for communicating with respect and dignity. Contact Us to Learn More Help for Caregivers of Dementia Patients When you’re caring for someone with Dementia, it’s essential to seek support to help take care of you, too. The following are just a few of the resources and suggestions that offer helpful caregiver support, programs, services, and resources. Local and national Dementia help organizations Local Area Agency on Aging chapters Dementia Society of America® Family Caregiving Alliance National Center on Caregiving Dementia Help Support Groups Support groups can help you form friendships, find advice, gain control and empowerment, and enhance your role as a caregiver. There are several in-person and online memory caregiver support groups specifically designed to connect caregivers of Dementia patients, including: Memory People Dementia Caregivers Support Group The Purple Sherpa Basecamp Dementia Caregivers Support Group Caring for a Spouse with Dementia Dementia Unplugged Dementia Help Workshops, Webinars, & Media The following in-person Dementia help seminars and online webinars provide people living with Dementia and their family and caregivers with helpful tools and information. Workshops The Dementia Action Plan - 7 Steps to Take in the Face of Dementia™ Presented by founder and nationally recognized spokesperson, Kevin Jameson, this approximately one-hour Dementia help seminar covers what you know when dealing with Dementia in the short- and long-term. It includes an outline of seven simple steps detailed in the straightforward C.Y.P.R.E.S.S. Steps™ to empower you to successfully navigate life as a caregiver/partner or person living with Dementia, no matter the challenges that may lie ahead. The Cognitive Action Plan - 10 Building Blocks to Better Brain Health™ Presented by founder and nationally recognized spokesperson, Kevin Jameson, this approximately one-hour life-changing Dementia help seminar covers interventions that may be the building blocks of better brain health. Citing international science-based studies, Kevin details and explains in lay terms his F.O.U.N.D.A.T.I.O.N. Findings™, and the positive actions you can take to increase the likelihood of mitigating the effects of aging, disease, and decades-old lifestyle choices. Media Find dozens of helpful Dementia videos available on our YouTube channel at no cost. Covering topics including Dementia & Brain Health Quickies™, Brain Health Awareness, you and your loved ones can access these Dementia help resources right now from the comfort of your home. Peruse our curated reading list of books on Dementia help that can offer hope, inspiration, and opportunities to better understand and cope. Find additional media on our website, including films and documentaries. Webinars Dementia Unplugged™ You may also find online resources such as the Dementia Unplugged webinars helpful. Developed in cooperation with Jeannine Forrest, Ph.D., R.N., these monthly educational and conversational sessions are designed to help people who live with Dementia continue to lead meaningful lives through education and support of their care-partner. Dementia Help Directories For help finding a Dementia healthcare provider, caregiver, agency, facility, or another Dementia professional, search our online directories to locate a resource near you. You can also find nursing home ratings, create a support network, age-in-place contractors, and more. We are your source for useful and reliable Dementia help and resources. To learn more about Dementia, our mission programs, volunteering, or requesting a memorial, please contact us today . Important Notice: Dementia Society of America (DSA) does not provide medical advice. The contents are for informational purposes only and are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Contact Us to Learn More

Dr. Shim leads various clinical research studies examining the efficacy and effectiveness of dance/movement Advisory Council ◄ Back to Members | Minjung Shim PhD BC-BMT Advisory Council Dr. Shim’s professional interests center on the development of mind-body, creativity, and arts-based intervention for people with various psychological and medical disorders and the integration of these interventions into the mainstream healthcare system by means of rigorous research and clinical application of this work. In her lab, Dr. Shim leads various clinical research studies examining the efficacy and effectiveness of dance/movement and mindfulness-based interventions on positive health outcomes in people with chronic health conditions and older adults.

Dementia-like symptoms can result from fever or other side effects of your body's attempt to fight off an infection. To learn more about rare conditions, contact us. Dementia-Like "Some causes of Dementia or Dementia-like symptoms can be reversed. Your doctor may identify and treat these causes: Infections and immune disorders. Dementia-like symptoms can result from fever or other side effects of your body's attempt to fight off an infection. People may develop thinking difficulties if they have infections like a urinary tract infection (UTI), meningitis and encephalitis, untreated syphilis, Lyme disease, or conditions that cause a completely compromised immune system, such as leukemia. Here is an excellent document on Urinary Tract Infections and delirium from our friends in the UK. Click here to read/download . Metabolic problems and endocrine abnormalities. People with thyroid problems, too little sugar in the bloodstream (hypoglycemia), too low or too high amounts of sodium or calcium, or an impaired ability to absorb vitamin B-12 may develop Dementia-like symptoms or other personality changes. Nutritional deficiencies. Dementia-like symptoms can occur as a result of not drinking enough liquids (dehydration); not having enough thiamin (vitamin B-1), a condition common in people with chronic alcoholism; and not having enough vitamins B-6 and B-12 in your diet. Reactions to medications. Dementia-like symptoms may occur as a reaction to a single medication or because of an interaction of several medications. Subdural hematomas. Subdural hematomas are caused by bleeding between the surface of the brain and the covering over the brain. They can cause symptoms similar to Dementia. Poisoning. Dementia-like symptoms can occur as a result of exposure to heavy metals, such as lead, and other poisons, such as pesticides. Dementia-like symptoms may also occur in some people who have abused alcohol or recreational drugs [See also Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (WKS) ]. Symptoms may disappear after treatment, but in some cases, symptoms may still be present after treatment. Brain tumors. Dementia rarely can result from damage caused by a brain tumor. Anoxia. This condition, also called hypoxia, occurs when organ tissues aren't getting enough oxygen. Anoxia may occur due to severe asthma, heart attack, carbon monoxide poisoning or other causes. If you've experienced a severe lack of oxygen, recovery may take longer. Symptoms, such as memory problems or confusion, may occur during recovery. Normal-pressure hydrocephalus. Sometimes people have a condition caused by enlarged ventricles in the brain (normal-pressure hydrocephalus). This condition can cause walking problems, urinary difficulty, and memory loss. Shunt surgery, which delivers cerebrospinal fluid from the head to the abdomen or heart, may help these symptoms." Source: click here . Chemo Brain. Mental cloudiness or changes ... notice[d] before, during, and after cancer treatment. This cloudiness or mental change is commonly referred to as chemo brain. Doctors and researchers may call chemo brain many things, such as cancer treatment-related cognitive impairment, cancer-related cognitive change, or post-chemotherapy cognitive impairment." Source: click here . Click below on the various terms to learn more about both common and more rare conditions, syndromes and diseases, that can cause, or include symptoms leading to Dementia: Dementia-Like Conditions (that may be reversible); Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI); Alzheimer's Disease (AD or ALZ) Dementia; Mixed Dementia; Vascular Dementia; Young Onset Dementia; Lewy Body Dementia (LBD); Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD); AIDS Dementia Complex (ADC); Huntington's Disease with Dementia; Multiple Sclerosis (MS) with Dementia; Parkinson's Disease (PD) with Dementia; Chronic Traumatic Brain Injury (CTE) Dementia; Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) with Dementia; Down Syndrome with Dementia; Posterior Cortical Atrophy (PCA); Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA); Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (WKS) Dementia; Limbic-predominant Age-related TDP-43 Encephalopathy (LATE);*** Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) Dementia; Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD); Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP); CADASIL;*** Sanfilippo Syndrome*** Batten Disease (Childhood Dementia);*** Binswanger Disease.*** Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy (CAA)*** Various Childhood Dementias*** Adult-Onset Leukoencephalopathy*** Don't see what you're looking for? Please contact us. *** Takes you to a non-DSA website. Go back to Definitions | Click Here

Discover the signs, symptoms, and treatments for Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) at the Dementia Society. Find support resources and get tips on living with FTD from experts in the field. FAQs Important Notice: Dementia Society of America (DSA) does not provide medical advice. The contents are for informational purposes only and are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The word Dementia can elicit many different reactions, and many of these are unfortunately often based on incorrect information. Getting one’s arms around the definitions and meanings of Dementia terminology can be difficult. We offer our top 3 FAQs and we want to talk to you about what you are thinking and feeling. Please call us at 1-800-DEMENTIA (1-800-336-3684) to learn more. You may also review our multimedia materials for more information, and discover our programs. FAQs Our top 3 questions... 1. What is Dementia? The simple answer is it's an umbrella term, like "cancer." Cancer is found in different forms, such as breast cancer, leukemia, testicular cancer, melanoma, etc. It's no different with Dementia, there are many forms and types. In addition, Dementias are considered severe forms of cognitive impairment that affect at least two functions of the brain. Examples include memory, decision making, behaviors, muscle motor skills, etc. Memory loss alone does not mean Dementia. 2. What is the difference between Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease? Alzheimer's Disease (often shortened to just "AD"), is simply one very common form of Dementia. There are many types of Dementia besides Alzheimer's. Moreover, not all Dementias are diseases or conditions related to Alzheimer's. 3. Can an Alzheimer's diagnosis be confirmed 100% while someone is alive? Well, the most recent answer used to be "no." But, that is changing rapidly. Today, still, only a post-mortem autopsy of the brain tissue can reveal with complete 100% certainty the types of pathology that Dr. Alois Alzheimer discovered over 100 years ago. Yet, within just the past few years, new brain imaging and bodily fluids (blood or cerebral spinal fluid) tests are giving medical professionals more than 90% certainty before death. The science of brain imaging, DNA testing, and other state-of-the-art methods is improving the ability to detect certain tell-tale signs of all causes of Dementia. But still, not everyone has easy access to the advancements in testing that are possible. The best thing to do is not to assume or rubber stamp a diagnosis. Instead, the Dementia Society of America strongly urges anyone thought to have a cognitive impairment to get the best possible diagnostic workup by a board-certified geriatric or cognitive neurologist, and his or her team. Search for a medical professional. Please see our Definitions page for more detail on each of the leading forms of Dementia. Do you have additional questions that you would like answered? If so, please contact us . Go back to Education | Click Here

The Dementia Society is looking for partners! Learn more about our partnerships and how you can join our mission to help those affected by Dementia. From research opportunities to fundraising, we are committed to creating a world with better care and understanding. Sponsors | Partners Passage Bio Gold Level National Corporate Sponsor Planning & Protection Bronze Level National Corporate Sponsor Aging Life Care Association National Corporate Partner We Remember by Ancestry.com National Corporate Partner Parks Associates National Corporate Partner Mansbach Health Tools National Corporate Partner

The mission is to enhance the quality of life for those living with Dementia, caregivers, and the community! Our goal is to present programs that can make a difference in your life. Mission Statement To enhance the quality of life for those living with Dementia, caregivers, and the community! "Create your best possible tomorrows by taking your most meaningful actions today!" Touch Dance Nathan Schulhof Touch 1/20 Our gracious donors, invaluable volunteers, events, and programs. -Kevin Jameson, Founder & President Educate, Provide and Recognize Dementia education can help people living with these conditions, their families, and their caregivers. We aim to present resources and programs that can make a difference in your life and other people’s lives. Educate. To significantly raise awareness and decrease the stigma in America of the spectrum of conditions collectively known as Dementia through education. Knowledge is the first step towards understanding Dementia. It’s important for people to get the information they need so they can cope with the challenges these diseases create. Our organization can be contacted at 1-800-DEMENTIA® (1-800-336-3684) by anyone who would like more information on Alzheimer’s and all the other leading forms of Dementia. Provide. To make available, non-medical, easy-to-understand Dementia awareness materials and resources for individuals, small businesses, larger corporations, civic organizations, and communities-at-large. To provide monthly quality-of-life programs within continuing care communities and in public Dementia-friendly forums, that emphasize meaningful therapies for those living with Dementia, and their caregivers. These educational programs can be a lifeline for many people who are looking for ways to enrich the lives of men and women living with Dementia. Recognize. To encourage those who: provide exemplary Dementia caregiving, counseling, engagement, and even nutritional support; develop prevention initiatives; and create innovative products, services, and solutions. We believe that every American and each employer in the U.S. should know the facts about Dementia. Therefore, our call-to-action is simple: Know Dementia!® Consider getting involved today! Your contribution of time, talent, or treasure can change the lives of all those impacted by Dementia. Please donate today.

Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) is a form of cognitive impairment that involves a progressive loss of language function. Primary Progressive Aphasia "Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a form of cognitive impairment that involves a progressive loss of language function. Language is a uniquely human faculty that allows us to communicate with each other through the use of words. Our language functions include speaking, understanding what others are saying, repeating things we have heard, naming common objects, reading, and writing. “Aphasia” is a general term used to refer to deficits in language functions. PPA is caused by degeneration in the parts of the brain that are responsible for speech and language. PPA begins very gradually and initially is experienced as difficulty thinking of common words while speaking or writing. PPA progressively worsens to the point where verbal communication by any means is very difficult. The ability to understand what others are saying or what is being read also declines. In the early stages, memory, reasoning, and visual perception are not affected by the disease and so individuals with PPA are able to function normally in many routine daily living activities despite the aphasia. However, as the illness progresses, other mental abilities also decline. Adults of any age can develop PPA, but it is more common in people under the age of 65. People with PPA can have a variety of different language symptoms and no two cases are exactly the same." Source: click here . Additional subtype information: click here . To download an Aphasia caregiver guide, please click here . Click below on the various terms to learn more about both common and more rare conditions, syndromes and diseases, that can cause, or include symptoms leading to Dementia: Dementia-Like Conditions (that may be reversible); Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI); Alzheimer's Disease (AD or ALZ) Dementia; Mixed Dementia; Vascular Dementia; Young Onset Dementia; Lewy Body Dementia (LBD); Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD); AIDS Dementia Complex (ADC); Huntington's Disease with Dementia; Multiple Sclerosis (MS) with Dementia; Parkinson's Disease (PD) with Dementia; Chronic Traumatic Brain Injury (CTE) Dementia; Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) with Dementia; Down Syndrome with Dementia; Posterior Cortical Atrophy (PCA); Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA); Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (WKS) Dementia; Limbic-predominant Age-related TDP-43 Encephalopathy (LATE);*** Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) Dementia; Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD); Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP); CADASIL;*** Sanfilippo Syndrome*** Batten Disease (Childhood Dementia);*** Binswanger Disease.*** Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy (CAA)*** Various Childhood Dementias*** Adult-Onset Leukoencephalopathy*** Don't see what you're looking for? Please contact us. *** Takes you to a non-DSA website. Go back to Definitions | Click Here