Search Results

The perfect place to start. Learn about self-care or being a Dementia care partner. Seek advice from a qualified physician or health care professional about any medical concern Care Education The perfect place to start. Learn about self-care or being a Dementia care partner. 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. Always seek advice from a qualified physician or health care professional about any medical concern. Do not disregard professional medical advice because of anything you may read, see or hear on this website, or contained within any of our communications, whether electronic or otherwise. The views of individuals quoted on this site and elsewhere, are not necessarily those of the DSA. With this said, we hope that the Dementia information we present on this site, including our programs, offers answers and approaches that can be used to enrich the lives of those living with the syndrome, their caregivers, and the community at large. Explore Dementia Care In-Depth | Click Below | FAQs Our frequently asked questions about Dementia. Health Information Links Find Dementia clinical trials, and more. Dementia Definitions Learn about 10+ leading forms of Dementia. Discover Helpful Technology Find Mobile Apps, Products and Services. Caregiver Training Online Training The Dementia Action Plan™ In-Person Presentations Videos & Publications Read our newsletter, and watch our videos. Web Directories Find Dementia homecare, doctors, and more. Collaborators Other organizations around the globe. Books, Movies, Music & More Fiction, Non-Fiction and Creative Expressions Dementia | Brain Health Blog Dementia | Brain Health Blog Online Blog Posts The Cognitive Action Plan™ In-Person Presentations

Dr. Samir Patel is Chief of Geriatric Psychiatry, Atrius Health Advisory Council ◄ Back to Members | Samir Patel MD Advisory Council Chief of Geriatric Psychiatry, Atrius Health Development of geriatric psychiatry clinical service, and provide clinical consultations and treatment to this population within Atrius Healthcare.

Join the Dementia Society of America's Leadership Circle and help expand the national conversation on Dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Together, we can create a brighter future for those living with Dementia and their loved ones. Leadership Circle Leadership is Action. Leadership is a Big Vision. Leadership is a Perspective. Leadership is a set of Principles. Dementia Society of America's Leadership Circle brings like-minds together to make a meaningful difference! The only way to do that is to invest in the future, a new world! A world of love and care that is person-centered, a world that is built upon the notion that at some point, the only thing that really matters is quality, not quantity, of life. Click here to learn about the meaning of the Leadership Circle logo. 10 Leadership Circle Principles We are all connected in the circle of life; We are considered alive inside, even if our ability to outwardly communicate is hampered by Dementia or other conditions; I/we wish to touch with love, think with the heart, feel with the mind, and express appreciation with a simple smile; I/we seek to understand all Dementias as much as possible; I/we seek to prevent all Dementias with a holistic approach; I/we desire to detect and prevent cognitive impairment early; I/we treat others with a person-centered care approach; I/we want personal end-of-life choices to be respected by family, friends, and healthcare professionals; I/we speak openly and with compassion about all people, and about all forms of Dementia; I/we create the best possible tomorrow by taking the most meaningful actions today! CLICK HERE TO ASK ABOUT JOINING Annual individual/family contributors are Supporters. Annual corporate contributors are Sponsors. Annual Leadership Circle Levels are: BRONZE $1,000+ SILVER $2,500+ GOLD $5,000+ PLATINUM $10,000+ By joining with us and becoming an on-going Leadership Circle Supporter or Sponsor , you will demonstrate an eagerness and earnestness to provide: Dementia education for all; great quality-of-life programs for all; recognition to wonderful caregivers and care partners; accolades upon innovators and innovations that assist with personal Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), Dementia care management, and enhanced cognitive health. At every level you will receive a beautiful Leadership Circle recognition certificate (personally signed by the DSA president), that you can display to show your support. We may also like to recognize you publicly, unless you specifically tell us in writing that you would like to remain anonymous . Please learn more by clicking here . CLICK HERE TO ASK ABOUT JOINING

Explore Dementia Unplugged, an initiative by the Dementia Society of America. Enhance understanding and support for dementia, offering resources and insights. Dementia Unplugged Join our host, Tami, in a lively and informative national Zoom call most Mondays at 7 PM ET. This Dementia Unplugged program, Ask The Expert™ , is appropriate for all care partners and all types and stages of Dementia, as well as specific individuals (those living with MCI or very early-stage Dementia). You'll be able to ask basic questions, get real-world answers, and take the next best step(s) in your journey. Not a "support group" exactly, and not limited to just one type of Dementia. Instead, this is a supportive, helpful conversation around the fundamental challenges and opportunities of coping with all of the symptoms of Dementia. "Ask The Expert" aims to maximize the chance for positive movement forward as a caregiver and self-care. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR ASK THE EXPERT™ Download a handout for Ask The Expert. Please click here . More Supportive Programs... Iowa State University's Powerful Tools for Caregivers: a 6-week worksho p on stress management. Please click here . Support groups on Facebook? Please click here . Are you looking for our other Dementia Unplugged™ programs? Click on the link(s) below to open up the specific playlists on our YouTube channel. ARTFul Insights™ Dementia Foundations™ Care Conversations™

Dementia Society of America is a volunteer-driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity helping families facing Dementia, including Alzheimer's (AD), Vascular Dementia, and others. Alzheimer's disease symptoms dementia causes and more. We are Here to Help Our programs bring much-needed education, local resources, and life enrichment to individuals and families impacted by Dementia. We recognize Dementia caregivers and innovators and raise HOPE by spotlighting relevant research to discover cures and causes and encourage early detection and meaningful interventions. Dementia Society of America is your volunteer-driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity serving the nation for all causes of Dementia, including: Alzheimer's (AD), late & young-onset Vascular Dementia Mixed Dementia Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) CTE, TBI, NPH, HIV, L.A.T.E. & others ... DONATE ONLINE Click to Read/Request Ride Against Dementia As heard on... Do you need basic Dementia information? As a Voluntary Health Organization, we focus broadly on all forms of Dementia, sometimes also referred to medically as Major Neurocognitive Disorders (NCD). We have collected top resources from across the country and around the globe for you! We're like a Dementia association, Dementia foundation, and Brain Health resource center - all rolled into one. The Dementia Society of America is here for everyone. Subscribe to Monthly eNews By sharing these resources, we bring HOPE through education about what Dementia is and what it isn't, and help people who live with Dementia continue to lead meaningful lives and support their care partners. This may surprise you, but it summarizes the impact Dementia may have on our families: We believe that more than 9 million Americans live with some form of Dementia today. However, remarkably, even as the ability to make an accurate diagnosis has improved, historically, upwards of 30% of those who recieved a basic Alzheimer-type Dementia diagnosis (usually in the primary care office/clinic and typically relying on self-reported/observed symptoms and/or family, but without advanced biomarker testing having been done) were thought not to have Alzheimer's disease - yes, they may have developed Dementia, but likely from a different underlying disease/cause.* This points to the need for early screening to be done, more advanced testing to be offered, and starts with an awareness that there are many, many causes of Dementia beyond Alzheimer's. In the U.S., Dementia-related deaths are considerable and estimated to be the 6th leading cause of death in 2023. ** Some would say that the number of deaths attributable to Dementia may be significantly under-reported due to the stigma associated with various diseases, lack of education, or other coexisting health issues that can often occur at the end of one's life. No matter what the numbers are, Dementia is costly in every way possible, both financially and emotionally. Our goal is to provide HOPE and help individuals, caregivers, corporations, and communities wishing to learn more about Dementia via our resources and programs, targeting their quality of life. Billions are spent each year on rising healthcare costs relating to Dementia. In addition to the financial burdens, family and care partners looking after loved ones and friends are often emotionally frustrated and physically stretched to the maximum. Today, there are no cures or effective long-term treatments. Alzheimer's disease and many other causes of progressive Dementia cross the cultural and socioeconomic divides. Rich or poor, or somewhere in between, you can die prematurely just because of Dementia. While you can get great satisfaction, increased inner strength, and a sense of well-being in caring for someone living with Dementia, it is still not easy. Even professional caregivers, paid to give a helping hand and assist those living with Dementia, experience occasional burnout. Person-centered care, and, if possible, person-directed care, requires that we always treat individuals uniquely, with respect, and with dignity to the end of their lives. These are the keys to an optimal quality of life and the best possible tomorrows. f="https://plus.google.com/110800689506873609463" rel="publisher">Google+ Subscribe to Monthly eNews Yes, you can help enhance the lives of those living with Dementia and their caregivers! Please get involved, or donate to the Dementia Society today. SELECTED SOURCES *Download/view excerpted source here: 2025 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures. **Download/view U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Data Brief 2023

People with PSP are at risk of developing problems moving their eyes, called supranuclear palsy, a wide-eyed appearance, and difficulty swallowing. To learn more, contact us. Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD) and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) are Parkinson's-plus syndromes, meaning that they are diseases that share some of the symptoms of Parkinson's Disease, such as slowing of movements, stiffness, tremors, falls, and shuffling of the feet. They may both also cause changes in memory and thinking. People with PSP also develop problems moving their eyes, called supranuclear palsy, a wide-eyed appearance, and difficulty swallowing. Unlike Parkinson's disease, people often fall backward instead of forward. They may also develop severe stiffness in the neck. There are several variations in the name of CBD, such as corticobasal syndrome or disease and corticobasal ganglionic degeneration. It is named after the damaged parts of the brain: the cortex (the outer part of the brain) and the basal ganglia (deep within the brain). Like Parkinson's disease, movement slowing, stiffness, tremors, falls, and shuffling of the feet are seen. Movement problems occur on one side of the body, such as stiffness, shaking, or loss of control. People with CBD may be unable to get their arms to do what they want, even if they know how. Sometimes, the arm on that side might move independently, which is called alien limb syndrome. For more information from the 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

Mixed vascular-degenerative Dementia is the most common cause of dementia in the elderly. To learn more about both common and more rare conditions, contact us today. Mixed Dementia "Autopsy studies looking at the brains of people who had Dementia suggest that a majority of those age 80 and older probably had 'Mixed Dementia ,' caused by processes related to both Alzheimer’s disease [or, other Dementia] and vascular disease. In fact, some studies indicate that mixed vascular-degenerative Dementia is the most common cause of dementia in the elderly. In a person with mixed Dementia, it may not be clear exactly how many of a person’s symptoms are due to Alzheimer’s or another type of Dementia . In one study, about 40 percent of people who were thought to have Alzheimer’s were found after autopsy to also have some form of cerebrovascular disease. Several studies have found that many of the major risk factors for vascular disease also may be risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers are still working to understand how underlying disease processes in Mixed Dementia influence each other. It is not clear, for example, if symptoms are likely to be worse when a person has brain changes reflecting multiple types of Dementia. Nor do we know if a person with multiple Dementias can benefit from treating one type, for example, when a person with Alzheimer’s disease controls high blood pressure and other vascular disease risk factors." 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

See why people choose us. Feel free to write about us and read our reviews to better understand us and the support we provide to our clients. Please click below to read/write reviews. Thank you. Click to Read/Write Google Review Click to Read/Write Facebook Review

Make a bequest, memorial, or other legacy contribution to support the mission of the Dementia Society of America Leadership Logo What does the Leadership Circle logo graphically represent? The circular arrow means taking action and creating forward motion. The circle is meant to communicate the whole interconnectedness of all things, all animals, and all people in our world, including the mind-body connection. The 3 separate colors, each with a distinct amount of "space" allocated to each, reflects proportionately the 3 pillars of our mission: Educate all , about all Dementias (bright purple); Provide quality-of-life programs (lighter purple); Recognize accomplishments and contributions to the betterment of the Dementia community at large (the lightest blue/purple). If you join the Leadership or Caring Circle you agree with the 10 DSA Principles , and you are willing to commit financially each year to see that those ideals are pursued and continued through the work of the Dementia Society of America.

Lewy body disease may cause problems with movement and posture, muscle stiffness, and confusion. To learn more about both common and rare conditions, contact us. Lewy Body DONATE "Lewy body disease is one of the most common causes of Dementia in the elderly. Lewy body disease happens when abnormal structures, called Lewy bodies, build up in areas of the brain. The disease may cause a wide range of symptoms, including changes in alertness and attention, hallucinations, problems with movement and posture, muscle stiffness, and confusion. Lewy body disease can be hard to diagnose because of Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease cause similar symptoms. Scientists think that Lewy body disease might be related to these diseases, or that they sometimes happen together. Lewy body disease usually begins between the ages of 50 and 85 . The disease gets worse over time. There is no cure. Treatment focuses on drugs to help symptoms." Source: click here . "Who was Lewy? In the early 1900s, while researching Parkinson's disease, the scientist Friederich H. Lewy discovered abnormal protein deposits that disrupt the brain's normal functioning. These Lewy body proteins are found in an area of the brain stem where they deplete the neurotransmitter dopamine, causing Parkinsonian symptoms. In Lewy Body Dementia [LBD], these abnormal proteins are diffuse throughout other areas of the brain , including the cerebral cortex. The brain chemical acetylcholine is depleted, causing disruption of perception, thinking, and behavior. Lewy body disease exists either in pure form or in conjunction with other brain changes, including those typically seen in Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease." 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

Leaving a legacy to the Dementia Society of America will be a statement of your appreciation for our work. To know more about it in-depth, visit our website now! Lasting Legacy Make a Lasting Impact Leaving a legacy to the Dementia Society of America will be a statement of the value you cherish in the work we are doing. Please consider the following as you do your estate planning. Make An Impact | Request Free Guide BEQUESTS Remembering the Dementia Society of America in your will or trust can be easily accomplished with the designation of a specific dollar amount or other property. You may also designate the Dementia Society of America to receive a specified percentage of your estate assets. The following is some sample language that you may use in your will or trust: “I give and bequeath to the Dementia Society of America, Doylestown, Pennsylvania, the sum of $________ (or specific asset or _____ percent of the remainder of my estate) to be used for its general charitable purposes.” To find out more about the Legacy Circle or notify the Dementia Society of America about your bequest, please call 1800-DEMENTIA (800-336-3684), or send an email to info@dementiasociety.org . Download the Declaration of Bequest Intention form here . RETIREMENT PLAN ASSETS for the Dementia Society of America Did you know that you can support the Dementia Society of America’s important work by naming it as the partial or sole beneficiary of your IRA, 401(K), 403(B), or other retirement assets? Why use retirement assets to make a gift? Since retirement plan assets may be subject to income and estate taxes if left to heirs, estate planners often recommend that you designate all or a portion of the assets to a charitable organization like the Dementia Society of America. By leaving such assets to the Dementia Society of America, you can pass other assets to your heirs, which may lower the tax burden. How can I name the Dementia Society of America? You should request a “change of beneficiary” form from your retirement plan administrator. In this form, you can name the Dementia Society of America as the sole or partial beneficiary, or you can name us as a contingent beneficiary in case you are predeceased by your immediate beneficiary. On the form, list us as: Dementia Society, Inc. dba Dementia Society of America PO Box 600 Doylestown, PA 18901 Tax ID # 46-3401769 APPRECIATED ASSETS Did you know you can support the Dementia Society’s critical mission by donating appreciated assets like stocks, real estate, works of art, etc., to the Dementia Society of America? Why donate appreciated assets? By donating an appreciated asset to the Dementia Society of America, you may benefit from an income tax charitable deduction at the current market value and not pay capital gains tax on the asset’s appreciation. LIFE INSURANCE SETTLEMENT Did you know? 2.5 million older adults, just like you, every year, will walk away from their life insurance policies with little or nothing to show for all those years of paid premiums. Why? Life has changed, and they may no longer need the benefits, may not be able to afford the payments, or may want to spend the premium money differently, and they do not know there may be a legal option within their rights. But we’re about to share a little-known fact: you can sell it! To l earn more through our life settlement benefit partner , click here . LIFE INSURANCE for the Dementia Society of America Did you know that you can support the Dementia Society’s tradition of compassionate programming by naming the Dementia Society as the partial or sole beneficiary of your life insurance policy? Why life insurance? By leaving the proceeds of an insurance policy to the Dementia Society of America, the proceeds of the insurance policy will not be subject to estate taxes upon your death. Also, if you transfer ownership of the policy to the Dementia Society during your lifetime, you may qualify for an income tax charitable deduction and you may deduct the cost of future premium payments. How can I name the Dementia Society of America? If the policy already exists, you should request a “change of beneficiary” form from the insurance company. You can name the Dementia Society of America as the sole or partial beneficiary or you can name us as a contingent beneficiary in case you are predeceased by your primary beneficiary. On the form list us as: Dementia Society of America PO Box 600 Doylestown, PA 18901 Our IRS tax ID # is: 46-3401769 CHARITABLE TRUSTS For a personal, confidential discussion of the benefit of charitable trusts to fulfill your intent to leave a legacy for the Dementia Society of America please contact us at 1-800-DEMENTIA. None of the above information is intended to be tax advice. Please consult your financial advisers for the implications of charitable giving on your estate plans. Dementia Society, Inc., doing business as Dementia Society of America, is a nonprofit organization incorporated in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and registered with the IRS as a nonprofit 501(c)(3). Your contribution is tax-deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law. Please consult your tax advisor. Please view our IRS Determination Letter here. Back to Donate

Request your free guide to get your questions answered related to Dementia. This information pack will help you take some of the fear out of Dementia. 1-800-DEMENTIA® ( 1-800-336-3684) Request Your Free Guide, "The Big Umbrella," in the Form Below First and Last Name Email Mobile Phone* Street Address City State ZIP Code By clicking send you will receive our occasional eNewsletter. You can easily unsubscribe at any time. Your details were sent successfully! Send DONATE ONLINE