Dementia Society of America is a national volunteer-driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting families affected by Alzheimer's, Vascular, Lewy Body, FTD Dementia, and more. Dementia Society Helps Answer Your Questions Who ARE we? At the Dementia Society of America®, our mission is to provide HOPE through Dementia AWARENESS and education, fund RESEARCH , and recognize ENGAGEMENT programming focused on powerful therapies such as art, music, movement, touch, and more. We also help individuals, families, care partners, and communities better understand Dementia and navigate the journey with trusted caregiver tools and meaningful care partner support. Dementia Society of America is your volunteer-driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity serving the nation for all potential causes of Dementia, including: Alzheimer's (AD), late & young-onset Vascular Dementia Mixed Dementia Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) CTE, TBI, HIV, L.A.T.E., and many other causes . DONATE ONLINE Request Free Guide Read Magazine As heard on... Looking for Basic Dementia Information? You've come to the right place. Dementia Society of America® is a Voluntary Health Organization dedicated to helping people better understand Dementia in all its forms , which are often grouped medically as Major Neurocognitive Disorders. We've brought together trusted information and helpful resources from across the country and around the world—making it easier to find the guidance you need in one place. Think of us as a Dementia education information center and Brain Health resource , all working together to bring greater understanding and HOPE. Whether you're living with Dementia, supporting someone who is, caring for a family member or friend, or simply looking to learn more, Dementia Society of America is here for everyone. Subscribe to Monthly eNews Knowledge Brings Hope Millions of Americans are living with some form of Dementia today.* Behind every number is a person—a family member, friend, neighbor, colleague, or care partner. Dementia can affect nearly every part of life, but greater understanding can make the journey less confusing and isolating. At Dementia Society of America®, we share education, resources, and programs that bring HOPE to individuals, families, care partners, organizations, and communities. Dementia Is More Than Alzheimer's Dementia is not a single disease. It is "The Big Umbrella ," a term used to describe symptoms that can be caused by many different diseases, disorders, and conditions. In fact, the latest research suggests that some people who received an Alzheimer-type Dementia diagnosis in past decades may have had Dementia caused by another underlying disease or disorder.** Understanding that distinction matters. It highlights the importance of early screening, appropriate evaluation and testing, and greater awareness of the many possible causes of cognitive impairment and Dementia. The Impact Is Enormous Dementia affects millions of people and carries high emotional, physical, and financial costs. Dementia-related deaths are considerable in the United States,*** while the cost of care totals billions of dollars.**** But statistics tell only part of the story. Families and care partners may face stress, exhaustion, uncertainty, and difficult decisions while supporting someone they care about. Professional caregivers can experience burnout as well. Dementia is costly in ways that cannot always be measured in dollars. Living with Dementia While cures remain unavailable for many causes of progressive Dementia, a diagnosis does not erase the person. People living with Dementia can continue to experience meaning, connection, purpose, joy, and dignity, and we recognize those working to advance non-medical therapies through our Ginny Gives ® Awards . Care partners can also find fulfillment, strength, and meaningful moments along the way—even when caregiving is difficult. That is why education, compassionate support, and practical resources matter. Every Person Deserves Dignity We believe in person-centered care and, whenever possible, person-directed care. That means recognizing each person as an individual—with their own history, preferences, abilities, relationships, and needs—and treating them with respect and dignity throughout their life. Our goal is simple: to help create the best possible quality of life today and more hopeful tomorrows. In fact, you can even watch the TV-style program: The Dementia Action Plan ® to learn even more. Through greater Dementia awareness, education, and support, we can replace confusion with understanding, isolation with connection, and fear with HOPE. Subscribe to Monthly eNews f="https://plus.google.com/110800689506873609463" rel="publisher">Google+ 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 / EXCERPTED ORIGINAL SOURCES: *Download/view US Burden of Disorders Affecting the Nervous System. Nov. 2025 **Download/view excerpted source here: 2026 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures. ***Download/view U.S. Centers for Disease Control, National Vital Statistics Reports, 2025 **** Download/view Univ of Southern California, The Cost of Dementia in 2025

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

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 Better Brain Connections™ The Dementia Action Plan® The Cognitive Action Plan® The Big Umbrella® Dementia Society Blog Dementia Society News Dementia Care Blog Brain Health Blog BBN Blog Dementia Society Member Directory 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 ENGAGE™ Dementia SMART® Dementia QUEST® Dementia CARER® Dementia Diplomat® Dementia Answers® Operation KeepSafe® Care Network America® Music 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 a Check Legacy Giving and Bequests Employer Match Donate with Bitcoin/Crypto Donate a Car, RV, Boat & More Donate with Pledge.to Create GoFundMe Fundraiser 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 @give2 Ride Against Dementia ® Challenge Operation KeepSafe® Challenge Step2Raise® Challenge RoundUp on VISA/Mastercard Dementia Help Corporate Support Dementia Society Reviews Dementia Society Partnerships Dementia Society Collaborators Dementia Society Shop Gift Card Dementia Society Shop

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. The 2026 award submissions are now closed. Check back in September for the 2027 application. 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.

Our award program's objective is to enhance the quality of life for people with Dementia and their care partners. Ginny Gives Awards 2026 Applications NOW CLOSED Ginny Gives®, named in honor of Ginny J., a vivacious woman known for her warm ways and never-ending smile, is a set of engaging life-enrichment programs, awards, and initiatives of the Dementia Society of America (DSA). Ginny's journey through her Dementia while maintaining an effervescent smile always inspired her family, caregivers, friends, and even passersby, and was the inspiration for the Dementia Society of America itself. See the video here: The objective of our Awards Program is to enhance the quality of life for those living with Dementia, their care partners, and the public at large by providing recognition for programs and activities delivered chiefly, but not exclusively, by nonprofit organizations within the Dementia community, primarily in these categories: Music, Visual Arts, Dance/Movement, Touch/Sensory Stimulation, and more. Links: 2026 Ginny Gives Award Applications are now CLOSED! Check back in December to see our 2026 Award Winners! Interested in past Ginny Gives Awards winners? Click here. If you have any questions, please go to our contact page here.

Your tax-deductible donation to the Dementia Society will help fight Dementia and support families. Go online and find our multiple ways to donate. Your Gift Changes Lives. DONATE ONLINE | Secure & Quick Prefer to Send a Check? Click here. CANADIAN DONATION? CLICK HERE FREE GUIDE TO LEGACY GIVING NAICS Code 813212 - Voluntary Health Organization | 501(c)(3) Nonprofit IRS EID: 46-3401769 | Download W-9 Charity Navigator Rating | Candid-GuideStar Rating

We recognize individuals who go above and beyond to help and assist those with Dementia and their caregivers. Recognition Areas of Recognition Our Ginny Gives® Awards Program recognizes those that go above and beyond to enhance the quality of life for those with Dementia, or their caregivers, in one of four areas: Dementia ENGAGE™ : Meaningful experiences or initiatives that inspire creativity, engagement, and well-being for those living with Dementia and their caregivers. Dementia CARER®: Exemplary, heartfelt and compassionate caregiving. Dementia SMART®: The creation of novel Dementia-assistive innovations or solutions. Dementia QUEST ® : Research efforts to further the medical understanding of all forms of Dementia - their possible cures, causes and/or interventions. We select recipients and award recognition to those who are ‘fighting the good fight’ and enriching the lives of those with Dementia. Do you know someone that deserves to be recognized for their efforts to make the world a better place? Perhaps you know someone who conducts a unique program for those living with Dementia? Maybe they are a Dementia caregiver (paid or unpaid), an inventor, a small business person, or a professional? We want to celebrate the talents and dedication of people who help others living with Dementia. Please contact us & tell us about them or have them apply for a Ginny Gives® award! *Centered around one or more of the following: visual arts, audible arts, movement & haptic stimulation. Go back to Programs | Click Here

Legacy Giving plants the seed for generations. Please request your free guide to Legacy Giving! Legacy Giving Request Your Free Guide to Legacy Giving Please Complete This Form First name* Last name* Email* Mobile Phone* Company Name (if applicable) Street Address* Apartment or Unit # (if applicable) Town / City* State / Provence* ZIP / Postal Code* We will add you to the once-a-month newsletter that includes basic Dementia, Brain Health, and Society info. Unsubscribe easily. Submit Make a Lasting Impact Legacy Giving to the Dementia Society of America will reflect the value you place on the work we do. Thank you for considering our mission as you plan your estate. BEQUESTS You can easily remember the Dementia Society of America in your will or trust by designating 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 learn more about the Legacy Circle or notify the Dementia Society of America about your bequest, call 1800-DEMENTIA (800-336-3684) or email 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? Because retirement plan assets may be subject to income and estate taxes if left to heirs, estate planners often recommend designating all or part 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. On this form, you can name the Dementia Society of America as the sole or partial beneficiary, or name us as a contingent beneficiary if 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 qualify for an income tax charitable deduction at the current market value and avoid capital gains tax on the asset’s appreciation. LIFE INSURANCE SETTLEMENT Did you know? 2.5 million older adults, just like you, walk away from their life insurance policies every year 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 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 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 name us as a contingent beneficiary in case your primary beneficiary predeceases you. 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 benefits 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

Learn what Dementia is, how it differs from Alzheimer’s, and how diagnosis works. Explore FAQs and resources from the Dementia Society of America. 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 want to talk with you about what you are thinking and feeling. Please connect with us here to receive your free package of Dementia education information. 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. Dementia's no different; it has 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, behavior, 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 certain biomarkers (blood or cerebrospinal fluid) tests are giving medical professionals more than 90% certainty before death. Brain imaging, DNA testing, and other state-of-the-art methods are improving the ability to detect telltale signs of all causes of Dementia. But not everyone has easy access to these advances. 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 details 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

8cdcbe42-fd0a-46e8-9b12-dbe8b0e0fff7 Blog Author ◄ Back to Authors | Karen Ogden

View the profile of Vanessa Adams and learn more about their background and involvement with Dementia Society of America. Advisory Council ◄ Back to Members | Vanessa Adams Board Member Vanessa Wright Adams is a native New Yorker, born and raised in Brooklyn with strong family ties to the Carolinas, particularly central South Carolina. A proud Alum from the University of South Carolina, she is a big fan of SEC Football. Vanessa relocated to Scottsdale, Arizona in 2006. Most of her professional life was spent in the travel and tourism industry working in various roles for a global airline but never as a flight attendant. She enjoys travel and has been to 6 out of 7 continents and because she does not like the cold she may take a pass on Antarctica. Currently, Vanessa is an independent Human Resource Contractor working for a popular tech company in Scottsdale, Arizona and a growing insurance services company in Ft. Washington, Pennsylvania. Vanessa enjoys her family & friends and has a passion for helping others. She is committed to advancing awareness about dementia. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated which is an organization dedicated to public service. In her spare time when she is not caring for her mother, she loves planning and organizing trips and special events through her destination planning company, PLAN IT AZ.

View the profile of Gary Kozick LCSW and learn more about their background and involvement with Dementia Society of America. Advisory Council ◄ Back to Members | Gary Kozick LCSW Advisory Council Gary Kozick is the sole proprietor of Gary Kozick Elder Care Solutions, L.L.C. providing eldercare consultation and geriatric care management for families and older adults. Gary has over 40 years of experience in healthcare, mental health, and working with older adults in settings such as home care, assisted living communities, personal care facilities, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient mental health/private practice. Gary also knows about dementia from a personal perspective having a 10-year relationship in dealing with his father’s Alzheimer’s disease, and his decline that ultimately leads to his father’s death 4 years ago. Gary Kozick is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker having received a Master of Social Work degree from Adelphi University. He is also a member of the Academy of Certified Social Workers, and the National Association of Social Work. Mr. Kozick is a paid Dementia Society of America part-time independent contractor, tasked with managing certain association liaison activities, as well as performing other pertinent work on behalf of the organization.