Dementia Society of America

Awareness and education are the first steps to understanding Dementia. Dementia is a complex syndrome that affects millions of individuals worldwide, as well as their families and caregivers. In the United States, the Dementia Society of America (DSA) has emerged as a prominent organization that raises awareness and supports those affected by Dementia. With its unwavering commitment to education, awareness, and community engagement, DSA is vital in empowering individuals living with Dementia and fostering a more inclusive society. This article will explore five aspects of its mission, initiatives,... Continue Reading

A Dementia diagnosis can be confusing and challenging, but individuals and families can feel empowered as they navigate their next steps. Board-certified chiropractic neurologist ,Dr. Michael S. Trayford and neuropsychologist ,Dr. Karen Sullivan give their insights into memory and cognitive care strategies for people living with Dementia, as well as their families. 1. Assemble a Care Team Once you’ve been given a proper diagnosis and a second opinion, an organized treatment plan should be on the agenda. Planning will most likely include a team of various medical specialists, your primary care... Continue Reading

#TBI #Sports #Dementia #BrainHealth At first, glance, wearing your helmet might seem like pure common sense. Unfortunately, we still see many people these days that aren’t wearing helmets when they are riding a bike, rollerblading, or involved in other outdoor activities. In my clinical work, I see many people that have suffered a mild traumatic brain injury due to not wearing a helmet in a situation where it was called for. We’re seeing everything from mild traumatic brain injury and concussion to people who have had open head injuries and lost parts of their brain because of trauma. Wearing... Continue Reading

#10signs #22clues #dementia When you have a scratchy throat, it could be a clue that you’re catching a cold, but it could also be that you’ve been talking nonstop all day and need to hydrate yourself with water. Yet, if it progresses, you may have difficulty swallowing coupled with a burning gulp – that’s a symptom. And lastly, when the doctor does a throat culture, it may prove to be a sign of infection. The words “signs” and “symptoms” are not interchangeable. Signs are measurable and observable. Examples of measurable signs include having a fever, high blood... Continue Reading

The phrase “food for thought” refers to an idea or piece of information worth thinking about. But there is some truth to this phrase when speaking about nutrition and Dementia. Can the food we eat help reduce the risk of developing Dementia and help slow down the progression? Understanding the link between both has been the topic of many studies. Recent research has indicated that dietary factors influence and maintain mental function. Dr. Walter Willett, a professor in the cause of disease and nutrition at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, states, “Pretty much anything... Continue Reading

First, Dementia is not a disease. That’s news to many people. Instead, Dementia is a syndrome where one or more progressive diseases, conditions, or disorders affect the brain structure sufficiently enough to limit one’s ability to perform activities of daily living, along with a host of other cognitive changes. Yes, that’s a mouthful. And that may be why some medical professionals will initially use the linguistic shortcut to say that someone likely has “Dementia” without much more detail. They may not know at that moment what’s causing the cognitive impairments, so calling it Dementia... Continue Reading

Do you or a loved one have Dementia, or does a doctor suspect that it may be Dementia? Generally speaking, screening tools are the first step in helping sort out the reasons why and to what degree someone may be having a cognitive challenge. Then depending on the results of those screeners, physicians may also suggest imaging tests, like CT, MRI, and PET scans, as well as test cerebral spinal fluid, blood, and other biomarkers to look for evidence of disease. Because there’s no single test that can diagnose the cause of Dementia (which in and of itself is a syndrome and not a disease –... Continue Reading

One too many concerts, or did you work in a factory or on a noisy job site? Were you in the military, law enforcement, a hunter, a musician or in some other way exposed to sudden loud sounds? Do your ears ring? Have you asked your friends to repeat themselves recently because you can’t hear as well as you once did? You aren’t the only one with age-related hearing loss: It affects about 1 in 3 adults aged 65 and older and half of the adults aged 75 and older. Age-related hearing loss may seem like nothing more than a nuisance, but it’s linked with depression, loneliness, and cognitive decline.... Continue Reading

Before, during, and after a Dementia diagnosis, it’s essential to plan for the future so that your healthcare providers, loved ones, family, and friends will know what to do as things change and if you become incapacitated in some way. These professionals can help you make decisions that should benefit you in the short and long term. Consider meeting with: An elder law attorney An attorney can help you create an advance directive or living will, which puts your wishes about your medical care into writing. Attorneys can also help you designate a power of attorney – the person who takes... Continue Reading

Have you repeatedly gotten lost in familiar places, seen people that were not there (hallucinated), or experienced uncontrollable bouts of laughter or crying, even though there was nothing sad or funny happening? These are just some of the 22 Clues™ – signs and symptoms which may suggest that something’s amiss and that the path ahead may not be straight as an arrow. Is it ever? It’s worthwhile to discuss all cognitive-related symptoms with your doctor(s). As many have been quoted saying, “The bend in the road, is not the end of the road unless you fail to negotiate the turn.” “There... Continue Reading