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., ADHD and many other causes.
NPR All Things Considered, Dementia Society of America Logo
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.
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
The Big Umbrella | Dementia Society of America®
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.
Better Brain Nation | Dementia Society of America
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.
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.
commonly asked questions about Dementia and Alzheimer’s
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.
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.
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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.
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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 cerebrospinal 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 telltale signs of all causes of Dementia. But still, not everyone has easy access to the testing advancements available. 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.
Care Education | Dementia Society of America®
Do you have additional questions that you would like answered?
If so, please contact us.
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
Make a Difference Know Dementia – Search Videos
SEARCH | Dementia Society of America