Becoming Dementia Aware

Becoming Dementia Aware Since 2009, Tam Cummings, PhD, has worked diligently to “Inspire, Educate, and Empower Dementia Careg

To fully understand dementia, it’s important to understand what happens when certain areas of the brain become damaged.T...
08/26/2026

To fully understand dementia, it’s important to understand what happens when certain areas of the brain become damaged.

The hippocampus plays a key role in forming and retaining new memories. When dementia damages this area, a Person with Dementia may ask the same question or repeat the same behavior again and again.

She isn’t being difficult. Her brain may no longer be able to store the information you just gave her.

Repeating the answer more firmly—or more often—won’t restore that ability.

Understanding the brain change behind the behavior can help families respond with more patience, reassurance and compassion.
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As dementia progresses, everyday tasks may gradually become more difficult, not because a person is unwilling to do them...
08/20/2026

As dementia progresses, everyday tasks may gradually become more difficult, not because a person is unwilling to do them, but because the brain is losing the ability to remember the steps involved.

These changes often show up first in Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs), such as managing medications or finances, driving, shopping, preparing meals, doing laundry, or using the phone.

Over time, Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) may also become harder, including getting in and out of bed or a chair, walking, toileting, bathing, grooming, dressing, and eating.

Understanding these changes can help families recognize when more support is needed—and respond with greater patience as abilities change.

Dementia doesn’t look the same in every person because different parts of the brain control different abilities.Each lob...
08/18/2026

Dementia doesn’t look the same in every person because different parts of the brain control different abilities.

Each lobe helps regulate certain behaviors, movements, judgment, language, emotions and more. When dementia damages a particular area, the changes we see can offer clues about which part of the brain is affected.

And one important point for caregivers to remember: the Person with Dementia may not recognize that their brain has changed. They are responding to the information their damaged brain is giving them.

Understanding that can help us respond with more patience—and better care.

Understanding dementia can change the way care is delivered.Tam Cummings, PhD, brings more than 25 years of research and...
08/13/2026

Understanding dementia can change the way care is delivered.

Tam Cummings, PhD, brings more than 25 years of research and experience to training programs, keynotes and conference presentations that help professional and family caregivers understand what dementia is doing to the brain—and what behaviors, communication changes and care challenges may really mean.

From the nine most common dementias to disease staging, activities of daily living, communication and end-of-life care, Tam translates complex science into practical approaches caregivers can use.

Looking for a speaker or trainer for your organization, conference or community? Learn more at https://www.tamcummings.com/speaking

UTIs are often misunderstood—and they are often not a sign that a caregiver has been inattentive. They can occur despite...
08/11/2026

UTIs are often misunderstood—and they are often not a sign that a caregiver has been inattentive. They can occur despite careful hygiene, good hydration and attentive care.

The first sign may not be pain or fever, but a sudden increase in confusion, agitation, sleepiness or other behavior that seems completely out of character.

Don’t assume the dementia has suddenly progressed. A rapid change may signal an infection or another medical problem that needs prompt attention.

Learn more in The Itty Bitty Dementia Book. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09TB4YG6X

Many family caregivers promise they will never place a loved one in professional care—before understanding what around-t...
08/05/2026

Many family caregivers promise they will never place a loved one in professional care—before understanding what around-the-clock dementia care may eventually require.

Seeking help is not abandonment. When care needs become more than one person can safely provide, professional care can allow you to return to being a spouse, son or daughter—not only a caregiver.

No one expected dementia. Let the guilt go.
Learn more in The Itty Bitty Dementia Book:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09TB4YG6X

Falls are an expected risk of dementia—and they are not always the caregiver’s fault.Damage to the brain can affect bala...
07/30/2026

Falls are an expected risk of dementia—and they are not always the caregiver’s fault.

Damage to the brain can affect balance, movement, awareness and the ability to protect oneself during a fall.

Caregivers should take reasonable precautions, but a fall does not automatically mean someone was careless. Sometimes the disease itself is responsible.

Learn more in The Itty Bitty Dementia Book:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09TB4YG6X

Dementia care can become physically and emotionally overwhelming. When more help is needed—whether from family, respite ...
07/29/2026

Dementia care can become physically and emotionally overwhelming. When more help is needed—whether from family, respite care or a professional care community—it does not mean the caregiver is giving up.

Getting help can allow a husband or wife to become a spouse again, or an adult child to simply be a son or daughter—sharing a meal, watching an old movie or enjoying time together without every moment being consumed by caregiving.

Protecting the caregiver is also part of providing good dementia care.
Learn more in The Itty Bitty Dementia Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09TB4YG6X

For instance, people with Lewy body dementia can be extremely sensitive to certain antipsychotic medications—particularl...
07/24/2026

For instance, people with Lewy body dementia can be extremely sensitive to certain antipsychotic medications—particularly traditional drugs such as haloperidol. These medications may worsen confusion and movement problems, cause extreme drowsiness or trigger a potentially life-threatening reaction.

Families and caregivers should make sure physicians, emergency room personnel and other healthcare providers know when a person has Lewy body dementia before medications are prescribed.

Understanding the specific form of dementia isn’t only about knowing what to expect. It can also influence important treatment decisions.
Learn more in The Itty Bitty Dementia Book: [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09TB4YG6X]

A person with dementia may still say “thank you,” respond politely when asked how they are, or carry on a familiar conve...
07/22/2026

A person with dementia may still say “thank you,” respond politely when asked how they are, or carry on a familiar conversation about the weather.

These basic social exchanges are among the earliest communication routines we learn. Because they have been repeated throughout a lifetime, they can remain deeply ingrained even after the ability to understand questions, process new information or form new memories has declined.

This can make a person appear more capable than they truly are—especially during a brief visit with a doctor or someone who does not see them every day.

A familiar response is not always evidence of intact memory or understanding.

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