Becoming Dementia Aware

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

Could this be dementia?Poor decisions happen.But dementia can affect judgment in noticeable ways:• Giving away money or ...
04/13/2026

Could this be dementia?
Poor decisions happen.
But dementia can affect judgment in noticeable ways:

• Giving away money or falling for scams
• Neglecting personal hygiene
• Making choices that seem out of character

This isn’t just a one-time lapse—it’s a shift in how decisions are made. When judgment changes, it can impact safety, finances, and independence.

Could this be dementia?We all have off days. But dementia can make routine tasks unexpectedly difficult:• Trouble follow...
04/07/2026

Could this be dementia?
We all have off days. But dementia can make routine tasks unexpectedly difficult:
• Trouble following a familiar recipe
• Difficulty managing bills or finances
• Getting stuck in the steps of everyday activities
These aren’t new or complex tasks—they’re things the person has done for years. When familiar processes start to break down, it may signal more than simple distraction.

Could this be dementia?Losing track of the day happens. But dementia often shows up as deeper disorientation: Not knowin...
03/31/2026

Could this be dementia?
Losing track of the day happens. But dementia often shows up as deeper disorientation: Not knowing what day, season, or year it is Getting confused about where they are—even in familiar places. Forgetting how they got somewhere. In early stages, this may come and go. Over time, it becomes more frequent—and more concerning. When someone can no longer anchor themselves in time or place, it could be dementia.

Could this be dementia?Forgetting names or appointments happens to everyone.But dementia-related memory loss looks diffe...
03/24/2026

Could this be dementia?
Forgetting names or appointments happens to everyone.
But dementia-related memory loss looks different.
It’s not just forgetting—it’s repeatedly forgetting the same information:
• Asking the same question over and over
• Relying heavily on notes or others for things they used to manage
• Forgetting recently learned information completely

This type of memory loss interferes with daily life, not just occasionally slips. If you’re noticing patterns (not one-offs or rare occurrences) it may be time to take a closer look.

Many caregivers — especially in care settings — are native Spanish speakers. “El Libro Pequeño Sobre la Demencia” by Dr....
03/20/2026

Many caregivers — especially in care settings — are native Spanish speakers. “El Libro Pequeño Sobre la Demencia” by Dr. Tam Cummings gives them clear, practical guidance on the 9 most common dementias and how to respond to real-world behaviors with confidence. Understanding changes everything. Buy it here: https://lnkd.in/gyVf9RNp

Common Misunderstandings About Dementia #3Myth: “They don’t know what’s going on.”A person with dementia may forget nam...
03/18/2026

Common Misunderstandings About Dementia #3
Myth: “They don’t know what’s going on.”
A person with dementia may forget names, places, or recent events.

But that doesn’t mean they don’t feel.
They still experience:
• Fear
• Frustration
• Comfort
• Love
• Connection
Even when words fade, emotions remain.
That’s why tone matters.
That’s why presence matters.
That’s why how we respond matters.
They may not remember what you said —
but they will remember how you made them feel.
— Dr. Tam Cummings

Common Misunderstandings About Dementia #2Myth: “They’re just being difficult.”When a person with dementia refuses help...
03/12/2026

Common Misunderstandings About Dementia #2
Myth: “They’re just being difficult.”

When a person with dementia refuses help, repeats questions, or becomes agitated, it can feel intentional.
It isn’t.

Dementia damages the parts of the brain responsible for reasoning, impulse control, and emotional regulation. The person is responding to a world that no longer makes sense to them.
What may look like stubbornness is often:
• Confusion
• Fear
• Sensory overload
• Inability to process instructions

Behavior is communication.
When we look for the reason behind the behavior, caregiving becomes less about control and more about understanding.

— Dr. Tam Cummings

Common Misunderstandings About Dementia #1“Memory loss is the main problem.”Dementia is not just about forgetting.It al...
03/03/2026

Common Misunderstandings About Dementia #1
“Memory loss is the main problem.”
Dementia is not just about forgetting.
It also affects judgment, reasoning, emotions, language, and perception.
That’s why someone may:
• Accuse others of stealing
• Refuse care
• Become agitated late in the day
• Say they want to “go home”
These behaviors aren’t intentional.
They’re symptoms of brain change.
When we understand that dementia affects the whole brain — not just memory — we move from correction to compassion.
— Dr. Tam Cummings

Effective caregiving for people with dementia starts with knowledge about the disease. Dr. Cummings often starts her car...
02/26/2026

Effective caregiving for people with dementia starts with knowledge about the disease. Dr. Cummings often starts her caregiver training sessions with a short quiz to test the caregivers’ knowledge of dementia. Do you know the answers?

These questions reveal common misconceptions that can shape how care is given. When caregivers understand what dementia is—and what it isn’t—they’re better equipped to respond with skill, patience, and confidence. Training makes the difference.

Reduced Stress & Burnout — another benefit of staff training!When caregivers have practical tools for communication, red...
02/17/2026

Reduced Stress & Burnout — another benefit of staff training!
When caregivers have practical tools for communication, redirection, and behavior support, the work becomes more manageable. Training by Dr. Tam Cummings equips staff with strategies that de-escalate situations and prevent frustration from building. Other benefits: Improved job satisfaction and stronger retention among professional caregiving teams.

Training makes a HUGE difference in how your staff responds to individuals with memory loss. Professional caregivers fac...
02/09/2026

Training makes a HUGE difference in how your staff responds to individuals with memory loss. Professional caregivers face dozens of small decisions every shift—how to respond, redirect, or support someone living with dementia. Training from Dr. Tam Cummings helps caregivers understand why behaviors happen and how to respond effectively. Greater confidence, fewer second-guessing moments, and more consistent, person-centered care across the team are just a few of the benefits from her training. https://www.tamcummings.com/training.

Top 3 Ways to Reduce Stress in Caregiving: Here’s Number 2, Slow Down & Connect. Rushing is one of the biggest stress tr...
01/20/2026

Top 3 Ways to Reduce Stress in Caregiving: Here’s Number 2, Slow Down & Connect. Rushing is one of the biggest stress triggers in dementia care. Fast movements, multiple instructions, and task-focused care can overwhelm someone with dementia.

Try this instead:
Slow your pace. Make eye contact. Explain one step at a time. Lead with connection before action.
When people feel safe, care goes more smoothly—and stress drops for everyone.

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