National Council of Dementia Minds

06/19/2026

A warm hug. The feel of water in the shower. The sensation of walking across the floor. For some individuals living with dementia, these familiar experiences can feel different than they once did.

In this video, Dona, Monica, and Krissan share how changes in touch have shaped their daily experiences and the ways they continue to adapt.

Your experiences matter. We invite you to continue the conversation in the comments and share your perspective.

06/17/2026

National Council of Dementia Minds Director of Operations Lisa Dedden Cooper recently spoke with the Michigan Health Endowment Fund about the importance of pushing back against dementia stigma.

Stigma can lead people to see the diagnosis instead of the person. In this article, Lisa shares why changing that perspective matters.

Read the full article here:

The National Council of Dementia Minds' Lisa Dedden Cooper talks about the impact of stigma on people with dementia, offering ways we all can contribute to a new narrative that reflects a person's full experience living with these conditions.

06/16/2026

Our sensory changes series continues with a closer look at touch and how it can change with dementia.

Touch can change in surprising ways because the brain may interpret sensations differently. A gentle touch that once felt comforting may now feel uncomfortable, temperatures may feel harder to regulate, and everyday sensations can be experienced in unexpected ways.

These changes can make familiar routines feel different and remind us that each person's experience is unique.

Have you experienced changes in how touch feels? We'd love to hear about your experience in the comments.

06/11/2026

Have you ever heard a sound but had difficulty determining which direction it was coming from?

For some individuals living with dementia, recognizing the direction of sounds can become more difficult. In this video, Krissan shares her experience navigating this often-overlooked hearing change.

Have you experienced something similar? Every experience shared helps deepen understanding and sheds light on the many ways people adapt and continue to live well with dementia.

06/09/2026

Hearing changes in dementia are often about more than hearing.

Read these firsthand experiences to learn how hearing changes can affect daily life. We'd love to hear your experiences and insights. Join the conversation in the comments.

06/08/2026

Don't miss the final Meeting of the Minds in our three-month series! There’s still time to sign up and join this gathering created exclusively for persons living with dementia or mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Connect with others, share experiences, and take part in meaningful discussion in a welcoming and supportive space designed for persons living with dementia or MCI.

Visit our website to learn more about dates, times, and topics, and sign up for the session that works best for you. https://dementiaminds.org/events/

06/04/2026

Hearing changes in dementia can affect much more than the ability to hear sounds.

In this video, Dona, Gary, and Monica share their personal experiences with hearing changes and how these changes affect communication, relationships, and everyday life.

Watch to learn more about hearing changes in dementia through the voices of persons living with dementia.

06/02/2026

June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, and this month we're beginning a series on sensory changes in dementia, starting with hearing changes.

Hearing difficulties in dementia are often less about the ears and more about how the brain processes sound. What may look like not listening or hearing loss is often a difficulty with processing and understanding the words being heard.

Because the brain is already working harder to process sound, busy environments can add another layer of challenge. In places like restaurants, churches, or group settings, every sound competes for attention, making conversations more difficult to follow. Filtering one voice from many can be exhausting, and the ability to process sounds may vary from day to day or even hour to hour.

How have you experienced hearing changes after a dementia diagnosis?

06/01/2026

Looking for a way to stay connected this month? Join us for upcoming meetings hosted by the National Council of Dementia Minds. Whether you're looking to learn, share, or simply connect with others, there's a place for you in the conversation.

Visit our website to explore upcoming meetings and find one that fits your schedule. We hope to see you there!
https://dementiaminds.org/events/