Organizational Spotlight: the Dementia Society of America®

The journey through dementia is a long, grueling road, not just for those experiencing cognitive decline but also for their families and caregivers. This road traverses the shifting tectonics of altered realities, profound emotional changes, and, critically, a heightened risk of elopement, putting vulnerable seniors at risk. The fear of a loved one going missing is a constant concern for many families, highlighting the importance of compassionate support and proactive safety measures. This is where organizations like the Dementia Society of America® (DSA) become beacons of hope and practical assistance. My Family aligns itself with organizations like DSA, which are making a difference in caring for the vulnerable. We interviewed Kevin Jameson, the Founder and President of this immeasurably important organization, about the work being done to protect our aging seniors with cognitive issues.

The Dementia Society of America® stands as a leading national nonprofit dedicated to providing essential support, education, and resources to families and individuals impacted by dementia, with the goal of improving the quality of life for all affected. My Family ID proudly recommends organizations that do amazing, life-changing work. Through their tireless efforts, the DSA works to enhance understanding, promote well-being, and advocate for the dignity and safety of every person living with and impacted by dementia.

"When a loved one with cognitive impairment goes missing, words cannot describe the panic and dread that their loved ones feel," said Detective Chuck Still (Ret.), Founder of My Family ID. “Silver alerts or missing adult cases are worked firsthand as a detective. That's why I deeply admire organizations like the Dementia Society of America®. Their dedication to supporting families and providing crucial resources aligns perfectly with My Family ID's mission to empower caregivers with the tools for immediate identification."

Why Did Kevin Jameson Start the Dementia Society of America®?

The Dementia Society of America® was born not from corporate strategy, but from profound personal experience.

Jameson established the organization after his own wife’s battle with dementia, a journey that brought the terrifying realities of the syndrome all too close to home.

Through his experience, Jameson recognized a gaping void in accessible, practical education for families navigating this difficult path. He also realized he wasn't alone.

“At DSA presentations, when audiences are asked who has been impacted by dementia, nearly 90% of hands typically go up. It is a challenge that touches virtually everyone, directly or indirectly,” explained Jameson.

Today, the DSA serves as a vital 'on-ramp' to understanding, helping thousands of families annually turn fear into preparedness and ensuring those facing the risks of critical wandering never have to do so alone.

“I know the heart-wrenching panic firsthand. I remember vividly one incident many years ago when my wife moved into the driver’s seat while I was in a store and drove off. You cannot imagine how far someone can travel in a short time; they can end up three hours away in another state before you know it. Fortunately, law enforcement understands the gravity of this. They deal with difficult situations every day, but they never take a missing person call lightly because they know the stakes. The challenge, then, becomes ensuring that you can alert law enforcement agencies and get them to respond fast enough,” added Jameson.

Who Does the Dementia Society of America® Serve?

Dementia Society of America® (DSA) is the nation’s leading volunteer-driven all-dementia awareness organization with a board of directors and advisory council composed entirely of volunteers, supported by a small paid staff.

“Unlike other nonprofits, our organization has more volunteers than paid employees. This is really a testament to just how many lives this syndrome touches. As the leading all-dementia awareness organization, our focus right now is on broad awareness rather than specific conditions, and we have been seen and heard on TV and radio over 2 billion times in the last four years through public outreach in the U.S. and Canada,” reflected Jameson with pride.

Through their information and support services, the DSA helps 8,000 to 10,000 families annually. This support is becoming increasingly vital as the "Baby Boomer" generation lives longer due to medical advances in other areas, leaving dementia as one of the last remaining significant health challenges. The impact, Jameson says, is universal.

The Dementia Society of America’s® education and information programs aim to reach a broad audience through multimedia efforts and, ultimately, improve the quality of life for those who are affected by dementia, including those:

• Living with a form of dementia

• Acting as caregivers/care partners

• Who are isolated from friends and family

• Who have spent down their life savings

• Who are now on medical subsidies

• Who are beginning to observe early signs of cognitive impairment

• Who are educators and safety partners seeking practical safety tools

The DSA also provides materials and resources to small businesses, larger corporations, civic organizations, and communities-at-large.

“Any resources, tools, or even apps available that could help reduce the high-risk of elopement go a long way to providing what can be so elusive – peace of mind. When my wife had this syndrome, I would do anything to reduce that risk. We know caregivers can’t do this alone, so we’re here for them. We want to provide peace of mind and relief to those who are always carrying this immense burden of worry,” said Jameson.

Related Article: Missing Senior Protocol: How to Find a Missing Elderly Person

The Vital Role of the Dementia Society of America®

The Dementia Society of America’s® comprehensive approach encompasses a variety of programs and resources designed to empower and inform:

• Education and Awareness: Knowledge is the first step toward effectively addressing and managing dementia. The DSA offers a wealth of non-medical, easy-to-understand educational materials, workshops, and online resources that have been well-received and help families and the public understand the different types of dementia, its progression, and effective care strategies.

“Education is probably the most important component of equipping people to face the issues that arise with this syndrome. For example, critical wandering can happen anywhere, from a grocery store to a park, and often stems from a sudden feeling of being unsafe. Understanding this frame of mind is really important to getting ahead of and preventing elopement events. When you hear a senior say, ‘I have to get home because my mother is expecting me,’ that is a critical warning sign that an elopement event may be about to occur,” explained Jameson.

• Caregiver Tools and Support: Recognizing the immense burden often placed on caregivers, the DSA provides practical tools and emotional support. While they do not offer direct services, their support includes providing access to helplines, support groups, and local resources that offer guidance on managing challenging behaviors, promoting self-care, and navigating legal and financial considerations.

• Research & Program Funding: Their funding and research are forward-facing while addressing critical present issues. Their work shapes a future where better treatments and prevention methods are within reach.

“On the medical side, our Medical Advisory Council guides us in awarding seed grants to researchers, typically in teaching hospitals. But we are equally committed to the ‘now,’ which is why we champion non-medical programming centered on art, music, movement, and touch. Every fall, we use our awards program to fund and recognize the care communities and nonprofits that are using these four modalities to improve the quality of life for those living with dementia,” said Jameson.

For those who have questions about Dementia or the resources the DSA offers, they encourage you to call them at 1-800-DEMENTIA (1-800-336-3684).

According to the Alzheimer's Association, millions Americans 65 and older are living with Alzheimer's, the most common form of dementia, and this number is projected to rise significantly in the coming decades.

It’s worth noting that, while the Alzheimer’s Association reports that over 7.2 million senior Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, the Dementia Society’s 2025 Annual Report (specifically page 3) suggests this number is too high.

According to another study by the Alzheimer’s Association, it’s common for a person living with dementia to experience what the Dementia Society calls a “critical wandering”event at least once or become confused about their location, and the urgency of proactive safety measures cannot be overstated.

These statistics underscore the critical importance of early preparation and the need for reliable tools to assist families, caregivers, and first responders when a loved one with dementia experiences a critical wandering event.

“Discovering a loved one is missing is an immediate emergency. The feeling is almost like realizing your house is on fire, and your loved one is trapped inside. Time is of the essence, and depending on the weather, whether it’s severely cold, hot, or stormy, 15 minutes can be a lifetime. Even something as simple as nearby traffic suddenly becomes an adversary conspiring with time against you and your family. You have to act immediately. Fortunately, this immediacy is more and more achievable with modern technology,” explained Jameson.

If you are interested in receiving resources from DSA or contributing to the cause, click here to reach out to them directly. We strongly encourage everyone to support their mission. If you are a caregiver or have a loved one who is suffering from this debilitating syndrome, we advise reaching out for support. You are not alone, and they can deliver peace of mind.

“The work Kevin and his team are doing is tremendous,” said Still, “and I couldn’t be prouder to share it and further their cause.”

Related Article: 7 Winter Safety Tips for Seniors with Alzheimer’s from Alzheimer’s LA

Partner with My Family ID to Maximize Your Organizational Impact Today!

The My Family ID app is designed to store secure biometric data to safeguard vulnerable populations who may wander or go missing, like those living with dementia. When every second counts, My Family ID ensures caregivers have actionable identifying information to alert first responders.

Because of our commitment to safety as a nonprofit, we are thrilled to endorse and partner with nonprofit organizations that share our goals to amplify their impact. If you are a nonprofit interested in partnering with MyFamily ID, start a conversation. Let’s save lives together.