The image above shows some of the more common diseases that cause dementia. Notice under “other dementias” some of these are reversible conditions and not “true dementia diseases”. Therefore, a very thorough evaluation is important. It requires patience as there is no one test to rule out every potential condition or disease. Diagnosis is based on symptoms and a process of elimination. For it to be a true dementia disease, there are four truths: 1. At least two different parts of the brain are actively dying. 2. It is chronic. Currently there is no cure, treatment or medication to slow down the disease process or reverse damage. 3. It is progressive, it will get worse, it is neurodegenerative. 4. It is terminal. The most important thing we can do for a loved one living with dementia is to become dementia aware and dementia knowledgeable. Dementia awareness enables us to see life from the point of view of the person living with dementia. Dementia knowledgeable equips us with the approaches to care that a person living with dementia can receive without causing distress. PAC™ is Positive Approach to Care™. It is a successful approach to care developed by Teepa Snow (www.teepasnow.com) It can only be taught by PAC™ Nationally Certified Trainers. The workshops I offer utilize the Positive Approach to Care™ and provide valuable information. They are interactive so attendees leave with a few new skills from each workshop. The workshops guide families, care givers, first responders and medical professionals thru all stages of the disease process. The skills are life changing and teach attendees how to create a supportive verses confrontational environment and how to fill each day with meaning. Together we can change the dementia puzzle, one piece at a time.