“Beyond Memory Loss: The Human Side of Dementia”

Prairie Doc Perspective Week of January 4th, 2026
“Beyond Memory Loss: The Human Side of Dementia”
By Ranelle Nissen, Ph.D., OTR/L and Allison Naber, Ph.D., OTD, OTR/L
First, you notice the small changes. It may be challenging to find the right word or remember the name of someone you just met. You may forget where you placed your keys when you came home from the grocery store. Overall, you feel healthy, and these instances are easily brushed off as a normal part of aging or the result of poor sleep the night before. However, over time, these instances become more frequent, and you start to miss appointments or struggle to organize your shopping list. If this sounds like you or someone you know, it is time to seek medical help to get screened for dementia.
Dementia is an umbrella term for diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, that cause abnormal brain changes. Over six million adults in the U.S. are living with dementia. There is no clearly identified cause for dementia, but risk factors include age, genetics, family history and lifestyle choices. The cognitive decline associated with dementia may impact a person's memory, thinking, mood, behavior and functioning. As the disease progresses, the person will need greater assistance with everyday tasks, such as balancing their checkbook, driving, preparing meals and grocery shopping, and eventually with personal care, such as dressing, bathing and toileting. Though new research has identified promising medications to treat the symptoms and slow the disease progression, there is no cure for dementia.
As the disease progresses, its effects reach beyond the individual who has received the diagnosis. The person living with dementia will require increasing levels of support, which is frequently provided by unpaid family members or friends, referred to as care partners or caregivers. These care partners dedicate significant time and financial resources to assist the person with dementia as their needs intensify. Often, they assume responsibilities around the clock and may feel isolated.
If you or someone you love is in this situation, the first step is to seek a diagnosis. Schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor to discuss your concerns. They might refer you to a specialist for further evaluation. Once diagnosed, reach out to the support services available in your community and online. Resources are available through organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Association and the Veterans Affairs, as well as state agencies such as the Department of Human Services. No one needs to face this journey alone. These organizations provide education, respite care, meal preparation, light housekeeping, personal care and support groups. Check with your state to see what resources may be available to you. 
In addition to seeking support, it is important to remember that maintaining a sense of purpose and connection can make a meaningful difference for both the person living with dementia and their care partners. Engaging in familiar routines, enjoying favorite activities, and nurturing relationships with family and friends provide comfort and help preserve quality of life. Simple adaptations—like labeling cabinets, organizing daily schedules or using reminder notes—can promote independence and reduce frustration in the early stages. Open communication among loved ones, health professionals and support networks is key to adapting to changing needs. While the journey with dementia brings many challenges, focusing on strengths, celebrating small victories and accessing available resources can help foster resilience and hope for everyone involved.
Ranelle Nissen, Ph.D., OTR/L, serves as an associate dean and associate professor in the School of Health Sciences at the University of South Dakota. Dr. Nissen is a licensed occupational therapist in South Dakota and has helped families and individuals affected by dementia through both her professional work and her volunteer work with the South Dakota Alzheimer’s Association. Allison Naber, Ph.D., OTD, OTR/L, is the academic fieldwork coordinator and an associate professor in occupational therapy at the University of South Dakota. Dr. Naber is a licensed occupational therapist in Minnesota and South Dakota. She volunteers for the South Dakota Alzheimer’s Association as a support group facilitator and community educator. Follow The Prairie Doc® at www.prairiedoc.org, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Tik Tok. Prairie Doc Programming includes On Call with the Prairie Doc®, a medical Q&A show (most Thursdays at 7pm on YouTube and streaming on Facebook), 2 podcasts, and a Radio program (on SDPB, Sundays at 6am and 1pm).