1. Alzheimer’s Association – “Dementia Symptoms & Communication Challenges”

Link: https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia

This resource explains how dementia affects memory, language, reasoning, and behavior. I chose it because dementia-related communication issues are often misread as defiance, confusion, or even suspicious behavior. The Alzheimer’s Association gives clear descriptions that help people understand how dementia changes the way someone responds in stressful situations.

2. Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) – “Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury”

Link: https://biausa.org/brain-injury/about-brain-injury

This site breaks down the different types of TBIs and how they affect cognition, speech, impulse control, and processing. I added it because TBI symptoms like delayed responses, slurred speech, emotional outbursts, or trouble following directions are often mistaken for intoxication or noncompliance. It shows why we must look deeper before judging someone’s behavior.

3. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) – “Neurologic Disorders”

Link: https://medlineplus.gov/neurologicdiseases.html

This page gives reliable, easy-to-read information about dozens of neurological disorders, including dementia, brain injuries, encephalopathies, aphasia, rare degenerative disorders, and conditions that affect thinking, behavior, memory, and communication. I chose this resource because it organizes everything clearly and explains how neurological changes can impact the way a person responds, speaks, or processes information. It fits well with my project’s message that many behaviors people judge as “noncompliant” or “difficult” are actually medical symptoms that deserve understanding, not punishment.

4. FOX 13 Tampa Bay – “Florida to Introduce Dementia Training to Law Enforcement After Signing of New Bill”

Link: https://medlineplus.gov/neurologicdiseases.html

This article explains how Florida passed a new law requiring dementia-related training for law enforcement officers. I chose this source because it shows that the state is finally recognizing how often dementia can be misunderstood during police encounters. It connects directly to my project’s goal of pushing for better medical awareness in policing so that confusion and memory loss aren’t treated like criminal behavior.

5. Tampa Bay 28 – “Dementia Patient Spends Anniversary in Mental Hospital After Baker Act Detention

Link: https://medlineplus.gov/neurologicdiseases.html

This story focuses on a local man with dementia who was involuntarily committed under the Baker Act after his symptoms were misunderstood. I chose this article because it shows how quickly a medical condition can turn into a legal and traumatic situation when it’s misinterpreted. It really supports my project’s message that medical symptoms should never automatically be treated as dangerous behavior.

6. WTSP 10 Tampa Bay – “Florida Law Lets Police Create Database of People With Developmental or Psychological Disabilities”

Link: https://medlineplus.gov/neurologicdiseases.html

This article explains a Florida law that allows people with disabilities or medical conditions to voluntarily register with law enforcement for safety purposes. I chose this source because it highlights both the potential benefits and concerns of shared medical information. It fits well with my project because it shows real efforts to help officers respond more safely when medical conditions are involved.

7. Florida Politics – “Gov. DeSantis Signs Bill Giving Cops Discretion on Arrests of Medically Vulnerable People”

Link: https://medlineplus.gov/neurologicdiseases.html

This article discusses a law that gives officers more discretion when dealing with medically vulnerable individuals. I chose this resource because it shows progress toward a more medical-first approach instead of automatic arrest. It directly connects to my project’s focus on protecting people whose behavior is caused by illness, injury, or neurological conditions.

8. FOX 13 Tampa Bay – “Tampa Bay Area Officers Tackle Mental Health Crisis Among Law Enforcement Peers”

Link: https://medlineplus.gov/neurologicdiseases.html

This article focuses on how officers in the Tampa Bay area are finally speaking up about their own mental health and the need for better support. I chose this source because it shows that mental health doesn’t just affect the community it also affects first responders. It supports my project’s message that medical and mental health awareness must be built into policing from both sides to truly create safer outcomes.

9. Tampa Bay 28 / WFTS – “Tarpon Springs Police Officers Embrace Mental Health Training to Break Stigma”

Link: https://medlineplus.gov/neurologicdiseases.html

This article highlights how a local police department is actively working to break the stigma around mental health through training. I chose this source because it shows real progress happening right here in our area. It connects directly to my project’s goal of promoting education, de-escalation, and medical-first responses instead of punishment-first reactions.

10. WTSP 10 Tampa Bay – “A Hillsborough County Family Was Calling for Help. Instead…” (Epilepsy & Misidentification Investigation)

Link: https://medlineplus.gov/neurologicdiseases.html

This investigation shows how people with epilepsy in Florida have been mistakenly arrested during seizure-related medical emergencies. I chose this source because it directly shows how a medical crisis can be misunderstood as criminal behavior. It strongly supports my project’s message that seizure activity, confusion, and loss of control should always be treated as medical first not criminal.

11. Tampa Police Department – “Officer Assists Man in Electric Wheelchair” (Community Response Video)”

Link: https://medlineplus.gov/neurologicdiseases.html

This video shows a Tampa police officer helping a man in a wheelchair when he was stranded and needed assistance. I chose this source because it shows what a medical-first, human-centered response looks like in real life. It’s a positive example of how simple awareness and compassion can completely change an encounter and build trust instead of fear.