Resources
Whether you're most comfortable with books, websites, or real-life people, when it comes to Alzheimer's, there are plenty of ways to get help and information.
National Resource Partner
Talk to Someone Who Can Help
The Alzheimer's Association 1-800-272-3900
This hotline is staffed 24 hours a day, and experts are standing by to connect you with any sort of help or information you need.
ADEAR- Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referall Network 1-800-438-4380
A program of the National Institute on Aging, ADEAR is a great resource for your questions on Alzheimer's disease, research and resources.
Read About It
Visit the Alzheimer's Association's resource list to browse a selection of Alzheimer's-related books by topic.
Recommendations
The Forgetting by David Shenk
The Alzheimer's Action Plan: The Experts Guide to the Best Diagnosis and Treatment for Memory Problems by Lisa Gwyther
Alphabetical Listing of Resources
AARP: Grief and Loss Message Board
An online discussion board for individuals who are experiencing a loss in their life.
An online discussion board for individuals who are experiencing a loss in their life.
ADEAR Medications Fact Sheet
A list of current medications available to treat Alzheimer's disease. Also available in Spanish.
A list of current medications available to treat Alzheimer's disease. Also available in Spanish.
ADEAR: AD Research Centers
A listing of Alzheimer's Disease Research centers in the U.S. These research centers can be a resource for patients and families looking for diagnosis, information or volunteer opportunities.
A listing of Alzheimer's Disease Research centers in the U.S. These research centers can be a resource for patients and families looking for diagnosis, information or volunteer opportunities.
ADEAR: Alzheimer's Disease Genetics Fact Sheet
Fact Sheet about genetics and Alzheimer's disease.
Fact Sheet about genetics and Alzheimer's disease.
ADEAR: Alzheimer's Fact Sheet
An overview and fact sheet about Alzheimer's disease.
An overview and fact sheet about Alzheimer's disease.
ADEAR: Home Safety for People with Alzheimer's Disease
An online pamphlet that covers home safety in-depth. Put out by the Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral center, the pamphlet is also available for free by mail. Ordering information is on the site.
An online pamphlet that covers home safety in-depth. Put out by the Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral center, the pamphlet is also available for free by mail. Ordering information is on the site.
ALFA: Assisted Living Directory
Search for the assisted living options in your community.
Search for the assisted living options in your community.
Ageless Design Newsletter
Easy-to-read daily news updates that you can subscribe to by e-mail. In addition to research news, there may also be general articles about Alzheimer's and caregiving.
Easy-to-read daily news updates that you can subscribe to by e-mail. In addition to research news, there may also be general articles about Alzheimer's and caregiving.
Alzheimer Research Forum
Original articles that cover drug and research developments in Alzheimer's disease. The articles are geared towards professionals and contain very in-depth information.
Original articles that cover drug and research developments in Alzheimer's disease. The articles are geared towards professionals and contain very in-depth information.
Alzheimer's Association Alternative Treatments Page
Information on herbal remedies and dietary supplements that are used to treat Alzheimer's. The page outlines safety, effectiveness and what kind of information is available on each treatment.
Information on herbal remedies and dietary supplements that are used to treat Alzheimer's. The page outlines safety, effectiveness and what kind of information is available on each treatment.
Alzheimer's Association Research News
The Alzheimer's Association's posting for the latest research news. These are typically easy-to-read articles with links to more in-depth information.
The Alzheimer's Association's posting for the latest research news. These are typically easy-to-read articles with links to more in-depth information.
Alzheimer's Association: 10 Warning Signs
A checklist to help family members and professionals recognize the warning signs of Alzheimer's disease.
A checklist to help family members and professionals recognize the warning signs of Alzheimer's disease.
Alzheimer's Association: Advocacy Page
Information on where the Alzheimer's Association stands on public policy issues and resources if you would like to become more educated or involved.
Information on where the Alzheimer's Association stands on public policy issues and resources if you would like to become more educated or involved.
Alzheimer's Association: Causes & Risk Factors
A brief overview of factors that may contribute to the onset of Alzheimer's disease.
A brief overview of factors that may contribute to the onset of Alzheimer's disease.
Alzheimer's Association: Facts & Figures Page
An overview of how many people have Alzheimer's, how many are affected, and what researchers are predicting for future incidence rates.
An overview of how many people have Alzheimer's, how many are affected, and what researchers are predicting for future incidence rates.
Alzheimer's Association: Getting a Diagnosis
Information about common diagnostic tests, visiting a physician about symptoms and understanding what a diagnosis means.
Information about common diagnostic tests, visiting a physician about symptoms and understanding what a diagnosis means.
Alzheimer's Association: Home Safety
A simple list of ways to make the home safe and comfortable for a person with Alzheimer's disease.
A simple list of ways to make the home safe and comfortable for a person with Alzheimer's disease.
Alzheimer's Association: Hygiene and Personal Care
Information on caring for the health needs of a person with Alzheimer's, including bathing, dressing, toileting and dental care.
Information on caring for the health needs of a person with Alzheimer's, including bathing, dressing, toileting and dental care.
Alzheimer's Association: I Have Alzheimer's
Tips and resources for people who have just been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease
Tips and resources for people who have just been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's Association: Just for Teens and Kids
Information about Alzheimer's geared towards kids and teens.
Information about Alzheimer's geared towards kids and teens.
Alzheimer's Association: Monitoring Abuse
A list of types of abuse commonly inflicted upon people with Alzheimer's and what to look for.
A list of types of abuse commonly inflicted upon people with Alzheimer's and what to look for.
Alzheimer's Association: Resource List
This page contains information about books, pamphlets, CD's, DVD's and video tapes related to Alzheimer's. You may borrow materials directly from their library by calling the listed number.
This page contains information about books, pamphlets, CD's, DVD's and video tapes related to Alzheimer's. You may borrow materials directly from their library by calling the listed number.
Alzheimer's Association: Safe Return Program
Information on how to ensure the safe, timely return of individuals with Alzheimer's who have a tendency to wander. The Safe Return program includes a crisis line, registration in a national photo database, training and wearable identification. It does cost money, but scholarships might be available for those who can't afford the program.
Information on how to ensure the safe, timely return of individuals with Alzheimer's who have a tendency to wander. The Safe Return program includes a crisis line, registration in a national photo database, training and wearable identification. It does cost money, but scholarships might be available for those who can't afford the program.
Alzheimer's Association: Treatments Page
Information about both standard and alternative treatments for Alzheimer's disease.
Information about both standard and alternative treatments for Alzheimer's disease.
Alzheimer's Association: Wandering
Information for figuring out why someone with Alzheimer's wanders, how to reduce it, and how you can protect the person.
Information for figuring out why someone with Alzheimer's wanders, how to reduce it, and how you can protect the person.
Alzheimer's Association: Write to Congress
Send an e-mail directly to your representatives in Congress about your views on Alzheimer's disease public policy. The site will find your congress members, you just need to compose the letter and provide some information.
Send an e-mail directly to your representatives in Congress about your views on Alzheimer's disease public policy. The site will find your congress members, you just need to compose the letter and provide some information.
American Bar Association: Consumer Toolkit for the Elderly
A toolkit from the American Bar Association to help you discover, clarify and communicate what is helpful in the face of serious illness.
A toolkit from the American Bar Association to help you discover, clarify and communicate what is helpful in the face of serious illness.
BenefitsCheckup.org
Click on "Benefits CheckUp" to find out what benefits you're eligible for. Also check out their link to "BenefitsRX" to learn how you can save money on prescription drugs.
Click on "Benefits CheckUp" to find out what benefits you're eligible for. Also check out their link to "BenefitsRX" to learn how you can save money on prescription drugs.
CareFinder from the Alzheimer's Association
Information about planning ahead, care options, coordinating care, and support & resources,
Information about planning ahead, care options, coordinating care, and support & resources,
DASN Online Chat for People with Alzheimer's Disease
This page contains information and a link to the Dementia Advocacy Support Network's online chats designed for people with dementia to connect with each other.
This page contains information and a link to the Dementia Advocacy Support Network's online chats designed for people with dementia to connect with each other.
Delta Society
Information about pet therapy.
Information about pet therapy.
Eating Difficulties and Dementia
The Alzheimer's Association's page about addressing eating issues.
The Alzheimer's Association's page about addressing eating issues.
Eldercare Locator
Links to area agencies on aging as well as referral services so you can find the best care options in your community.
Links to area agencies on aging as well as referral services so you can find the best care options in your community.
Eldercare Online's Teen Resource Center
Information about caregiving for teens and a ListServ for them to join
Information about caregiving for teens and a ListServ for them to join
Family Caregiver Alliance
An collection of caregiver information that includes a large collection of fact sheets and information on public policy related to caregiving. Their online services include support groups and a problem solving/consultation section where you can request advice for specific problems. Note, the Family Caregiver Alliance specializes in California-based services, but out-of-state referrals are given on a limited basis.
An collection of caregiver information that includes a large collection of fact sheets and information on public policy related to caregiving. Their online services include support groups and a problem solving/consultation section where you can request advice for specific problems. Note, the Family Caregiver Alliance specializes in California-based services, but out-of-state referrals are given on a limited basis.
Handbook for Mortals
This page contains excerpts from the Handbook for Mortals, which has been called a comprehensive and authoritative guide to end of life care. The site also has information about ordering the book.
This page contains excerpts from the Handbook for Mortals, which has been called a comprehensive and authoritative guide to end of life care. The site also has information about ordering the book.
Home Health Compare
Find evaluations of home health agencies in your area. This site provides past performance information about all Medicare certified home health agencies. It is also available in Spanish.
Find evaluations of home health agencies in your area. This site provides past performance information about all Medicare certified home health agencies. It is also available in Spanish.
Kids' Health: Alzheimer's Disease Page
A brief summary of what Alzheimer's disease is, geared towards kids.
A brief summary of what Alzheimer's disease is, geared towards kids.
Marketbreit: Dr. Alois Alzheimer
A synopsis of Alois Alzheimer's life, the man who first noted dementia as a disease of the brain.
A synopsis of Alois Alzheimer's life, the man who first noted dementia as a disease of the brain.
Medicare.gov
Information about Medicare, including a plan-finder that helps you find the best plan for your situation. You might also want to check out two special features on this site - "Home Health Compare" and "Nursing Home Compare" - to evaluate different care options.
Information about Medicare, including a plan-finder that helps you find the best plan for your situation. You might also want to check out two special features on this site - "Home Health Compare" and "Nursing Home Compare" - to evaluate different care options.
NIH Senior Health: Alzheimer's Disease
Read or listen to an overview about Alzheimer's disease - what it is, what causes it and what can be done to treat it. This senior-friendly website lets users enlarge the size of text and hear the text out loud by using the buttons at the top of each page.
Read or listen to an overview about Alzheimer's disease - what it is, what causes it and what can be done to treat it. This senior-friendly website lets users enlarge the size of text and hear the text out loud by using the buttons at the top of each page.
NIH: Causes and Risk Factors of Alzheimer's Disease
Simple summary of causes and risk factors of Alzheimer's. It includes genetic information and a quiz at the end.
Simple summary of causes and risk factors of Alzheimer's. It includes genetic information and a quiz at the end.
NIH: Symptoms and Diagnosis
Simple summary of Alzheimer's symptoms and information on how it is diagnosed. Includes a video of someone being given a diagnostic test for Alzheimer's (the Mini Mental Status Examination).
Simple summary of Alzheimer's symptoms and information on how it is diagnosed. Includes a video of someone being given a diagnostic test for Alzheimer's (the Mini Mental Status Examination).
NIH: Treatment and Research
A simple summary of Alzheimer's treatment and research. The page includes a video about the nun study, a study which has shown how healthy living can reduce the risk and symptoms of Alzheimer's in old age. http://nihseniorhealth.gov/alzheimersdisease/treatments/11.html
A simple summary of Alzheimer's treatment and research. The page includes a video about the nun study, a study which has shown how healthy living can reduce the risk and symptoms of Alzheimer's in old age. http://nihseniorhealth.gov/alzheimersdisease/treatments/11.html
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine Website
Search NCCAM's site for the latest information on alternative treatments for Alzheimer's disease.
Search NCCAM's site for the latest information on alternative treatments for Alzheimer's disease.
National Center for Health Care Statistics: Alzheimer's Disease page
Vital statistics on Alzheimer's disease that focuses on mortality rates.
Vital statistics on Alzheimer's disease that focuses on mortality rates.
National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization: Provider Directory
Search a list of local Hospices in your area to find an organization that can help with end-of-life care.
Search a list of local Hospices in your area to find an organization that can help with end-of-life care.
Nolo Online Law Center: Elders
Retirement planning and elder care legal information on 401 (k) plans, Roth IRAs, assisted living, nursing homes, social security benefits and more.
Retirement planning and elder care legal information on 401 (k) plans, Roth IRAs, assisted living, nursing homes, social security benefits and more.
Nursing Home Compare
Find evaluations of nursing homes in your area. This site contains past performance information about every Medicare and Medicaid certified nursing home in the U.S. It is also available in Spanish.
Find evaluations of nursing homes in your area. This site contains past performance information about every Medicare and Medicaid certified nursing home in the U.S. It is also available in Spanish.
On Our Own Terms
A four-part PBS series by television journalist Bill Moyers that focuses on end-of-life care in the US.
A four-part PBS series by television journalist Bill Moyers that focuses on end-of-life care in the US.
The AD Clinical Trials Database
Search for Alzheimer's-related clinical trials by location or type of trial. You can also subscribe to e-mail alerts to learn of new clinical trials or visit the list of frequently asked questions to learn more about how clinical trials work. If you're interested in participating, contact information is provided along with the clinical trial description.
Search for Alzheimer's-related clinical trials by location or type of trial. You can also subscribe to e-mail alerts to learn of new clinical trials or visit the list of frequently asked questions to learn more about how clinical trials work. If you're interested in participating, contact information is provided along with the clinical trial description.
The Alzheimer's Association: Activities Page
Basic information on activities with people who have Alzheimer's, including specific ideas and the principles behind them.
Basic information on activities with people who have Alzheimer's, including specific ideas and the principles behind them.
The Alzheimer's Association: Local Chapters
Search for your local Alzheimer's Association chapter to learn more about programs and services in your area or call their national hotline at 1-800-272-3900. They can help you find resources and answers to your specific Alzheimer's-related questions.
Search for your local Alzheimer's Association chapter to learn more about programs and services in your area or call their national hotline at 1-800-272-3900. They can help you find resources and answers to your specific Alzheimer's-related questions.
The Alzheimer's List
An e-mail based support group for family caregivers, persons with memory loss, and the professionals that serve them. Started in 1994, the AL is an open, public forum for communication about dementia care issues.
An e-mail based support group for family caregivers, persons with memory loss, and the professionals that serve them. Started in 1994, the AL is an open, public forum for communication about dementia care issues.
The Alzheimer's Research Forum
A very comprehensive site intended for Alzheimer's researchers and professionals. It contains large amounts of research papers, news, hypotheses and background materials on Alzheimer's. The site is trustworthy and updated regularly, but articles are very scientific in nature.
A very comprehensive site intended for Alzheimer's researchers and professionals. It contains large amounts of research papers, news, hypotheses and background materials on Alzheimer's. The site is trustworthy and updated regularly, but articles are very scientific in nature.
The Eldercare Forum
A chat room designed to connect with others caring for someone with Alzheimer's or another form of dementia. It also offers opportunities to talk about everyday events, tell jokes, etc...
A chat room designed to connect with others caring for someone with Alzheimer's or another form of dementia. It also offers opportunities to talk about everyday events, tell jokes, etc...
The Forgetting - Alzheimer's: Portrait of an Epidemic
The Web site for the best-seller that inspired the film "The Forgetting." Learn more about author David Shenk's comprehensive look at Alzheimer's. The book is a wonderful resource for understanding the story of Alzheimer's - the history of the disease, the intense personal stories and the race for a cure. Shenk also examines what memory means to us and explores why the fear of dementia has so wholly gripped the human imagination throughout time.
The Web site for the best-seller that inspired the film "The Forgetting." Learn more about author David Shenk's comprehensive look at Alzheimer's. The book is a wonderful resource for understanding the story of Alzheimer's - the history of the disease, the intense personal stories and the race for a cure. Shenk also examines what memory means to us and explores why the fear of dementia has so wholly gripped the human imagination throughout time.
The Forgetting: First Chapter
An online excerpt from David Shenk's book, The Forgetting. The excerpt tells the story of the first Alzheimer's diagnosis and the disease's significance throughout history.
An online excerpt from David Shenk's book, The Forgetting. The excerpt tells the story of the first Alzheimer's diagnosis and the disease's significance throughout history.
What Is Alzheimer's?
The Alzheimer's Association's explanation of Alzheimer's disease.
The Alzheimer's Association's explanation of Alzheimer's disease.