ALZHEIMER'S

LEARN MORE ABOUT ALZHEIMER’S

The Alzheimer’s Association defines Alzheimers as a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. Symptoms usually develop slowly and get worse over time, becoming severe enough to interfere with daily tasks.

Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of aging. Memory problems are typically one of the first warning signs of cognitive loss.

What is known about Alzheimer’s Disease?

Scientists do not yet fully understand what causes Alzheimer’s disease. There probably is not one single cause, but several factors that affect each person differently.

Age is the best known risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease.
Family history—researchers believe that genetics may play a role in developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Changes in the brain can begin years before the first symptoms appear.
Researchers are studying whether education, diet, and environment play a role in developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Scientists are finding more evidence that some of the risk factors for heart disease and stroke, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol may also increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
There is growing evidence that physical, mental, and social activities may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

ALZHEIMER’S RESOURCES

Volunteer

Increase your impact with personal actions to help and change the lives of others!

The Alzheimer’s Association lists several ways you can take initiative and make an impact.
The Alzheimer’s Association coordinates countless events in hundreds of communities as well as offering educational programs online.
Move for Minds is a product of Maria Shriver and the Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement that coordinates an annual event to inspire people to put mental health first.

Share Your Story

Help others face their struggle with Alzheimer’s by sharing your personal here.

Donating

A simple yet meaningful way to contribute to the fight to end Alzheimer’s. A memorial donation can be made to the Bright Focus Foundation Create either a one-time or monthly donation in any amount.
The Alzheimer’s Research Association uses funding from their flexible donation process to conduct vital research toward a cure. Whether you donate a car, stock, or even post a tribute page, the Alzheimer’s Research Association can do good with your contribution.
The Cure Alzheimer’s Fund has many flexible options for your donation. This organization is composed of a dedicated team of individuals committed to curing Alzheimer’s and uses donation to fund their research.

Alzheimer’s Caregiving and Support

ALZConnected: Alzheimer’s caregiver message boards
Alzheimer’s, How to Address Wandering: A guide from the Mayo Clinic on how to address the challenging issue of wandering
Alzheimer’s Myths: Separating Fact from Fiction
Caregiving Tips and Strategies for Success: Caregiving advice from the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America
Local Support Groups for Caregivers: Search for local caregiving support groups on the Alzheimer’s Association website.

Books About Alzheimer’s

Joanne Koenig Coste “Learning to Speak Alzheimer’s: A Groundbreaking Approach for Everyone Dealing with Disease:” A guide for families coming to terms with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis
Martha Stetinus “Inside the Dementia Epidemic: A Daughter’s Memoir” A daughter’s personal memoir of caregiving for a mother with dementia
https://www.amazon.com/The-36-Hour-Day-Alzheimer-Dementing/dp/0446610410Nancy L. Mace & Peter V. Rabins “The 36 Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for Persons with Alzheimer’s or a Related Illness” The classic guide to caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s
Jolene Brackey “Creating Moments of Joy Along the Alzheimer’s Journey: A Guide for Families and Caregivers” a book focused on creating moments of joy while caring for someone with Alzheimer’s
Paula Spencer Scott “Surviving Alzheimer’s: Practical tips and soul-saving wisdom for caregivers” Advice on what every family caregiver needs to know to care for a family member with dementia without self-sacrifice
Judith A. Levy, EdM OTR “Activities to do with Your Parents who has Alzheimer’s Dementia” This book helps find activities that encourage success, self-esteem, and mobility

Clinical Trials

Reasons to Participate in Clinical Trials: Why participating in trials benefits humanity and Alzheimer’s patients
Trial Match Tool: The Alzheimer’s Association created this tool to help families find Alzheimer’s clinical studies and trials in their area
National Institute on Aging Clinical Trial List: List of clinical studies curated by the National Institute of Aging

General Reference Alzheimer’s Resources

Nonprofit Organizations

Alzheimer’s Foundation: An Organization Providing Care and Support for Alzheimer’s Disease
The Alzheimer’s Association: The nation’s foremost nonprofit for Alzheimer’s activism, support, and information
https://alzheimersprevention.org/Alzheimer’s Research & Prevention Foundation The mission of the Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation (ARPF) is to reduce the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease by conducting clinical research and providing educational outreach.
BrightFocus drives innovative research worldwide and promotes awareness of Alzheimer’s, macular degeneration, and glaucoma.
Cure Alz Fund A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2004 by three families frustrated by the slow pace of research.

Personal Alzheimer’s Blogs

Pat White, “Memories from My Life” caregiver tips and a diary of wife with her mom
“Dementia be Damned” a blog that follows 40 year old Lyn who has Alzheimer’s, from the perspective of her sister
Bob DeMarco, “Alzheimer’s Reading Room” ongoing posts about the latest developments
Wendy Mitchell, “Which me am I Today?” a personal recount of living with early onset Alzheimer’s
Kim Campbell, “Caregiving” a companion and guide through the journey of caregiving