Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by a gradual loss of memory, decline in the ability to perform routine tasks, disorientation, difficulty in learning, loss of language skills, impaired judgment and ability to plan, and personality changes. Over time, these changes become so severe that they interfere with an individual’s daily functioning, resulting eventually in death. Although not a normal part of aging, 1 in 7 persons over 65 and nearly half of those over 85 may have Alzheimer’s disease.
There is no cure for AD. However, there are effective strategies to help maintain cognitive function, reduce behavioral symptoms, prevent acute care crises and excess disability, and delay functional decline as well as nursing home placement.
National Information and Resources
There are great resources available on the Internet for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and those who care for them. Here are a few key links you may find useful.
Alzheimers.gov
This site is the government's resource for Alzheimer's and related dementias.
National Adult Day Services Association
The National Adult Day Services Association is a good source for general information about adult day care centers and programs.
They can help you link to a state adult day care association (http://www.nadsa.org/?page_id=114) or adult day care center in your area. http://www.nadsa.org
Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association offers information, a help line, and support services to people with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers.
http://www.alz.org
Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center
The ADEAR Center offers information on diagnosis, treatment, patient care, caregiver needs, long-term care, and research related to Alzheimer’s disease.
http://www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers
NIHSeniorHealth
This website features basic health and wellness information for older adults from the National Institutes of Health. The site contains modules on Alzheimer’s disease and caring for someone with the disease.
http://nihseniorhealth.gov/index.html
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Publications
The Eldercare Locator is pleased to provide the following fact sheets and brochures to better assist caregivers. To view our entire list of publications visit the Resources section on this website. In addition we have identified some helpful publications from other organizations.
Adult Day Care
Home Health Care
Preventing Falls at Home
Caring for a Person with Alzheimer’s Disease (NIA)
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To find resources in your community for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers, start your search below. In addition, the Administration on Aging supports the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline which provides information and support to all those who need assistance. They can be reached at 1-800-272-3900.
