Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral Center

Publications

Aging and other publications are available on the main Publications page.

Frontotemporal Disorders: Information for Patients, Families, and Caregivers
This 30-page guide offers consumer-friendly information about these rare conditions and their causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment, with helpful advice for caregivers.
Keywords: Dementia, Frontotemporal Disorders, Movement Disorders, Training Materials for Professionals
Home Safety for People with Alzheimer's Disease
This 40-page booklet for caregivers gives room by-room suggestions for creating a safer space for people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Spanish Version
Keywords: Alzheimer's Disease, Caregiving, Safety
Hospitalization Happens: A Guide to Hospital Visits for Individuals with Memory Loss
A trip to the hospital with a person who has memory loss or dementia can be stressful for both of you. This brochure can relieve some of that stress by helping you prepare for both unexpected and planned hospital visits. Here, you will find: steps you can take now to make hospital visits less traumatic; tips on making your relative or care partner more comfortable once you arrive at the hospital; and suggestions on how to work with hospital staff and doctors.
Keywords: Alzheimer's Disease, Caregiving, Hospitalization
Legal and Financial Planning for People with Alzheimer's Disease Fact Sheet
Many people are unprepared to deal with the legal and financial consequences of a serious illness such as Alzheimer's disease. Legal and medical experts encourage people recently diagnosed with a serious illness—particularly one that is expected to cause declining mental and physical health—to examine and update their financial and health care arrangements as soon as possible.
Keywords: Alzheimer's Disease, Financial Planning, Legal Planning
Older Drivers
At age 78, Sheila thinks she’s a good driver, and she would like to stay that way. But lately, she has been in minor accidents. Sheila wonders how she can stay safe behind the wheel. Will taking a class for older drivers help? You may have asked yourself this question, or maybe a family member or friend has asked about your driving. Getting older doesn’t make you a bad driver. But you should know there are changes that may affect driving skills over time.
Spanish Version
Keywords: Driving, Eyes and Vision, Safety, Sensory Impairment
Participating in Alzheimer's Disease Clinical Trials and Studies Fact Sheet
When Margaret was diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease at age 68, she wanted to do everything possible to combat the disease. She talked with her doctor about experimental treatments and clinical trials she had heard about in the news and worked with the doctor to find a trial that was right for her. Margaret appreciated being able to talk to experts about Alzheimer’s and felt she was doing something that might also help her children and grandchildren avoid the disease.
Keywords: Alzheimer's Disease, Clinical Trials, Research
Preventing Alzheimer’s Disease: What Do We Know?
Although Alzheimer's disease currently has no cure, recent research results point toward a day when it might be possible to delay, slow down, or even prevent this devastating brain disorder. This 24-page booklet describes the latest NIA-funded research about prevention of Alzheimer's disease and age-related cognitive decline, from physical exercise and diet to social engagement and cognitive training. Also included are tips for staying healthy as you grow older.
Keywords: Alzheimer's Disease, Brain and Nerves, Chronic Condition, Cognitive Decline, Diet, Exercise, Prevention, Research, Risk
Understanding Alzheimer's Disease: What You Need to Know
This 19-page easy-to-read booklet describes what happens when someone has Alzheimer’s disease and how it differs from normal aging. Read about when to see the doctor, possible treatments, and how patients and caregivers can get help.
Spanish Version
Keywords: Alzheimer's Disease
Understanding Memory Loss: What To Do When You Have Trouble Remembering
What To Do When You Have Trouble Remembering Learn the difference between mild forgetfulness and more serious memory problems in this 24-page booklet. Also discussed are various causes of memory problems and how to get help for serious memory loss.
Spanish Version
Keywords: Alzheimer's Disease, Cognitive Decline, Forgetfulness, Memory, Mild Cognitive Impairment, Vascular Dementia
What Happens Next?
Introduction As Americans live longer, more of us will develop dementia in our older years. New knowledge and techniques are helping doctors detect signs of the disease earlier than ever before. An earlier diagnosis gives people with the disease and their families more time to get the right treatment and to plan for the future.
Keywords: Alzheimer's Disease, Caregiving