About Alzheimer's Disease: Living with Alzheimer's
As Americans live longer, more will develop dementia in their 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.
More and more resources are available to help people with early-stage dementia cope with their feelings and the practical aspects of everyday life. The ADEAR Center offers information about coping with dementia as a person with the disease or a caregiver; referrals to helpful organizations, support groups and services; and ways to get involved in research that may help others in the future.
If you have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, you are not alone. Use available resources to help empower you to stay active in your care and decision making for as long as possible. Try to keep a positive outlook and to stay engaged in family and social activities, hobbies and pastimes, and creative interests that you can continue to enjoy. In doing so, you can take an active role in making the years ahead as rich and fulfilling as possible, despite the challenges.
Articles
Commemorating people with Alzheimer's disease: The Story Corps memory loss initiative
Driving and dementia: Health professionals can play important role
Earlier AD diagnosis creating demand for early-stage support groups
Encouraging eating: Advice for at-home dementia caregivers
Legal and financial planning for the AD patient: How the health care team can help
Taking technology home: Researchers test new methods to detect cognitive change
Videos
View videos and other resources from THE ALZHEIMER'S PROJECT, a collaborative effort of the National Institute on Aging/NIH and HBO Documentary Films.
NIA Information on Living with Alzheimer's
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What You Need to Know This 19-page 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...
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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...
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This 40-page booklet for caregivers gives room by-room suggestions for creating a safer space for people with Alzheimer’s disease.
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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...
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This 40-page booklet for caregivers gives room by-room suggestions for creating a safer space for people with Alzheimer’s disease.
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Several prescription drugs are currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat people who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Treating the symptoms of Alzheimer’s can provide patients with comfort,...
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The holiday season is a time for visiting and reconnecting with family, friends, and neighbors. Sometimes this season can be sad or stressful for those caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease. These hints are our gift in wishing you an...
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Introduction 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...
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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...
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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...
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Your Easy-to-Use Guide from the National Institute on Aging This comprehensive, 136-page handbook offers easy-to-understand information and advice for at-home caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease. It addresses all aspects of care,...
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Ever since he retired, Edward dreads going to bed at night. He’s afraid that when he turns off his light, he will just lie there with his eyes open and his mind racing. “How can I break this cycle?” he asks. “I’m so...
Living with Alzheimer's News
Featured Research
Researchers at the Alzheimer's Disease Research Center at Washington University in St. Louis conducted a study to examine short-term changes in depression and anxiety after receiving a dementia diagnosis. They found that for most people receiving a diagnosis of dementia does not prompt a strong negative reaction and may even provide relief because it explains symptoms and makes patients feel less helpless. Read more »
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