Resource Roundup: Helpful Guides on Alzheimer’s Disease
When a loved one starts showing changes in behavior and becomes forgetful and easily confused, the possibility of Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia is difficult to face. These resources can serve as a starting point for your questions and help you identify the best and most appropriate care as quickly as possible.
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Learn the differences between Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia
An at-a-glance explanation of Alzheimer’s disease compared to other forms of dementia:
Alzheimer’s Association:
Psychology Today: Dementia is Not a Diagnosis
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Identify the different stages of Alzheimer’s disease, and learn how to best support your loved one throughout each stage
Understand the signs that can indicate early, moderate, and advanced Alzheimer’s disease in the articles below. The Washington State Dementia Action Collaborative’s Dementia Road Map also provides a comprehensive guide on how to support both your loved one and yourself.
National Institute on Aging: What Are the Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease?
Washington State Dementia Action Collaborative: Dementia Road Map: A Guide for Family and Care Partners
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Plan next steps after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis
The following resources from the Alzheimer’s Association share considerations for emotional needs following a diagnosis, and help you create a personalized action plan.
Alzheimer’s Association:
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Find support groups and networks of others living with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis
There are countless Alzheimer’s support groups and networks. For an Alzheimer’s patient, it can be critical to quality of life that they and their family feel connected and supported. And the first step in getting support is seeking it out and asking for it.
Support for individual’s living with Alzheimer’s disease and their loved ones:
Facebook Group: Memory People (request required)
Alzheimer’s Association: Programs and Support
Well Spouse Association: Advocacy, Support, and Education
Dementia Alliance International: Online Support Groups
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Learn how best to support your loved one and yourself
These resources provide strategies that can help strengthen your care and connection with loved ones living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
Mayo Clinic: Understanding and Minimizing Symptoms of Sundown Syndrome
Era Living: Using the Best Friends Approach in Relationships with Loved Ones Who Have Dementia
National Institute on Aging: Alzheimer’s Caregiving — Caring for Yourself
Washington State Dementia Action Collaborative: Dementia Road Map: A Guide for Family and Care Partners
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Seek guidance on moving a loved one to memory care
Safety risks and struggles with daily activities, like hygiene upkeep, are two of the indicators that memory care may be needed. Doctors encourage making the loved one part of the conversation about and transition to memory care.
Alzheimer’s Association: Residential Care
Dementia Care Central: Signs it May be Time for Memory Care for a Loved One with Alzheimer’s
The first conversations about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are always difficult. Having the right and current information will help start the journey as smoothly as possible and keep your loved one feeling safe, loved, and connected. If you’re considering memory care for your loved one, Era Living Memory Care offers compassionate care based on the Best Friends Approach to help every resident enjoy the health benefits of strong relationships, purposeful activities, and supportive engagement. We’re here to answer your questions and help you on this journey.