No one should have to deal with Alzheimer’s alone. The government agencies, nonprofit groups, and other resources listed here are there to help patients and caregivers cope with the disease with education, advocacy, support services, clinical-trial opportunities, and blogs that share the wisdom of lived experience.
Organizations That Educate and Support
This nonprofit health organization works on global, national, and local levels to provide care and services for those affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias. It's also a leader in research and advocacy. Call 800-272-3900 (24/7 helpline).
The U.S. federal government’s main portal to information on care, research, and support for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias Education and Referral Center (ADEAR)
A service of the National Institute on Aging, ADEAR is staffed by specialists who can answer questions about specific cases, offer referrals to local support services and research centers, and share information on clinical trials. Call 800-438-4380.
Alzheimer’s Foundation of America
This network of more than 2,600 member organizations provides support, counseling, and education. It has administered free, confidential memory screenings to over four million people at sites around the country. Call 866-232-8484.
The American Brain Foundation supports research on a broad range of brain diseases, on the theory that curing one brain disease will lead to cures for many.
Dementia Alliance International
Membership in this group is exclusively for people with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. Its mission is to create a global community committed to advocacy, support, and education through initiatives like an award-winning YouTube series.
Brain Injury Association of America
Awareness, treatment, community, advocacy, and quality-of-life issues are this nonprofit’s focus. Call 800-444-6443.
This collection of articles from the journal of the American Academy of Neurology covers a variety of neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia.
Financial Help for Managing the Cost of Treatment and Caregiving
This nonprofit leader provides information on government benefits, community-support services, and other resources. Call 800-272-3900 (24/7 helpline).
A free service of the National Council on Aging, this comprehensive online tool connects older adults with benefits for which they may be eligible.
PhRMA Medicine Assistance Tool (MAT)
A free service, MAT helps qualified individuals without prescription drug insurance coverage get the medication they need for free or a very low cost.
This national nonprofit offers free, up-to-date information to help people who can’t afford their medication and other healthcare costs. Call 800-503-6897.
Social Security Administration
People whose dementia makes them unable to work can file for disability benefits if they meet certain requirements. Call 800-772-1213.
Coping, Advocacy, and Assistance
800-272-3900 (24/7 helpline)
This nonprofit group can help spouses and partners of people with dementia find support groups that can help lighten the emotional burden and share strategies. Call 732-557-8899.
Through education, support services, and advocacy, this group addresses the needs of family and friends providing long-term care for loved ones at home. Call 800-445-8106.
This public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging links older adults and their families with state and local agencies and community-based organizations. Call 800-677-1116.
Facts and Statistics About Alzheimer’s Disease
- Alzheimer’s Association: Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures
- BrightFocus Foundation: Fast Facts
- World Health Organization: Dementia Fact Sheet
Medication Used to Treat Alzheimer’s
- Aduhelm (aducanumab)
- Aricept (donepezil)
- Razadyne (galantamine)
- Exelon (rivastigmine)
- Namenda (memantine)
- Namzaric (donepezil and memantine)
Caregiving Assistance for People With Late-Stage Alzheimer’s Disease
National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization
In addition to educating and advocating for professionals, this organization offers guidance to family members making decisions about end-of-life care for a loved one. Call 703-837-1500.
Through this government website, family members can find and compare home health agencies and nursing homes that have been certified by Medicare and Medicaid.
Hospice Foundation of America (HFA)
800-854-3402. HFA educates the public and healthcare professionals about death, dying, loss, and grief and answers questions about the “when” and “how” of hospices.
Home Care Association of America
This association represents more than 2,700 companies that offer private duty home care. The website offers a “find a provider” search function.
ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center
ARCH helps families access respite (temporary relief for caregivers) and crisis-care services in their communities.
Patient and Caregiver Blogs Voicing the Real Experience of Living With Alzheimer’s
Hosted by the Alzheimer’s Association, ALZ Blog is a space for both caregivers and people living with Alzheimer’s to share their experiences.
This blog from the Alzheimer’s Society, based in London, includes posts from people living with dementia as well as advice from experts.
Caregiving.com Caregiver Stories
Family caregivers of all types write about their daily struggles and most effective strategies.
Kay H. Bransford started this blog in 2012, when both of her parents were showing early signs of dementia. She continues to share the knowledge she’s gained as a caregiver.
Living in the Shadow of Alzheimer’s
Sheri Zschocher wrote about an unwelcome visitor, “Al,” who invaded daily life when her husband, now deceased, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
This blog mixes news posts with patient voices.
Clinical Trials That Address Alzheimer’s Disease
National Institute on Aging: Find Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Clinical Trials
A search function on the site identifies research opportunities for people with Alzheimer’s disease, other dementias, and mild cognitive impairment, as well as clinical trials looking to enroll healthy volunteers.
This database of clinical trials lets you search for research studies in your area.
A database of privately and publicly funded clinical trials, it locates opportunities in the United States and around the world.
The Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer’s Network
Based at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, this international research effort includes clinical trials and observational studies focused on the rare form of Alzheimer’s caused directly by genetic mutation.