Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia: Learn More, Get Help
Nov. 2, 2011 — -- College basketball legend Pat Summitt is one of an estimated 5.4 million people with Alzheimer's disease, according to the Alzheimer's Association. To learn more about Alzheimer's and dementia, including how to find help for your loved ones or yourself, check out the links below.
The ABC News OnCall+ Alzheimer's Center: The ABCNews.com Alzheimer's Center includes interviews with those touched by Alzheimer's, advice from leading experts and information for patients and caregivers.
Alzheimer's Association: The Alzheimer's Association is a national nonprofit group that works for Alzheimer's care, support and research. Its stated mission is: "To eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health."
Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center: ADEAR is part of the National Institute on Aging (NIA), a division of the National Institutes of Health, the primary federal agency for medical research. In addition to general information about Alzheimer's disease, the site provides lists of treatment centers, medical literature on Alzheimer's and information on clinical trials.
Agingcare.comAgingCare.com is an online community that connects people caring for elderly parents to other caregivers, personalized information and local resources. The web site includes a page dedicated to Alzheimer's and dementia, with information on Alzheimer's symptoms, how to handle dementia-fueled outbursts, explaining Alzheimer's to children and more.
Family Caregiver Alliance: The Family Caregiver Alliance is a nonprofit organization that offers national, state and local programs in information, education, services, research and advocacy to support and sustain those who care for loved ones with chronic, disabling conditions.
National Association of Area Agencies on Aging: The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging aggregates information for all 650 AAAs around the country. Its mission is to advocate for and support older persons and persons with disabilities with information and resources on aging. In addition, the NAAAA supports 240 Title VI aging programs for older American Indians, Alaskan Natives and Native Hawaiians, which are comparable to the services offered by AAAs.
National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys: The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys is a nonprofit association whose members are attorneys in the private and public sectors, bar organizations, judges, law professors and students, who deal with legal issues affecting the elderly and disabled. The Academy provides educational and networking resources to those who specialize in legal services for seniors and people with special needs.
National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers: The National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers assists geriatric care managers in becoming guides and advocates for families caring for older relatives. These professionals may be trained in a number of fields including nursing, gerontology and psychology, and can help identify and address those issues in a family affected by illnesses such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's or dementia resulting from other health concerns.
Alzheimer's Disease International: Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI) is an umbrella group for Alzheimer's organizations in 71 countries. In addition to an annual international conference on Alzheimer's, ADI helped establish Sept. 21 as World Alzheimer's Day.
