So you have a close friend or family member who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)-what next? Where do you go to find the most up to date Alzheimer’s disease information? Many family caregivers don’t have a clue about what to do after the devastating news of an Alzheimer’s Disease diagnosis.
One of the most important first steps you can take is to educate yourself. You’ll find a multitude of online resources that provide education based on scientific studies on Alzheimer’s prevention, community resources to get ask questions and get advice from experts as well as other caregivers, and more.
One common challenge is learning the best way to talk to friends and other family members about the new diagnosis. Getting educated on the disease and talking with other family members can really help caregivers figure out the best way to talk to others and answer questions about the disease.
Basic Facts About Alzheimer’s Disease
- Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) can cause memory loss, confusion and inability to concentrate
- There is no exact roadmap to the progression of the disease-everyone’s symptoms develop differently
- Not everyone experiences the same symptoms of AD
- The severity of the disease differs from one person to the next
- Alzheimer’s usually progresses over a period of many years
- As the disease progresses, the individual with AD will need more and more help from caregivers
- Alzheimer’s is a fatal disease, there is no cure
- Understanding the stages of the disease in advance can help families cope better with AD
Online Sources of Education for Alzheimer’s Disease
www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers
www.alz.org
www.nihseniorhealth.gov/alzheimersdisease/toc.html
Consider a book entitled “Caring for a Person with Alzheimer’s Disease” offered by The National Institute on Aging available at: www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers/publication/caring-person-alzheimers-disease.
Learn more about the symptoms and stages of AD by signing up for our 25 topic Alzheimer’s caregivers’ course on AlzU.org by CLICKING HERE.
