In the age of technology, caregivers are increasingly turning to apps that offer invaluable support, guidance and resources to navigate the complexities of dementia care. Whether you’ve just received a diagnosis or are caring for someone who has, the Alzheimer’s Association has created an app that can help you stay informed, engaged and connected to local resources.
The My ALZ Journey app is a mobile app designed to support individuals who have been newly diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, another form of dementia, or mild cognitive impairment (MCI), as well as their caregivers. It’s recommended that both individuals download the app on their phone or tablet (My ALZ Journey is not available on computers; progress will not be reflected between devices so it is recommended to keep all information on a single device).
The app provides a personalized experience by tailoring information based on the user’s role, age at diagnosis, and location. Here are a few features you can expect to find within the app:
App Features:
- Personalized resources: Immediately after downloading the app, you can customize your experience by answering a few questions, including your location and age at diagnosis, or the specific needs of the loved one you are caring for, to orient the app to your experience. This will help the Alzheimer’s Association curate a list of trusted educational resources, practical caregiving strategies, and interactive tools specialized for your needs.
- Step-by-step help: When balancing a variety of tasks, it can often be overwhelming to know what to do next, or even where to start. My ALZ Journey breaks everything down into easy-to-understand and digestible pieces of information. For individuals living with dementia, that may look like guidance for adjusting to a diagnosis, or staying independent while planning for the future. For those caring for someone living with the disease, the app can provide pre-made checklists or activity plans to help manage daily responsibilities.
- Local support: The “Community” feature immediately connects you to your local Alzheimer’s Association chapter and nearby programs like support groups, educational programs, and community services. If you’re curious about news related to dementia advocacy or ways to get involved in the fight to end Alzheimer’s, the app makes it easy to get involved.
- Tools and activities: In the Activity Center, you can easily find detailed, interactive tools for you to explore areas such as exploring your identity outside of a diagnosis, financial and legal planning, or coping strategies and daily wellness.
- Information based on real experiences: Developed with input from people living with dementia and family caregivers, the app addresses real-life challenges while offering timely, easy-to-understand information. And if you don’t find what you’re looking for, you can take advantage of the “ALZConnected” online community where individuals with similar experiences can share answers, ideas, opinions, and support.
Best of all, My ALZ Journey is free to download, making it an accessible resource for families seeking support, education, and connection throughout the dementia journey. You can download it on Google Play or the Apple App Store. Once downloaded, it’s easy to explore information on different topics and common questions! You can access trusted resources, tools and support anytime, anywhere.
For more information, visit the Alzheimer’s Association MyALZJourney page. If you need help downloading the app, fill out the online contact form. To report and resolve any issues using the app’s features, call the 24/7 helpline at 800.272.3900.
