Guidance and Preparation

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Recognizing Symptoms

It can take time to recognize the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

Signs of Alzheimer’s disease – From the National Institute on Aging

Do memory problems always mean Alzheimer’s disease – From the National Institute on Aging

Memory forgetfulness and Aging – From the National Institute on Aging

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Resources – From Illinois Department on Aging

Where to go for Diagnosis

At some point it will be good to talk with a physician about the symptoms that have been noticed. Beginning with your primary physician is often a good place to start. Moving to a specialist can also be helpful.

How Alzheimer’s disease is diagnosed – From the National Institute on Aging

Types of Dementia

There are different types of dementia, which can have different symptoms. It is important to talk with your doctor to be evaluated.

Resources on Types of Dementia

Steps After Diagnosis

Learning to adjust to the diagnosis can take time. There can be many aspects to consider from healthcare choices to financial planning to changes in daily routines. Taking each area in small steps is often a good approach.

Websites

Life After Diagnosis – From the Alzheimer’s Association

Next Step in Care – For any Caregiver from United Hospital Fund

Books

The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for People Who Have Alzheimer Disease, Other Dementias, and Memory Loss by Nancy L. Mace and Peter V. Rabins

Sharing the Diagnosis

Helping Family and Friends Understand Alzheimer’s disease – – From the National Institute on Aging

Sharing the Diagnosis – From the Alzheimer’s Association

Adjusting to Changes

Changes in Communication and Behaviors

Websites

Having a conversation – From the Alzheimer’s Association

Common Changes – – From the National Institute on Aging

Communication and Alzheimer’s – From the Alzheimer’s Association

Books

Coping with Behavior Change in Dementia: A Family Caregiver’s Guide by Beth Spencer and Laurie White

Everyday Care

Tips for Mealtime – From the National Institute on Aging

Tips for Bathing and Dressing – From the National Institute on Aging

Meaningful Activities

Activity Workbook – From the Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center

Memory Cafes In Illinois – Memory Café Directory

One Day University – Fascinating talks on numerous topics – subscription fee is required

AARP Community Calendar – FREE interactive online events and classes designed for learning, self-improvement, and fun.

OLLI classes – Osher Lifelong Learning Institute – fee to attend classes

The Villages – a network in Chicago for people over 50

92Y – As a nonprofit community and cultural center, 92nd Street Y seeks to create, provide and disseminate programs of distinction that foster the physical and mental health of human beings throughout their lives, their educational and spiritual growth and their enjoyment.

David Axelrod’s Institute of Politics at the University of Chicago – sign-up to receive information on upcoming speakers

Chicago International Film Festival – Many in-person film screenings for the Chicago and virtual screenings available.

Arts in Mind – Free online program from the Yale Art Musuem

Changes in Relationships

Relationship and Alzheimer’s disease – From the National Institute on Aging

Safety

Thinking about safety – From the National Institute on Aging

Home Safety Tips – From the National Institute on Aging

MedicAlert Support Program – From MedicAlert and the Alzheimer’s Association

Driving

Dementia and Driving – From the Alzheimer’s Association

Driving Safety and Alzheimer’s – From the National Institute on Aging

Dementia and Driving – From the Family Caregiver Alliance

Long Distance Caregiving

Long Distance Caregiving – From the Alzheimer’s Association

For Children

Hear children who have a parent with dementia.

AFA Teens – From the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America

Being Involved in Research

Being Involved in Research – From the National Institute on Aging

Clinical Trials – From the US Department of Health and Human Services

Trial Match – From the Alzheimer’s Association

Financial Planning

Financial Planning – From the Alzheimer’s Association

Money Matters – From the Alzheimer’s Association

National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys

Legal and Financial Planning for People with Dementia – From the National Institute on Aging

Senior Health Insurance Program – the SHIP program through the Illinois Department on Aging

Paying for Care – From the National Institute on Aging

Benefits Check-up – From the National Council on Aging

Social Security Disability

Advanced Planning

Advance Care Planning – From the National Institute on Aging

End of Life Decisions – From the Alzheimer’s Association

Getting Affairs in Order – From the National Institute on Aging

The Conversation Project – From the Institute for Healthcare Improvement

Advanced Directives for Dementia – From Dr. Barak Gaster at University of Washington

Five Wishes – Advance Directives from Five Wishes

Support Groups

Resources on Support Groups

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