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
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
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