Alzheimer's Disease: More than Just Memory Loss
If you or someone close to you has Alzheimer's disease, chances are you're asking questions about the condition faster than your doctor can answer them. The Internet gives you access to information, outside of office hours, that enables you to find quick answers to urgent questions, and also helps you ask doctors, nurses, or other healthcare professionals the right questions. For a Spanish-language version of the Guide, click here.
Expand All Guide SectionsAlzheimer's Disease Information
Alzheimer's is more than just memory loss; it's a disease that robs your body of its functions, bit by bit. In this section, you'll find links to Web sites that help you understand the disease, its progress, and how it affects not only the patient but friends and family as well. For a Spanish-language version of the Guide, click here.
Dulcinea's Insight
- If you're going to look beyond the sites we've suggested, it's essential to read the "about us" section of a site to ensure that the information you're getting is from a credible source.
- Web sites vary in the types of resources they offer, so you should know what kind of information you're looking for before you start. For example, some sites are primarily directed toward people who live with advanced Alzheimer's, whereas others may be directed at people in the early stages of the disease.
- Once you find a site that you like and find useful, check for sites that it recommends. Usually listed as "additional sources" or "external links," these can provide you with another path to follow.
Dulcinea's Picks
For Alzheimer's organizations ...
The Alzheimer's Association
covers a number of topics, from finding a local branch of the Association to defining what Alzheimer's disease is. There's an interactive tour called "Inside the Brain," that teaches you about the inner workings of the human control center and how Alzheimer's affects it. Visit the "Related Diseases" section to learn about other types of dementia.
The Alzheimer's Foundation of America
aims to provide those experiencing dementia, and their families and caregivers, with "optimal care and services" via a nationwide network of local member organizations. Its Web site has resources for understanding dementia, Alzheimer's, and related issues, accessible by the links found in the navigation bar at the left of the page. Overviews of these conditions include definitions, causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
The Alzheimer Society of Canada
site is available in both English and French, and has a variety of information on Alzheimer's disease. The "Quick Links" area introduces you to Alzheimer's with several articles like "What is Alzheimer's?" and "10 Warning Signs." The "Healthy Brain" link on the left of the homepage offers ways you can keep your brain healthy and reduce the risk of developing the disease. Take the "Healthy Brain Quiz" to challenge your knowledge of the human brain.
Alzheimer's Society
(U.K.) is a site similar to those of the United States and Canada but specific to the United Kingdom. It has a variety of information on Alzheimer's disease and facts on dementia in general. Most topic areas are accompanied by "Information Sheets" that you can download and print. The sheets cover topics such as: "What is Alzheimer's disease?" and "Diagnosis and Assessment."
Alzheimer's Australia
is the national site for Australia. It covers information on what Alzheimer's disease is and offers printable "Help Sheets" on many topics, such as "Progression of Dementia" and "Information for Family and Friends." The "Information in Other Languages" section at the top of the page links you to Alzheimer's information in 26 different languages.
For general health sites ...
The National Institute on Aging
has a "General Information" page that provides information on the disease itself, causes of Alzheimer's, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. As part of the National Institutes of Health, the site also provides many resources such as an "AD Fact Sheet" and "Understanding Memory Loss."
MedlinePlus
is a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health and offers many resources about Alzheimer's disease that are well organized in categories like "Basics" and "Latest News." By clicking on these resources, you are directed to other sites that the MedlinePlus staff has reviewed and selected.
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
hosts an "Alzheimer's Disease Information Page" covering the disease, treatment, and prognosis, among other topics. It offers several links to organizations that are Alzheimer's-related or have some connection with the disease.
The NIH Senior Health
site has a section on Alzheimer's disease that defines the disease, discusses signs and symptoms, and provides answers to frequently asked questions. The "Printer friendly version" link allows you to print the entire "Alzheimer's Disease" topic or select chapters to print individually.
The American Health Assistance Foundation
Web site offers detailed illustrations of the healthy brain and the brain with Alzheimer's for a visual comparison (scroll down to "Medical Illustrations" to find them). A movie called How The Brain Changes During Alzheimer's Disease is also available in two versions: HTML or Flash.
The Mayo Clinic's Alzheimer
provides quality information on Alzheimer's disease including: signs and symptoms, causes, risk factors, screening and diagnosis, complications, prevention, and coping skills. The text can also be presented in a larger type font for easier reading.
WebMD
offers a comprehensive overview of Alzheimer's disease including recent news stories, hot topics in the disease, and related videos like "Living With Alzheimer's" and "Exercising with Alzheimer's."
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