Alzheimer's Disease: Support Groups and Organizations

New Horizons Un-limited is not endorsing and assumes no responsibility in guaranteeing the products, services, programs or conditions as described. If you are interested in a resource listed below, call or contact the resource to verify the current situation. Evaluate the information, analyze your unique circumstances, use your best judgment and make your own decisions when using the information. Before making any change, consult your health care professional.

National
State Listings:   CA / CO / IL / ME / NE / WI    (Official USPS State Abbreviations)

National

Alzheimer's Association works on a global, national and local level to enhance care and support for all those affected by Alzheimer's and related dementias. They are here to help. They have local chapters across the nation, providing services within each community. Find a chapter near you. They have a professionally staffed 24/7 Helpline (1.800.272.3900) Check out the 2013 Alzheimer's Facts and Figures report available at the Alzheimer's Association. An estimated 5.2 million Americans of all ages have Alzheimer's disease in 2013. This includes an estimated 5 million people age 65 and older and approximately 200,000 individuals younger than age 65 who have younger-onset Alzheimer's. Check out this entire report.

Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) was founded by a consortium of organizations to fill the gap that existed on a national level to assure quality of care and excellence in service to individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related illnesses, and to their caregivers and families. More than 1,600 member organizations from coast-to-coast are dedicated to meeting the educational, social, emotional and practical needs of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related illnesses, and their caregivers and families. Under AFA's umbrella, these organizations collaborate on education, resources, best practices and advocacy —all resulting in better care for people affected by the disease. toll-free helpline with counseling by licensed social workers, resources and referrals; educational conferences; a free caregiver magazine, care advantage; national initiatives such as National Memory Screening Day, professional education, training and qualification; and AFA Teens to educate and engage the younger generation. In addition, AFA provides grants to member organizations to provide family respite care and to enhance or develop programs and services; and, through strategic partnerships, AFA funds research for medical treatment and a cure. For more information, contact them at 322 Eighth Avenue, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10001, Phone: 866-AFA-8484 (232-8484) (toll-free) or FAX 646-638-1546

Bright Focus Foundation is a nonprofit organization supporting research and providing public education to help eradicate brain and eye diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. BrightFocus is at the forefront of brain and eye health, advancing early-stage, investigator-initiated research around the world. They also provide free educational materials to people affected by or interested in these diseases, empowering them to take action for themselves and others. They can take advantage of news and research results offered through Bright Focus websites, publications, social media, videos, podcasts, and TV and radio public service announcements. Through their toll-free phone number, 1-800-437-2423, people can speak directly with a member of their information services staff, Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm Eastern time, for answers to questions, support, and referrals.

The Hartford Alzheimer's Disease Driving Guide Concerned about whether or not your loved one should be driving, visit this website or call 860-547-5000.

John Douglas French Alzheimer's Foundation provide critical seed money for novel and promising Alzheimer's research, generally not funded by the government or pharmaceuticals. Significant due diligence and oversight are provided by their International Scientific Advisory Board and by Foundation Management. It is The Foundation's objective to expedite the day, either individually or in a collaborative effort, when they can delay the onset and advancement of, or find a cure for Alzheimer's disease. For more information, call 1-800-477-2243 (toll-free), 310-445-4650.

National Institute on Aging: Alzheimer's Disease Eduction and Referral Center U.S. Congress created the Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center in 1990 to "compile, archive, and disseminate information concerning Alzheimer's disease" for health professionals, people with AD and their families, and the public. The NIA conducts and supports research about health issues for older people, and is the primary Federal agency for Alzheimer's disease research. As a public, U.S. Government-funded resource, the ADEAR Center strives to be a current, comprehensive, unbiased source of information about Alzheimer's disease. All our information and materials about the search for causes, treatment, cures, and better diagnostic tools are carefully researched and thoroughly reviewed by NIA scientists and health communicators for accuracy and integrity. The center includes news, publications on Alzheimer's Disease and Caregiving, information on research and clinical trials,

State Listings

California

California Council of the Alzheimer's Association is affiliated with the national Alzheimer's Association and is the vehicle for California's five chapters to advance statewide public policy issues. The Council identifies and influences issues that demonstrate a direct, positive link to people living with Alzheimer's disease and other dementia disorders and their families. Through the leadership of the California Council families drive policy decisions that impact persons with dementia, their families and caregivers. They offer a 24/7 Helpline (800) 272-3900. For more information contact the California Council of the Alzheimer's Association at921 11th Street, Suite 601, Sacramento, California 95814.

California Alzheimer's Disease Program was established in 1984 through legislation that sought to relieve the human burden and economic costs associated with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD), and to assist in ultimately discovering the cause, treatment, and prevention of these diseases. The program provides:

  • Clinical services to persons with ADRD and their families through the California Alzheimer's Disease Centers (CADCs). The CADCs are a network of ten state-of-the-art Centers located at university medical centers throughout the state. These Centers provide diagnostic and treatment services; professional training for medical residents, postdoctoral fellows, nurses, interns, and medical students; and community education such as caregiver training and support.
  • Research awards to scientists engaged in the study of ADRD through the Alzheimer's Disease Research Awards (ADRA). Since 1985, the fund has awarded over $18 million to 112 scientists. The 122 studies funded have encompassed the areas of diagnosis, treatment, prevention, epidemiology, behavioral management, caregiving, and basic science.

Colorado

Dementia SOS Colorado's Dementia News and Resource Center is a multi-pronged public awareness and prevention initiative for Colorado. With constantly evolving blog site, public speaking and other creative events, Dementia SOS is reaching deeper into the community to convey a sense of urgency about this impending epidemic and what can be done about it, right now. The website features distilled education about the various forms of dementia, dementia resources, prevention strategies and cutting edge research in the field. You will also find interviews with leading authorities on the subject of dementia and local organizations that are here to help. This website included comprehensive information on Alzheimer's Disease, dementia and communication problems associated with this disease such as aphasia and anomia. The website also offers a comprehensive list of resources.

Illinois

Alzheimer's Association Greater Illinois is the Illinois chapter located at 8430 West Bryn Mawr, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60631. Be sure to check out the website for events, fundraisers, workshops, information for caregivers at their website. Also on their website is the 2013 State of Illinois Alzheimer's Disease Plan Survey Results on the state's programs and services for those affected by dementia.

Maine

Alzheimer's/Dementia Support Services in Maine A Statewide Resource Directory Listings are by county and include the following categories:
  • Geriatric Evaluation Units
  • Geriatricians
  • Neurologists
  • Elder Law Attorneys
  • In-Home Respite
  • Alzheimer's Support Groups
  • Adult Day Services
  • Home Health Agencies
  • Residential Care Facilities/Assisted Living Facilities with Alzheimer's Units
  • Nursing Facilities with Alzheimer's Units

Nebraska

Alzheimer's Support Group, Fremont, Nebraska meets monthly and provides some services to caregivers now, talking through problems, sharing experiences and providing literature. For more information, phone 402-721-9224.

Fremont Area Alzheimer's Committee. The committee established a fund through the Fremont Area Community Foundation to manage money generated by the local Memory Walk. The locally controlled committee represents healthcare, nursing homes, in-home care, Midland University and others and includes members from Fremont and surrounding communities who will allocate about 60 percent of their fundraising money to institutions doing cutting edge research into Alzheimer's; in May 2016- $24,318 was granted for research at the University of Nebraska Omaha for “Using Neuroimaging and Neuro-stimulation to Understand and Improve Cognition in AD,” David Warren, PhD. 40 percent of their fundraising earnings go to grants for caregiver education and support programming in the Fremont, Nebraska area. See their upcoming inspiring and informative presentation and events for coping with the emotional stress of caregiving for Students, Faculty, Professional and Family Caregivers.

Alzheimers Association Nebraska Chapter, Since 1982, the Nebraska Chapter has provided education, information and support to individuals afflicted with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and the related disorders and supports the National Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association in its research for the prevention, cure, and treatment of AD and related disorders. This mission is carried out through Advancing Research, Education & Information, Family Support Services, and Advocacy. For more information contact them at 1941 South 42nd Street, Suite 205, Omaha, Nebraska 68105 or call 800.272.3900 or E-mail: cfreeman@alz.org

Wisconsin

Alzheimer's Association of Wisconsin serves the 11 counties in southeastern Wisconsin. They offer a resource center, publications, local resources and referral. Their main office is located in Milwaukee: 620 S. 76th Street, Suite 160, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53214 or call 414.479.8800 or fax 414.479.8819.

New Sign Dementia Care Specialist Program provides information and assistance about Alzheimer's Disease and other dementias as part of certain Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) across the state. The program has three goals. (1) Support the ADRC staff and county programs to be better prepared, with knowledge and resources, to support individuals with dementia and their families. (2) Support the Specialists to act as a catalyst to create a dementia friendly community. Specialists may work with businesses, employers, local organizations, and the community to raise awareness of the unique needs of individuals with dementia and their families. (3) Assist individuals with dementia to remain active and in their homes longer. View their brochure at Dementia Care Specialists brochure

-

-

-

-