Alzheimer’s Awareness: Resources to Support Your Community

Posted by Bobbi Newman on September 11th, 2024 Posted in: NLM Resources
Tags: alzheimer's, Alzheimer's disease

Understanding Alzheimer’s disease is more important than ever, as new research sheds light on the complexities and disparities surrounding its diagnosis and treatment. A recent study has revealed that the odds of being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia can significantly vary depending on where you live. These findings point to regional differences in access to healthcare, awareness, and even socioeconomic factors that may influence when and how individuals receive a diagnosis. Increasing awareness and reducing stigma may help reduce regional disparities.

Access to reliable, evidence-based, current information can make a difference in knowing about and understanding Alzheimer’s. In this blog post, we’ll explore a range of resources you can use to help your community better understand Alzheimer’s, from early warning signs and diagnostic processes to caregiving tips and support networks. You can share these links on your website, blog posts, and social media accounts; many of them include infographics and materials you can download and share.

Resources

Alzheimer disease – MedlinePlus Encyclopedia entry. Includes a video with closed captioning.

Alzheimer disease – MedlinePlus overview. Covers: causes, symptoms, exams and tests, treatment, support groups, outlook (prognosis), when to contact a medical professional, and prevention. Includes images and links to additional resources.

More from MedlinePlus

• Brain PET scan
• Caregiver Health
• Dementia
• Dementia – home care
• Memory
• Mental status testing
• Mild Cognitive Impairment

Alzheimer’s changes in behavior and communication National Institute on Aging. Includes free materials to download and print. Covers: Do’s and Don’ts: Communicating With a Person Who Has Alzheimer’s Disease, Communicating With Someone Who Has Alzheimer’s Disease, Alzheimer’s Caregiving: Coping With Hallucinations, Delusions, and Paranoia, Coping With Agitation, Aggression, and Sundowning in Alzheimer’s Disease, Alzheimer’s Caregiving: Managing Personality and Behavior Changes, Coping With Alzheimer’s Behaviors: Wandering and Getting Lost, and Coping With Alzheimer’s Behaviors: Rummaging and Hiding Things

What Are the Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease? National Institute on Aging. Includes free materials to download and print. Covers: Signs of Mild, Moderate, and severe Alzheimer’s’ disease and When to visit the doctor for memory loss

Caregivers Resources

Caregivers – MedlinePlus more general caregiver information

Caregiver Health – MedlinePlus information for caregivers about taking care of themselves.

Alzheimer’s Caregivers – MedlinePlus provides an overview of information for those who care for others with Alzheimer’s.

Long-Distance Caregiving National Institute on Aging. A long-distance caregiver lives an hour or more away from someone who needs care. This includes information on the following: What tasks can a long-distance caregiver help with? Staying connected from far away. Making the most of a short visit with an aging parent or relative. Supporting the person doing day-to-day caregiving. Includes a video and free materials to download and print.

Frequently Asked Questions About Caregiving. National Institute on Aging. Includes free materials to download and print. Covers:

• I’m new to caregiving. Where do I start?
• How can I find a caregiver support group?
• How can I find caregiving resources in my area?
• How do I help an older adult plan for the future?
• What should I do if an older adult is having memory issues?
• How do I choose a long-term care facility?
• How can I pay for long-term care?
• How can I help an older adult with day-to-day activities?
• I’m overwhelmed and exhausted. How can I get a break from caregiving?
• Can I get paid to take care of a family member?
• How do I make an older person’s home safer?
• What do I do if I suspect an older person is being mistreated?

Taking Care of Yourself: Tips for Caregivers – National Institute on Aging information for caregivers about taking care of themselves.

Find local information and resources from the National Alzheimer’s Association.

ABOUT Bobbi Newman
Bobbi Newman (MLIS, MA) is the Community Engagement and Outreach Specialist for NNLM R6 at the University of Iowa. She is the author of Fostering Wellness in the Workplace: A Guide for Libraries. She developed the popular NNLM course “Wellness in the Library Workplace.” Bobbi is a mindfulness student and a member of Association for Size Diversity and Health (ASDAH). She currently serves as a member of the Advisory Board for Let’s Move in Libraries. She divides her time between her dog, reading fantasy and nonfiction, playing video games, crafting, kayaking, biking, and gardening.

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