According to the National Institutes of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, persons with dementia may have loss of memory and difficulty solving problems and maintaining emotional control. They also may experience personality changes and behavioral problems. Having dementia can be debilitating, severely impacting the sufferer as well as family and caregivers. Knowing about dementia resources and organizations that can provide information, advocacy and assistance can ease the stress on everyone.
National Institutes of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
As part of the National Institutes of Health, the National Institutes of Neurological Disorders and Stroke provides basic information about dementia, research and organizations that might be able to assist. This website is equipped to serve the Spanish-speaking population. It also offers relevant publications about the different diseases that might cause dementia.
National Institutes of Aging
This National Institutes of Aging has an Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral Center. There is basic information about dementia, recent updates, current events and research information. This agency provides useful information for caregivers, publications, information about coping and tips related to legal, financial and health issues. Information about local support groups and assistance from information specialists via telephone or e-mail is another service offered by the National Institutes of Aging.
Alzheimer's Foundation of America
The mission of the Alzheimer's Foundation of America is "to provide optimal care and services to individuals confronting dementia, and to their caregivers and families---through member organizations dedicated to improving quality of life." You can connect with a social worker, get information about care giving, and find out about family respite care grants. This group also sponsors a magazine that can be accessed online. One notable helpful feature is a basic member search through which users can locate organizations by state that are members of this foundation.
Association for Frontal Temporal Dementias
This is an education and advocacy organization for those affected by frontal temporal dementias. They provide current information regarding related conditions, relevant research, and information for caregivers. They also provide information about support groups and research and medical centers with an FTD focus. There is also information for health care providers.
American Geriatrics Society
American Geriatrics Society provides an online service for treatment providers called "Guide to Dementia Diagnosis and Treatment." It covers signs and symptoms, evaluation, treatment, caregiver issues and resources. The caregiver resource section has links to alliances and associations that offer education and support to caregivers as well as a guide for providers of in-home treatment called "Eldercare at Home."
