Increasing cases of Alzheimer’s disease have led to a higher demand for support groups that address the needs of people living with the condition, as well as their caregivers and family members.
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder, which means the symptoms get worse over time. That’s why it requires ongoing medical treatment to help slow down the effects and symptoms.
It’s important to have a support system in place for someone with Alzheimer’s disease. Caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease also need support for their mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
In addition to seeking support from friends and loved ones, you may find it helpful to take part in an organized support group. Whether in person or virtual, big or small, support groups can make you feel more empowered and less alone by connecting you with others who are going through similar experiences.
Read on to learn more about Alzheimer’s support groups and how you can access them.
In the United States, Alzheimer’s disease affects about
With these increasing numbers comes a higher demand for support groups to address the needs of people with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers.
If you’re looking for an in-person Alzheimer’s support group in your area, consider contacting the following resources for more information:
- your doctor’s office
- a local psychologist or therapist
- your place of worship
- the local chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association
- the
National Institute on Aging - USAing — the national network of Area Agencies on Aging
Online Alzheimer’s support groups offer flexibility in terms of time and travel, as well as accessibility for those who want to avoid possible exposure to COVID-19 and other health conditions that may be transmitted in in-person settings.
Depending on the type of online group, sessions may be in a synchronous format, such as live group talks or meetings that everyone joins at the same time, or they may be asynchronous, involving message boards and community chats. An asynchronous format can give you a bit more flexibility in terms of time since you can log on whenever you want.
Some Alzheimer’s organizations, such as the Alzheimer’s Association, offer virtual resources as well. In addition to support groups, the organization offers online message boards for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and their friends, family members, and caregivers.
The Alzheimer’s Association’s free message boards are offered via ALZConnected. One message board called I Am Living with Alzheimer’s or Other Dementia is designed specifically for people who have one of these conditions.
Remember that it is a public forum, so you should be careful about sharing any personal information. And because message boards are intended to provide only information, not medical advice, it’s best to check with your doctor before trying any recommendations you read on those boards.
You may also decide to join one or more Alzheimer’s support groups on Facebook, such as:
Alzheimer’s caregiver support groups may be held in your community at churches, health centers, or a mental health professional’s office.
For virtual options, you might consider joining one or more Facebook groups, such as:
The Alzheimer’s Association also has a message board specifically for caregivers. In the ALZConnected I Am a Caregiver forum, you can ask questions and provide support to others. But keep in mind that this message board is public, so it’s best to be cautious about sharing any personal information.
Another virtual option to support caregivers is the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America helpline.
Calling this toll-free number will connect you with a social worker. This person can give you advice on how to address the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s and how to care for someone with the condition. They may also connect you with resources in your area.
You can visit the foundation’s website to learn more about the Helpline, or you can dial 866-232-8484 to get started. You can also text the Helpline at 646-586-5283.
Despite the numerous Alzheimer’s support group options available, you may not have found the right fit, or a group might not yet exist in your area.
You have a few options for starting an in-person Alzheimer’s support group. For a small monthly fee, you can start a Meetup group and post events to meet others in your area. You may also want to consider posting ads at your local community center or church or placing an ad in a newspaper.
Additionally, you can consider the free tools offered by Facebook groups. You can host conversations and moderate comments for community safety. Learn more here.
If you’re not quite ready to commit to joining any particular Alzheimer’s support group, you might consider attending an event first.
Many groups host outdoor walks and other fundraising events. For example, you can find or start a team for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
Other events may be held online, such as conferences and group chats. These also allow you to connect with others in a shared space.
The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America has daily virtual events such as educational classes, arts and crafts, and movement activities. You can check out the monthly calendar for more information.
You may find more events throughout the month of June, which is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month.
Whether you or someone you love has Alzheimer’s disease, joining a support group can be helpful for you both mentally and emotionally. Long-term research has found that support groups — particularly those in professionally led settings — can help improve mental health.
By connecting with others who are going through similar experiences, you may feel less alone and more empowered. Support groups of all types also offer educational opportunities about Alzheimer’s disease for those who are living with it and their caregivers.
An Alzheimer’s disease support group can complement your ongoing care plan for your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. This type of support is also important for caregivers so that they can be their best selves when caring for loved ones with this condition.
Whether you’re looking for an in-person support group or a virtual one, there are numerous options to consider. You may even want to join more than one group to help meet your needs.