Resources.

You’ve just been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease…now what do you do?

So many questions surface: “How do I help my family understand what’s going on?” “What do I do when I can no longer care for myself?” “I’m totally overwhelmed, who can help me?”

For the over 5 million Americans currently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, these are just a few of the many questions that arise after being diagnosed.

The following are just a few of the many important resources for understanding and obtaining the latest information on Alzheimer’s disease:

Online Resources
o Alzheimer’s Association Website
o National Library of Medicine
o Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral Center
o Resource for caregivers and medical professionals
o National Institute on Aging
o American Health Assistance Foundation
o Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area Website

Library Resources

Patient Stories
o Losing My Mind: An Intimate Look at Life with Alzheimer's by Thomas DeBaggio
o Your Name is Hughes Hannibal Shanks: A Caregiver's Guide to Alzheimer's by Lela Knox Shanks
o Through the Wilderness of Alzheimer's A Guide in Two Voices by Robert and Anne Simpson
o Speaking Our Minds Personal Reflections from Individuals with Alzheimer's by Lisa Snyder, LCSW

Caregiver Resource Guides

o The 36 Hour Day by Nancy L. Mace, M.A. and Peter V. Rabins, M.D., M.P.H.
o Creating Moments of Joy by Jolene Brackey
o When Your Loved One Has Dementia: A Simple Guide For Caregivers by Joy A. Glenner, Jean M. Stehman, Judith Davagnino, Margaret J. Galante and Martha L. Green
o Coach Broyles' Playbook for Alzheimer's Caregivers: A Practical Tips Guide by Frank Broyles
o Alzheimer's Early Stages: First Steps for Family, Friends and Caregivers by Daniel Kuhn, MSW
o Mayo Clinic on Alzheimer's Disease by Ronald Peterson, MD, PhD
o Navigating the Alzheimer's Journey: A Compass for Caregiving Journey by Carol Bowlby Sifton

Patient Activity Books

o Failure-Free Activities for the Alzheimer's Patient: A Guidebook for Caregivers by Carmel Sheridan
o Doing Things: A Guide to Programing Activities for Persons with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders by Jitka M. Zgola
o Alzheimer's Activities That Stimulate the Mind by Emilia C. Bazan-Salazar, RN, BSN
o The Best Friends Book of Alzheimer's Activities by Virginia Bell, David Troxel, Tonya Cox and Robin Hamon
o Montessori-Based Activities for Persons with Dementia Vol. 1 by Cameron J. Camp, PhD
o A Different Visit: Activities for Caregivers and their Loved Ones with Memory Impairments by Adena Joltin, MA; Cameron J. Camp, PhD; Beverly H. Noble, RN; Vincent M. Antenucci, MA

Local Community Resource

o Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area (3772 North Blvd. Baton Rouge, LA 70806)

The Alzheimer's Services Library features all the above guides and books in their Resource Library. Please contact Erin Mayeux, Program Director, for more information on checking these out.

The resources listed above are very important tools for any caregiver, patient, medical professional and/or family member educating him/herself about Alzheimer's Disease and related dementia disorders. Please feel free to contact our offices for additional information (225)334.7494 or (800) 548.1211.

For all of us here at Alzheimer's Services, have a great week!