If you have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or another dementia, there are things you can do right away.

These actions can help you continue to enjoy life and cope with changes that are likely in the years ahead.

It is important that you take care of your physical health and do enjoyable activities with family and friends. Share information about your diagnosis with those close to you. Be honest about your feelings and the support you need from them.

Expect Alzheimer's disease to cause changes in your everyday life over time. It can be frustrating to have difficulty doing tasks that used to be easy.  

Give yourself time to do things and get help from other people when things are too difficult. Connect with organizations familiar with your situation, such as the Alzheimer's Association or the Lewy Body Dementia Association.

Joining a group can help you and your family adjust. The National Alzheimer's Association web site is also a source for information and useful ideas for making life easier and for maintaining independence.

Living with memory concerns: new diagnosis educational workshop

Led by our nurses Gillian Devereux R.N. and Allison Bianchi, R.N., this one-visit educational session is for patients, family members and care partners who are new to Alzheimer's and related dementia. This free workshop is presented in partnership with the Alzheimer's Association.

Topics covered:

• Caring for the person with a memory disorder
• Support for the caregiver
• Introduction to Alzheimer's Association programs
• Community resources

First Thursday of every month, 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Center for Health & Healing OHSU Memory Disorders Clinic
8th floor waiting room
3303 S.W. Bond Avenue
Portland, OR

 

To register for this event, please call the Alzheimer's Association at 800-272-3900

For more information: 503-494-7615 or devereug@ohsu.edu

View or download the flyer. Learn more.

Dr. Kathy Wild leads a monthly support group for caregivers of people with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and related disorders. The challenging changes in behavior and personality that often accompany these diagnoses can lead to caregiver stress, exhaustion and despair. This group offers the opportunity for caregivers to learn practical strategies and solutions from each others' experiences while receiving emotional support in their own caregiving efforts.

At this time the group is full, but is accepting families who have been seen in the Layton Center clinic. Please contact Dr. Wild at 503-494-6975 for further information.

Taking care of someone with dementia can be a demanding full-time job.

Here are some ways you can take care of your physical and emotional well-being:

• Eat healthy foods and get enough rest and exercise
• Seek healthcare for yourself when you need it
  
• Use respite services (such as a community center) where your loved one can enjoy activities while you run errands, go to work or take a break
• Find community programs that provide support and caregiver training

We often have opportunities for caregivers to participate in research studies.
View our current research

More resources

Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon

Alzheimer's Association

Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral Center

Caregivers Action Network

Elder Care Locator 

Family Caregiver Alliance

Genetics and Alzheimer's disease

Lewy Body Dementia Association

National Council for Aging Care

Oregon Care Partners

Each year, experts at the OHSU Layton Aging and Alzheimer's Disease Center present valuable information to people with Alzheimer's, their families and the public. The OHSU Brain Institute provides access to these presentations so you can benefit from the leading-edge information. View videos about Alzheimer's disease.