Alzheimer's and dementia don't come with an instruction manual, but there are resources available to help. Use these free education programs to learn more about what to expect and how to prepare for the future.

How to begin a free online course

1. Select one of the programs listed below. This will open the Education Center, where you can watch a short overview video about the course.
2. To access the full program, click "Add to Cart." 
3. Log in if you already have an Alzheimer's Association account, or create a free account. 
4. Click "Enroll Now" to launch the full program. 
5. You can exit the program at any time and revisit it later under the "My Programs" tab when you are logged in.

For technical assistance with logging in or accessing programs, please contact education@alz.org.

Programs about Alzheimer's disease

• 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's — ​Learn the 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's disease, hear from people who have the disease, and find out how to recognize the signs in yourself and others. Take the course in Spanish.
• Understanding Alzheimer's and Dementia — ​Learn about the difference between Alzheimer's and dementia, stages, risk factors and more. Take the course in Spanish.

Programs for caregivers

• The Empowered Caregiver

  This education program helps caregivers navigate the responsibilities of caring for someone with dementia, manage stress and find community. 

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  Dementia Conversations: Driving, Doctor Visits, Legal & Financial Planning — Learn to have honest and caring conversations about common concerns when someone begins to show signs of dementia.
• Effective Communication Strategies — Learn to decode the verbal and behavioral messages delivered by someone with dementia, and identify strategies to help you connect and communicate at each stage of the disease.
• Transitions in Care — Moving a loved one with dementia into a long-term care community can be emotionally challenging. This program offers tips and support to help you assess needs, explore options, understand coverage and stay involved.
• Managing Money — Caregivers: How much do you know about managing money? This free online program by the Alzheimer’s Association will help you learn about the costs of caregiving and the benefits of early planning, and teach you how to avoid financial abuse and fraud, start a conversation about finances, assess financial and legal needs, and find support. Take the course in Spanish.
• Understanding and Responding to Dementia-Related Behavior — Learn about some of the common triggers for behaviors associated with dementia, how to assess the person’s needs, and how to intervene effectively in this educational training program for non-professional caregivers.
• Living with Alzheimer's: For Caregivers — Early Stage — In the early stage of Alzheimer’s disease, families face new questions as they adjust. This three-part program provides practical answers to the questions that arise in the early stage.
• Living with Alzheimer's: For Caregivers — Middle Stage — In the middle stage of Alzheimer’s disease, care partners now become hands-on caregivers. During this three-part series, you will hear caregivers and professionals discuss helpful strategies to provide safe, effective and comfortable care.
• Living with Alzheimer's: For Caregivers — Late Stage — In the late stage of Alzheimer’s disease, caregiving typically involves new ways of connecting and interacting with the person with the disease. In this two-part series, you’ll hear from caregivers and professionals about resources, monitoring care and ways to engage in meaningful connections.

Programs for people living with Alzheimer's

• Living with Alzheimer's: For People with Alzheimer's — For individuals living with Alzheimer's: The diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is life-changing and leads to many questions. In this three-part program, you will hear from others who have been where you are, and will learn what you need to know to navigate this chapter of your life.
• Living with Alzheimer's: For Younger-Onset Alzheimer's — For individuals living with younger-onset Alzheimer's: This program offers answers to questions about younger-onset (also known as early-onset) Alzheimer’s disease. Hear from those directly affected and learn how to ease the impact throughout the course of the disease.