What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer's is a type of dementia that affects memory, thinking and behavior. Symptoms eventually grow severe enough to interfere with daily tasks.

Our Commitment to Research

Our commitment to accelerating the global effort to eliminate Alzheimer's disease and other dementias is at the core of all we do.

Our Commitment to Research

Our commitment to accelerating the global effort to eliminate Alzheimer's disease and other dementias is at the core of all we do.

Glossary

Glossary

Insurance

Medicare, private insurance, or a group employee or retiree plan may provide coverage.

Younger-Onset Alzheimer's

Diagnosis of younger-onset brings unique challenges. Get information and resources to help you plan for family impact, work, financial and future care.

Paying for Care

A number of financial resources may be available to help cover costs of care.

Working with Care Providers

Planning Ahead for Legal Matters

While it's important for everyone to plan for the future, legal plans are especially important for a person with Alzheimer's.

Improving Care

Facts and Figures

Our annual report reveals the burden of Alzheimer’s and dementia on individuals, caregivers, government and the nation’s health care system.

Board of Directors

Strategic Plan

Our plan builds on our progress and includes overarching Association-wide strategic objectives.

Building a Care Team

Get Educated

Medicaid

Learn about Medicaid eligibility and long-term care coverage.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Tips for Dementia Caregivers in Long-Term or Community-Based Settings

Changes in Relationships

Learn how Alzheimer's can impact your relationships with family and friends.

Dementia Care Provider Roundtable

Indiana

Stages of Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's disease typically progresses slowly in three general stages.

Tax Deductions and Credits

If you pay out-of-pocket care costs for a person with Alzheimer's, you may qualify for tax benefits.

Abuse

Those with Alzheimer's and other dementias are vulnerable to abuse and neglect. Learn types and signs of abuse and how to report an incident or concern.

Montana

Long-Distance Caregiving

Medication Safety

Use these safety tips to help avoid medication-related problems.

Medication Safety

Use these safety tips to help avoid medication-related problems.

Resolving Family Conflicts

Dealing with Alzheimer's can bring out many strong emotions. Get strategies to help your family cope.

Alzheimer’s Ambassador Program

Gina Adelman

Financial Planning

Publications

Downloadable brochures, topic sheets and reports.

Publications

Downloadable brochures, topic sheets and reports.

Changing Care Providers

Choosing Care Providers

How Clinical Trials Work

Legal Planning

Planning for Care Costs

Learn about common care costs and financial documents you'll need.

The Holidays and Alzheimer’s

Holidays can be challenging for families living with Alzheimer's or other dementias. Get tips for celebrating safely and keeping everybody healthy.

24/7 Wandering Support for a Safe Return

Learn about a 24-hour nationwide emergency and wandering response service for individuals living with Alzheimer's.

Medicare

Get the latest updates on Medicare coverage for Alzheimer's and other dementias.

Can Alzheimer's Disease Be Prevented?

While Alzheimer's prevention has no definitive answers yet, research has shown that we can take action to reduce our risk of developing it.

Public Policy Victories

Long-term Care

Different types of facilities provide different levels of care, depending on the person's needs.

Louisiana

Alaska

Iowa

Nebraska

Wyoming

Rhode Island

Early-Stage Caregiving

Early-stage Alzheimer's and related dementia symptoms are mild and the main role of a caregiver is support.

Caregiver Stress

Learn 10 symptoms of caregiver stress and get tips to avoid burnout.

National Academy of Neuropsychology & Alzheimer’s Association Funding Opportunity

Younger/Early-Onset Alzheimer's

Why Get Checked?

Read about the benefits of receiving an early diagnosis.

Hawaii

Tennessee

Early-Stage Advisory Group

Middle-Stage Caregiving

During the middle stages of Alzheimer's, the person living with dementia will need a greater level of care.

Advancing Research on Care and Outcome Measurement 2.0 (ARCOM)

Taking Care of Yourself

If You Live Alone

Home

For Kids

West Virginia

Aspire Society

South Carolina

Just Diagnosed

New Jersey

North Dakota

New Mexico

Gift Options to Meet Your Goals

Medical and Scientific Advisory Group (MSAG)

Medical and Scientific Advisory Group (MSAG)

Food and Eating

If eating and nutrition have become a challenge, try these strategies to simplify mealtime.

Dental Care

Read about how to help a person with dementia maintain good oral health.

Imaging Research in Alzheimer’s and Other Neurodegenerative Diseases

Imaging Research in Alzheimer’s and Other Neurodegenerative Diseases

Lori A. Jacobson

What Causes Memory Loss? Assessing Symptoms and Seeking Help

What Causes Memory Loss? Assessing Symptoms and Seeking Help

Sue Sawyer

Online Tools

Talk to Your Doctor

Preparing for Emergencies

Emergency situations can be especially confusing for those with Alzheimer's and other dementias. Here you'll find steps to be ready as possible.

Korea ADNI

Technology 101

Check out this run-down of common tracking technologies and information about emerging trends.

Our Impact

Through our many initiatives and worldwide reach, the Alzheimer’s Association leads the charge in Alzheimer’s care, support, research and advocacy.

Differential Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease

E-News Archives

Governance

We follow rigorous policies that preserve the public's trust and protect the integrity of the Alzheimer's Association.

Is Alzheimer's Genetic?

Family history is not necessary for an individual to develop Alzheimer’s or other dementias, but scientists know genetics (hereditary factors) are involved.

Why We Advocate

Quality of Care

Public health can use its broad authority to ensure people with dementia and their caregivers receive quality care.

Alzheimer’s Association Leveraging Model & Data Resources to Advance Alzheimer’s and Dementia Discovery Program (ALZ Discovery Grant Program)

Korsakoff Syndrome

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

A Message from Elizabeth

Connecticut

Australia ADNI

Idaho

Respite Care

Continuing Education on Alzheimer's and Dementia

Available continuing education and CME opportunities for physicians, nurses and other clinicians.

North American ADNI

Become a Corporate Partner

Visiting Your Doctor

Get questions to ask and learn what to expect at a visit for symptoms.

Helpline

Our free 24/7 Helpline provides reliable information and support to all those who need assistance.

Helpline

Our free 24/7 Helpline provides reliable information and support to all those who need assistance.

Portfolio Summaries

View grant portfolio summaries by year.

Get Involved with Your Local Chapter

Accepting the Diagnosis

Accepting a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or a related dementia requires time to absorb information.

Late-Stage Caregiving

The late stage of Alzheimer's usually requires intensive care. As caregiver, your role focuses on preserving quality of life and dignity.

Make a Difference

Search Our Funded Studies

View abstracts of studies supported by our research funding. You can also search for specific dementia grants.

Meet Our Corporate Partners

Alzheimer’s Impact Movement (AIM)

Career Opportunities

We are looking for people who want to build their careers and make a difference each and every day for those impacted by Alzheimer’s.

Live Well Online Resources

You have a choice in how you live life with Alzheimer's or other dementia. Get tips and resources to help you take control of your health and well-being.

About Our Grants

Our International Research Grant Program funds investigations to advance our understanding of Alzheimer's.

International Research Grant Program

Learn about our grant application process and key deadlines. All of our grants are open to U.S. and international researchers

Health Equity

Public health plays a leading role in planning and executing initiatives to eliminate disparities and address social determinants of health.

End-of-Life Planning

After diagnosis of Alzheimer's or other dementia, care and end-of-life planning can be difficult. Get facts on hospice, DNR and more to help you plan ahead.

Alzheimer's Association Celebrity Champions

Alzheimer’s Association World Wide FINGERS Network Funding Program (ALZ WW-FNFP)

Alzheimer's Association Research Grant — Alzheimer’s Association World Wide FINGERS Network Funding Program (ALZ WW-FNFP) — learn about grant objectives, eligib

The Zenith Fellows Award Program (Zenith)

Leaving Your Legacy

Statements

Read the Alzheimer’s Association’s official positions on ethical, medical and care topics related to Alzheimer's disease or dementia.

Sex and Gender in Alzheimer's (SAGA 23) Award Program

PicnicHealth

Working With the Doctor

Learn how to plan ahead to get the most out of medical appointments.

Senior Management

Use of Funds

Use of Funds

Communication and Alzheimer's

Get strategies to help both you and the person with dementia communicate and connect.

Marshalls

WayForth

Goodcents

Life After Diagnosis

Learn how to get support and live your best life after a diagnosis of Alzheimer's.

Overcoming Stigma

Favorite Links

Web links related to Alzheimer's.

Treatment Horizon

A worldwide quest is under way to find new treatments to stop, slow or even prevent Alzheimer's.

Alzheimer’s Disease Strategic Fund: Endolysosomal Activity in Alzheimer’s (E2A) Grant Program

Alzheimer’s Disease Strategic Fund: Endolysosomal Activity in Alzheimer’s (E2A) Grant Program

For Parents and Teachers

Press Resources

Helping Family and Friends

Milestones

Milestones in Alzheimer's research and treatment

Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s Disease: What is the Difference?

Dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia.

10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer's

Your memory often changes as you grow older. But memory loss that disrupts daily life is not a typical part of aging.

Fundraising Standards

Anxiety and Agitation

A person with dementia may become restless or upset in certain places when focused on specific details.

Diagnostic Criteria & Guidelines

Latest clinical criteria for diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease issued by the Alzheimer's Association and the NIH – with updated guidelines on biomarker data.

Activities

Learn how to modify activities to enhance quality of life.

Incontinence

Learn about causes and how to respond to this common issue in the later stages of Alzheimer's.

In-home Care

In-home care allows a person with Alzheimer's to stay in a familiar environment. It also can be of great assistance to caregivers.

Daily Care Plan

Get tips on organizing the day, planning activities and creating a daily plan.

Early Detection and Diagnosis

Public health professionals can educate the community and health care providers on the benefits of early detection and help reduce barriers to diagnosis.

Instructional Videos

Dressing and Grooming

Helping a person with dementia maintain his or her appearance can promote positive self-esteem.

Bathing

Read about ways to make bathing less difficult and safe for those with dementia.

Questions for Your Doctor

Wandering

Wandering among people with dementia is dangerous, but there are strategies and services to help prevent it.

Wandering

Wandering among people with dementia is dangerous, but there are strategies and services to help prevent it.

Alzheimer’s Association Innovation Roundtable (AAIR)

AAIR drives collaboration across the health care sector in relation to dementia, influencing innovation and best practices in Alzheimer’s and dementia care.

Health Professionals Education

Public health can prepare professionals to promote the health and well-being of people living with dementia and caregivers.

Disclosure of Diagnosis

Our Brand

The Alzheimer's Association brand creates our identity, expands our reach and establishes us as the leader in Alzheimer's care, support and research.​

Alzheimer's & Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions

Search Databases

Find studies, articles, reports and other data.

Art and Music

Learn how music and art activities can provide enrichment and self-expression.

Support for People Living With Dementia

Resource Lists

Chosen by our staff and reviewed by experts in the field.

Depression

Identifying depression in someone with Alzheimer's can be difficult, since dementia can cause some of the same symptoms.

About This Site

Why Participate in a Clinical Trial?

Clinical trials provide many participants access to cutting-edge treatments and expert medical care. And someday, they will lead us to the end of Alzheimer’s.

When Clinical Trials End

Past Leadership

Management

Research

Social Security Disability

Learn about SSDI and SSI allowances for early-onset Alzheimer's.

Donate Stock

Clinical Trials: Myths vs. Facts

Home Safety

Home safety is critical for those with Alzheimer's and other dementias. Learn about potential safety hazards and get home safety tips.

Advanced Imaging and Biomarkers

First Survivor

Global Alzheimer’s Association Interactive Network

Changing the way researchers work together to answer questions related to the causes, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of Alzheimer's.

Earlier Diagnosis

What if we could diagnose Alzheimer's before symptoms started? Research around earlier diagnosis is among the most active areas in Alzheimer's science.

Research Roundtable

Advancing the research, development and management of new treatments for Alzheimer’s disease.

Treatments and Research

An overview of research on treatments aimed at stopping, slowing or even preventing Alzheimer's.

Trajectory Report

Read the Alzheimer's Association report "Changing the Trajectory of Alzheimer's Disease: How a Treatment by 2025 Saves Lives and Dollars" – download now.

Caregiver Support

Public health can raise awareness of caregiver needs and help develop support and resources.

Medical Tests for Diagnosing Alzheimer's

Testing for Alzheimer’s or other dementias entails diagnostic, cognitive or blood tests, MRI, CT or PET brain imaging, neurological exams or other assessments.