Web Resources for Alzheimer's Disease

1. Administration on Aging

This government site contains background about the Older Americans Act and associated programs for families dealing with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia. A section specifically for older adults and families has information about Alzheimer's resources, healthful lifestyles, elder rights and abuse issues and programs for caregivers, such as the National Family Caregiver Support Program.

2. Alzheimer's Association

Here, you'll find information about Alzheimer's disease and related disorders, both for caregivers and for people with Alzheimer's or other kinds of dementia. The Alzheimer's Association is a nonprofit organization comprised of chapters around the country that provide services, such as a telephone hotline, support groups for caregivers and those in the early stages of the disease, personal consultations, caregiver workshops, identification bracelets and referrals to local health care services and facilities. Your nearest chapter can be located through this site.

3. Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral Center

This is the information clearinghouse on Alzheimer's disease for the National Institute on Aging, which is part of the National Institutes of Health. It contains access to several original publications and audiovisual materials -- many of which are free -- that can be downloaded or ordered through the mail.

4. Alzheimer's Foundation of America

This is the official site for another nonprofit organization providing information on Alzheimer's and other kinds of dementia. This organization is more geared toward caregivers than toward those with the disease, and it doesn't have local chapters. Member organizations across the country, however, provide services, such as consultation, education, identification bracelets, respite care and support groups. You can search for your nearest member organization through the site.

5. Alzheimer's Society

The Alzheimer's Society is the UK's leading care and research charity for people with dementia and those who care for them. The website offers more than 80 fact sheets on Alzheimer's and other dementias, caregiving techniques and a variety of services and treatments. For UK residents, the website provides information about local branches of the Alzheimer's Society; there's also a special section for researchers and professionals.

6. Association for Frontotemporal Dementias

This nonprofit organization focuses on a group of dementias called the "frontotemporal dementias," which include conditions such as Pick's disease, progressive aphasia and corticobasal degeneration. The website contains extensive information on these dementias as well as caregiving resources, a newsletter and information about the association's help-line service and support groups.

7. Family Caregiver Alliance

This nonprofit organization focuses on caregivers of those with Alzheimer's and other chronic conditions. A large collection of caregiving materials are available online, as well as discussion forums and information about conferences and trainings for caregivers. This group also advocates for more and better services for caregivers.

8. Lewy Body Dementia Association

Lewy body dementia is one of the second most common causes of dementia after Alzheimer's disease. This organization offers the latest information about Lewy body dementia, support groups and forums for caregivers, a newsletter, a help line and updates about clinical trials focusing on Lewy body dementia's causes and potential treatments.

9. National Family Caregivers Association

This nonprofit organization's goal is to educate and support caregivers while advocating for their rights to adequate services and nondiscriminatory practices by employers. The website includes online fact sheets, a newsletter, links to disease-specific information and agencies and updates on public policy issues relevant to caregivers.