Support Groups & Community
Alzheimer's Association
The largest national voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer's care, support, and research, with a free 24/7 helpline staffed by clinicians.
Who it's for
Anyone affected by Alzheimer's or another dementia -- people living with a diagnosis, family members, and caregivers -- at any stage, from first questions after a diagnosis to end-of-life care.
When to use this
Any time you need to talk to someone who understands dementia: in a moment of crisis, when you have a medical or care question, or simply when you need to find a local support group or program.
Why MemoryPath recommends this
It is the largest and most established dementia-specific organization in the country, with master's-level clinicians answering the helpline around the clock, 365 days a year -- a level of immediate, knowledgeable support few other organizations can match.
Services provided
- 24/7 helpline staffed by dementia specialists and master's-level clinicians
- In-person and online early-stage and caregiver support groups
- Care navigation and referrals to local programs
- Extensive educational library on dementia types, stages, and care
What to expect
The 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900) is the fastest way to reach a real person: specialists and master's-level clinicians provide confidential support, crisis assistance, and information in more than 200 languages. It's appropriate for anything from an urgent, emotional moment to a practical question about what a new diagnosis means.
Beyond the helpline
Local Alzheimer's Association chapters run in-person and virtual support groups specifically for people in the early stages of dementia, as well as separate groups for caregivers. The organization also maintains one of the largest public libraries of dementia education available, covering diagnosis, disease progression, communication strategies, and long-term planning.
A note on scope
The Alzheimer's Association is a nonprofit advocacy and support organization, not a medical provider -- it complements, rather than replaces, a physician or care team.