Alzheimer's Disease in Adults

by Beth Rogan, RN Community Outreach Manager, WarmLines and Project INTERFACE

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer's Disease is a progressive, degenerative disorder that occurs when brain cells die; it causes problems severe enough to affect work, life-long hobbies and eventually the ability to carry out even the simplest tasks. The brain cells (neurons) that are affected are the ones that produce the chemical neurotransmitter acetylcholine. When they can no longer produce it, they break connections with other nerve cells and ultimately cease to function, leading to one or more of the following symptoms.

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Resource Organizations » Alzheimer's Disease

9 listing(s)

In Needham

Needham Council on Aging

(Needham only )
www.needhamma.gov/coa
Needham, MA  02492
781-455-7555
The Needham Council on Aging is dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of residents of all ages and acts as a gateway to information, services and programming that support and enable a multigenerational group (ages randing from 60 to over 100) to maintain health, independence, optimal level of functioning, wherever the person resides. Offerings are designed to help maximize quality of life based on individual interests and needs. The professional staff offers individually tailored counseling and case management in a variety of settings, and can provide an array of information, resources and referrals to a variety of services.

Needham Health Department

(Needham only )
www.needhamma.gov/health
500 Dedham Ave.
Needham, MA  02492
781-455-7500 x 511
The Needham Health Department offers a range of mental health services for citizens of the town. Public Health Nurses provide confidential counseling and referrals to all ages. Short-term home-based services for at-risk teenagers and their families are provided through Riverside Community Care's Alternative Youth Services program. The program includes family counseling, advocacy, information, and referral. Call the Health Department for more information on these free services. The town's Substance Abuse Prevention and Education program provides informational programs, educational resources, and confidential substance abuse support services for Needham youth, adults, and seniors. Contact Carol Read at the Health Department to find out more about inpatient and outpatient treatment, individual and group counseling, and peer support resources regarding substance abuse, addiction and chemical dependency.

Needham Health Department, Nursing Services

(Needham only )
www.needhamma.gov/index.aspx?nid=1400
1471 Highland Ave.
Needham, MA  02492
781-455-7523
The Needham Health Department Nursing Services oversee and provide a wide range of services and programs; including communicable diseases investigations, immunizations, wellness clinics, home visits to elders (Senior SAFTE Program), consultation regarding assistance programs and counseling /referrals for all ages. Consult the web site for a full listing or call the Health Department for more information.

In Massachusetts

Alzheimer's Association, Massachusetts/ New Hampshire

www.alz.org/MA
311 Arsenal Street
Watertown, MA  02472
24-hour Helpline: 800-272-3900
617-868-6718
The Alzheimer's Association's mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.
The Alzheimer's Association is the largest private investor in innovative research related to Alzheimer's and related disorders. The Alzheimer's Association has a highly regarded scientific program. The Massachusetts/ New Hampshire chapter has published an online guide to participating in research trials. This is also available in hard copy by calling the Helpline.
The Alzheimer's Association, Massachusetts/ New Hampshire has five offices: Watertown, Raynham, Springfield and Worcester, MA and Bedford, NH.

Springwell, Inc.

www.springwell.com/
125 Walnut Street
Watertown, MA  02472
617-926-4100
Springwell is a private, non-profit agency that has been creating, managing, and coordinating services for seniors, individuals with disabilities and those who help care for them for more than 30 years. Along the way, we have amassed a wealth of knowledge and insight about the many public and private resources available.
We serve all elders, individuals with disabilities and their families regardless of financial situation or level of need. Our reputation for excellence is why more than 10,000 families turn to us each year for support.

Outside Massachusetts

Alzheimer's Association

www.alz.org
225 North Michigan Avenue
Fl. 17
312-335-8700
The Alzheimer's Association's mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research and to enhance quality care and support for individuals, their families and care partners.

Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral Center (ADEAR)

www.alzheimers.org
P.O. Box 8250
Silver Spring, MD  20907
301-495-3311
800-438-4380
The ADEAR Center site provides current, comprehensive Alzheimer's disease information and resources from the U.S. Government's National Institute on Aging (NIA).

Alzheimer's Foundation of America

www.alzfdn.org
322 8th Avenue
7th Floor
New York, NY  10001
866-232-8484
This site includes information about Alzheimer's disease and related illnesses, care giving strategies and behavioral issues, as well as daily news about Alzheimer's disease, and links to AFA member organizations and AFA divisions.
Also maintains a nationwide toll-free hotline (866.AFA.8484). AFA's hotline provides information, counseling by licensed social workers and referrals to resources across the nation, including community organizations that offer hands-on support services.

LightBridge Healthcare Research

www.LightBridgeHealthcare.com
2726 Nacogdoches Road
San Antonio, TX  78217
877-572-0670
LightBridge provides information and educational training materials for caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. LightBridge's website offers information on Alzheimer's disease, caregiving strategies and tips, articles on the latest research, and an online community of caregivers sharing personal experience and expertise.

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Additional Sources of Information

  • The Forgetting: A Portrait of Alzheimer's Disease, a PBS web site on Alzheimer's disease offering information on symptoms, risk factors, coping, and additional resources.
  • Alzheimer's Disease: A Caregiver and Patient Resource List. This resource list from the National Institute on Aging contains more than 80 books, booklets, fact sheets, DVDs, and other materials specifically for people with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers.
  • Community Resource Guide to Services for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders, from the West Suburban Area Alzheimer's Partnership, is a local resource guide for elders with Alzheimer's and their families. This guide provides a listing of local adult day health centers,assisted living facilities, care managers; diagnostic center,; financial and legal resources, home health agencies, housing options, nursing homes and support groups for individuals and families caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease. To request a copy, call Springwell's Information and Referral Department at 617-926-4100 or download a printer-friendly version of the guide by clicking on the title, above.

General Resources on Aging and Wellness

Disclaimer: Material on the Project INTERFACE web site is intended as general information. It is not a recommendation for treatment, nor should it be considered medical or mental health advice. Project INTERFACE urges families to discuss all information and questions related to medical or mental health care with a health care professional.