Alzheimer's Disease: Resources for Patients and Families

A mother and daughter smiling and embracing

If you or a family member has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, it can seem overwhelming. The first step is to learn more about the condition so you can be prepared. Here, you’ll find resources to help, including: 

  • A newsletter you can sign up for 
  • Actions you can take in the early stages 
  • Support groups and a workshop 
  • Information about brain health and Alzheimer’s research 
  • Reliable websites with practical tips and information 

Find additional OHSU Brain Institute patient and family resources.

Alzheimer’s Update newsletter

Our Alzheimer’s Update newsletter offers information on brain health, OHSU research programs and other topics.

Sign up for our newsletter and see past editions

What you can do now

If you or someone you know is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia, you can steps now. The following can help you enjoy life and prepare for changes ahead.  

Stay healthy: Keep healthy habits. A nutritious diet and exercise can maintain your physical health. Seeing providers regularly for medical, dental and vision care is also important for overall wellness. 

Be social: Spend time with your family and friends doing activities you enjoy. Research shows that staying socially connected can delay memory loss.  

Talk about dementia: Share your diagnosis with those close to you. Be honest about your feelings and the support you need. 

Prepare for change: Expect Alzheimer’s disease to cause changes in your life over time. It can be frustrating to struggle with tasks that used to be easy. Give yourself time to do things, and get help from others when things become difficult. 

Connect with organizations: Join a group such as the Alzheimer’s Association, which can help you and your family adjust. Groups familiar with your condition can help you make life more comfortable and support your independence.

The ACTNOW research registry matches voluntary participants with a research study or clinical trial. Participants also receive newsletter updates about study opportunities. The registry was started by the Layton Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease Center.

Learn more about OHSU research on aging, Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

Workshops and support groups

“Getting Started: Living With Memory Concerns” is a free online workshop led by OHSU's Gillian Devereux, RN. It’s for patients, family members and care partners who are new to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. The workshop is presented in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association.  

Topics: This one-visit workshop covers living with memory concerns related to Alzheimer’s disease, including: 

  • Care for the person with a memory disorder 
  • Support for the caregiver 
  • Introduction to Alzheimer’s Association programs 
  • Community resources 

When: 3 to 4:30 p.m. on the first Thursday of every month 

Where: Online; you'll receive a web link when you register. 

Register: Call the Alzheimer’s Association at 800-272-3900. 

More information: 

Alzheimer’s Association support groups in Oregon and southwest Washington, in Washington state and northern Idaho, and in greater Idaho.

HOPE Dementia Support: Support groups in the Portland area and in Clark County, Washington. 

ALZConnected: Online community, sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association, with forums for caregivers and people with dementia.  
 

Allison Lindauer, Ph.D., NP, leads a monthly support group for caregivers of people with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and related disorders. 

These conditions often cause challenging behavior and personality changes that can lead to caregiver stress and exhaustion. The group gives caregivers a chance to receive emotional support while sharing strategies and solutions.  

The group is open to families of someone who has received care at the Layton Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease Center. Contact Dr. Lindauer at 503-494-6976 or emailadoutreach@ohsu.edu for more information.

Videos from our Brain TLC lecture series

The Layton Center hosts the Brain TLC lecture series. We invite experts to talk about brain health, and the latest in dementia and aging research. Email us at ADoutreach@ohsu.edu to receive email notifications of Brain TLC events.

The Science of Supplements for Brain Health
Dr. Andrew Natonson
March 22, 2023

Unraveling the Mysterious Role of Sleep in Brain Neurodegeneration
Dr. Miranda Lim
March 15, 2022

Understanding Lewy Body dementia
Kathy Teyler Jarrett
Oct. 15, 2021

Dietary Fats and Healthy Brain Aging
Dr. Lynne Shinto
Oct. 15, 2019

Talking About Brain Health in a Culturally Responsive Way 
Juell Towns 
June 12, 2019 

Supporting Brain Health with Cognitive Rehabilitation
Kristin Knight, M.S., CCC-SLP
Haley Landau, M.S., CCC-SLP
April 26, 2018 

The ‘New Normal’ or the New Abnormal: Making Sense of Cognitive Changes Over Time
Allison Lindauer, Ph.D. 
April 17, 2017

For caregivers

Download helpful information and resources about Alzheimer’s disease as PDFs that you can print or share with others: 

For patients

  • Referral: To become a patient, please ask your doctor for a referral. 
  • Questions: For questions about arranging a referral or to make a follow-up appointment, call 503-494-7772.
  • Nurse line: To talk with a nurse about questions or concerns, call 503-494-7615.

Location

Parking is free for patients and their visitors.

Center for Health & Healing Building 1, eighth floor
3303 S. Bond Ave.
Portland, OR 97239
Map and directions

Refer a patient

Resources

Sign up for our newsletter and see past editions

Brain donation

Discover how donated tissue can advance brain research.

Learn more about the Oregon Brain Bank