If you or someone you know is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia, you can take steps now.   

Stay healthy: A nutritious diet and exercise can protect your health. It's also important to get regular medical, dental and vision care. 

Be social: Spend time with family and friends doing things 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.

“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 onetime 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 each month. 

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

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

More information: 

• Call 503-494-7615 
• Email AlzheimersRN@ohsu.edu
• Download the Getting Started: Living With Memory Concerns workshop flyer

Alzheimer’s Association support groups:

• Oregon and southwest Washington
• Washington state and northern Idaho
• 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.

Is Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease Possible? 

Dr. Aimee Pierce

June 16, 2020

Genetic Risk and Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease 

Dr. Aimee Pierce 

Feb. 4, 2019 

23 and Me … And You; Should You Test Yourself for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Genes?  

Dr. Joseph Quinn 

Nov. 9, 2017

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

Using Technology to Advance Aging, Alzheimer's Disease and Caregiver Research

Dr. Zach Beattie

Oct. 5, 2020

Aging and Financial Capacity

Dr. Kathy Wild

Jan. 22, 2020

Improving Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease and Lewy Body Dementia

Dr. Joseph Quinn 

March 2021

Dementia and Vision

Dr. William Hills 

Oct. 13, 2016

• Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias Education and Referral Center (ADEAR), with information on support for caregivers
• Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon, including caregiving information; 855-673-2372 
• Alzheimer’s Association, with a 24/7 help line at 800-272-3900  
• Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, with a help line at 866-232-8484  
• Eldercare locator
• Oregon Care Partners partnered with Dr. Allison Lindauer on a dementia webinar

• Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregiver Center, Alzheimer’s Association
• Alzheimer’s Caregiving, National Institute on Aging
• Alzheimer’s Caregiving: Caring for Yourself, National Institute on Aging
• Caregiver Action Network
• Family Caregiver Alliance

• Downloadable Resources, Alzheimer’s Association 
• Family Caregiver Handbook, Oregon Department of Human Services 
• Family Caregiver Handbook, Washington State Department of Social and Health Services 
• Understanding Alzheimer’s disease: What you need to know, National Institute on Aging