Alzheimer's Disease Resources

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While Alzheimer’s disease is common, it is not a normal part of aging. 

Most often affecting adults 65 and older, Alzheimer’s gradually impacts memory, thinking, and behavior.1 There’s currently no cure, but evolving treatments and ongoing research aim to slow cognitive decline. Learn how to recognize the symptoms of Alzheimer’s and explore tips and helpful resources for caregivers and loved ones. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Alzheimer’s Disease

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Living With Alzheimer’s Disease

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, it’s important to take steps early — both to prepare for future needs and to manage the condition day to day.

The following tips can help you stay organized, supported, and focused on overall well-being:/p>

  • Create a care plan that includes future medical and legal decisions.
  • Review and update legal documents such as power of attorney and advance directives.
  • Organize important information like accounts, passwords, and document locations. Use our What My Family Should Know guidebook guidebook to keep everything in one place.
  • Plan for safety at home with alarms, monitoring systems, or tracking devices.
  • Explore long-term care options, including in-home assistance or memory care facilities.
  • Develop a support network of family, friends, and professionals.
  • Establish a daily routine to help reduce stress.
  • Stay socially connected and engage in mentally stimulating activities.
  • Maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly as advised by your doctor.
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Tips for Caring for Someone with Alzheimer’s

Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease can be overwhelming and evolving. These tips may help you manage everyday care:

  • Monitor hygiene. A person with Alzheimer's may need help with grooming, bathing, and dressing. Allow them to do as much as they are able to do, while offering gentle support and care.
  • Watch for changes in health. People with dementia may forget to report concerning health symptoms. Keep an eye on their general wellbeing and ask questions each day about how they are feeling.  
  • Take care of your own physical and mental health. Explore respite care options to avoid burnout and tend to your own needs. Consider in-home help or adult day programs for additional support.
  • Join caregiver support groups. If you feel lonely, meeting with other caregivers can give you a chance to share stories and gain support from others in a similar situation. You can find local in-person meetings near you or join online support groups with people all over the world.  

Looking for More Guidance?

The National Institute on Aging offers a wide range of resources to support Alzheimer’s caregivers from managing daily care to planning for the future on their caregiving page. 

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Coverage for Alzheimer’s Disease 

The Compass Rose Health Plan and Original Medicare cover many Alzheimer’s disease care services, including hospital stays, doctor visits, testing, and inpatient treatment. Medicare also covers care planning for Alzheimer’s and dementia. Long-term custodial care, such as assisted living or full-time personal care, is not typically covered.

To learn more about what Medicare covers, visit Medicare.gov.

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Compass Rose Aging Well 

You don’t have to navigate Alzheimer’s alone. Our Aging Well Resource Coordinators can help you find ways to stay engaged, connect with support groups, understand your care options like respite or memory care, and develop daily routines that work for you and your family.  

Connect with Compass Rose Aging Well

Alzheimer’s by the Numbers

7M

Over 7 million Americans over 65 are living with Alzheimer’s7

60%

Alzheimer’s accounts for 60-80% of dementia cases1

164

As of 2024, the Alzheimer’s disease drug development pipeline includes 164 clinical trials assessing 127 unique drugs.8

1 https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-alzheimers 
2 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/expert-answers/alzheimers-and-dementia-whats-the-difference/faq-20396861 
3 https://www.cdc.gov/alzheimers-dementia/about/alzheimers.html 
4 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/in-depth/alzheimers/art-20048075  
5 https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/memantine-and-donepezil-oral-route/description/drg-20137323 
6 https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-and-dementia/preventing-alzheimers-disease-what-do-we-know? 
7 https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/facts-figures 
8 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38659717/