Alzheimer's Association
24-Hour Helpline

Call 800.272.3900 or click here to access e-helpline

Note: we check the e-helpline
mailbox at least 3 times a week.
If you need immediate assistance, please call
The 24-hour toll-free 800 number above.

Assistance and support is provided 24-hours a day, seven days a week, in 140 languages.

Callers to the Chapter's Helpline ask a variety of questions. The Chapter's trained Helpline Specialists offer information, referrals and emotional support. Printed resources are mailed to callers or caregivers upon request.

Below are a few of the issues that the Helpline frequently assists callers with. For more information, please call one of our Helpline Specialists at the location nearest to you.

Does your loved one have Alzheimer's, or is he or she experiencing some other problem? Getting an accurate diagnosis is crucial to proper treatment, but what do you need to do?

1. Recent memory loss that affects job skills
2. Difficulty performing familiar tasks
3. Problems with language
4. Disorientation of time and place
5. Poor or decreased judgment
6. Problems with abstract thinking
7. Misplacing things
8. Changes in mood or behavior
9. Changes in personality
10. Loss of initiative

A diagnosis can only be made by a qualified physician. If your loved one exhibits a number of the warning signs above, you may want to consult a physician to see if it is indeed Alzheimer's. The diagnostic process involves the following:

1. Determination of medical history
2. Mental status evaluation
3. Physical examination
4. Neurological examination
5. Laboratory tests
6. Psychiatric, psychological and other evaluations

The Helpline has more information about this process, as well as the location of the diagnostic center nearest you.

1. Denial
2. Anger
3. Social withdrawal
4. Anxiety
5. Depression
6. Exhaustion
7. Sleeplessness
8. Irritability
9. Lack of concentration
10. Health problems

The Helpline can help you learn to cope with the tremendous stress that caregivers experience. In addition to offering emotional support, we can provide you with information on coping techniques, tips to manage challenging behaviors, and resources in your area that you may need.

I'M HAVING TROUBLE COMMUNICATING WITH MY LOVED ONE WITH ALZHEIMER'S. WHAT CAN I DO?

1. Be calm and supportive
2. Focus on feelings, not facts
3. Pay attention to tone of voice
4. Identify yourself and address the person by name
5. Speak slowly and clearly
6. Use short, simple and familiar words
7. Ask one question at a time
8. Allow enough time for a response
9. Avoid the use of pronouns, negative statements and quizzing
10. Use nonverbal communication such as pointing and touching
11. Offer assistance as needed
12. Don't talk about the person as if he or she wasn't there
13. Have patience, flexibility and understanding

The Helpline can give you more detailed and specific information on how to communicate with an Alzheimer patient, or can address your other questions and concerns.

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