Now What? 

Next Steps After an 

Alzheimer’s Diagnosis 

A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease can be diffcult, 

but getting accurate information and support can 

help you know what to expect and what to do next. 

Use this checklist to help you get started. 

Learn about Alzheimer’s disease 

Being informed will help you know what to expect as the 

disease progresses. Here are some resources: 

Alzheimer’s and related Dementias 

Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center 

www.alzheimers.gov | 800-438-4380 

Alzheimer’s Association 

www.alz.org | 800-272-3900 

Alzheimer’s Foundation of America 

https://alzfdn.org | 866-232-8484 

Local hospitals and community centers may have 

educational programs about Alzheimer’s disease and 

related dementias. 

Get regular medical care 

Make regular appointments with your primary care 

doctor or specialist (neurologist, neuropsychiatrist, 

geriatric psychiatrist). 

www.nia.nih.gov/health/doctor-patientcommunication/talking-with-your-doctor 

Consider going to a memory disorders clinic. Ask your 

doctor for a referral if desired. 

Find local services and support 

Find local services by contacting Eldercare Locator 

https://eldercare.acl.gov | 800-677-1116 

Contact your local Alzheimer’s Disease 

Research Center 

www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimersdisease-research-centers 

Find local chapters, organizations, and support groups: 

• Alzheimer’s Association

www.alz.org | 800-272-3900

• Alzheimer’s Foundation of America

https://alzfdn.org | 866-232-8484

Do some legal, fnancial, and long-term care planning 

Get information to help you plan. 

www.nia.nih.gov/health/legal-and-fnancialplanning-people-alzheimers 

Prepare or update your will, living will, health care 

power of attorney, and fnancial power of attorney. To 

fnd a lawyer, contact your local bar association or the 

National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. 

www.naela.org 

Learn about care you may need in the future and 

how to pay for it. 

https://longtermcare.acl.gov 

Explore getting help to pay for medicines, housing, 

transportation, and more. 

www.beneftscheckup.org 

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Get help as needed with day-to-day tasks 

Use simple memory aids like a notepad or sticky notes 

to jot down reminders, a pillbox to keep medications 

organized, and a calendar to record appointments. 

Ask family members or friends or fnd local services to 

help with routine tasks, such as cooking, paying bills, 

transportation, or shopping. 

Consider using technology solutions for medication 

management, safety (e.g., emergency response, door 

alarms), and other care. 

See tips about coping daily, changes in relationships, 

and more. 

www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers/caregiving 
Be safe at home 

Get home-safety tips. 

www.nia.nih.gov/health/home-safety-checklistalzheimers-disease 

Ask your doctor to order a home-safety evaluation and 

recommend a home health care agency to conduct it. 

Medicare may cover the cost. 

Consider wearing a medical ID bracelet or necklace 

in case you get lost or need help, or joining the 

MedicAlert and Alzheimer’s Association’s Wandering 

Support program. 

www.medicalert.org/alz 

Stay safe on the road 

Talk with your doctor if you become confused, get 

lost, or need lots of help with directions, or if others 

worry about your driving. 

Get a driving evaluation. Ask your doctor for names of 

driving evaluators, or visit the American Occupational 

Therapy Association. 

https://myaota.aota.org/driver_search 

Learn about driving safety. 

www.nia.nih.gov/health/driving-safety-andalzheimers-disease 

Consider participating in a clinical trial 

Ask your doctor about trials or studies. 

Contact an Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center for 

assessment and potential research opportunities. 

Search for a clinical trial or study near you 

or that you could participate in remotely: 

• NIA Clinical Trials Finder

www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers/clinical-trials

Learn more about clinical trials: 

• NIA Clinical Trials Information

www.nia.nih.gov/health/clinical-trials

• National Institutes of Health

www.nih.gov/health-information/

nih-clinical-research-trials-you

Stay healthy 

Be active! Getting exercise helps people with 

Alzheimer’s feel better and helps keep their muscles, 

joints, and heart in good shape. 

www.nia.nih.gov/health/exercise-physical-activity 

Eat a well-balanced diet that includes fruits, 

vegetables, and whole grains. 

www.nia.nih.gov/health/healthy-eating 

Continue to enjoy visits with family and friends, 

hobbies, and outings. 

If you live alone 

Identify someone who can visit you regularly and 

be an emergency contact. 

If you are at risk of falling, order an emergency 

response system. A special pendant or bracelet 

lets you summon help if you fall and can’t reach 

the phone. 

Consider working with an occupational therapist. This 

person can teach you ways to stay independent. Ask 

your doctor for more information. 

Stick with familiar places, people, and routines. 

Simplify your life. 

Get tips about self-care, safety, staying connected, 

and more. 

www.nia.nih.gov/health/tips-living-alone-earlystage-dementia 

If you are working 

If you have problems performing your job, 

consider reducing your hours or switching to 

a less demanding position. 

Consider consulting your employer’s HR department 

or employee assistance program about family leave, 

disability benefts, and other employee benefts. 

Find out if you qualify for Social Security 

disability benefts through “compassionate 

allowances.” 

www.ssa.gov/compassionateallowances 

800-772-1213

NIH Publication No. 20-AG-8126 

Alzheimer’s and related Dementias 

Education and Referral Center | June 2020 

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