Alzheimer’s Association - Massachusetts & New Hampshire

About Us

The Alzheimer’s Association - Massachusetts and New Hampshire Chapter 

Our Mission
To eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.

Our Vision
A world without Alzheimer's disease.

Helpline

The Alzheimer's Association Helpline operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in 140 languages. Our staff is highly trained and knowledgeable about all aspects of Alzheimer’s disease. Call us if you have questions about:

• Alzheimer’s disease or memory loss, medications and treatment options, brain health and care options

• How the Association can help you 

• Caregiving tips and respite care options

• Services available in your community and referrals

You can also call us for emotional support –– as often as you need. We know that living with Alzheimer’s can be overwhelming at times. Remember, we are here for you –– all day, every day. Call us at 1-800-272-3900.

Care consultation

Our professional staff is dedicated to helping people navigate through the difficult decisions and uncertainties people with Alzheimer’s and their families face at every stage of the disease. We can provide care consultation services to you by telephone, e-mail or in person. These include:

• Assessment of needs

• Assistance with planning and problem solving

• Supportive listening

Early Stage Services

If you, a friend or family member was recently diagnosed, the early stage programs, currently offered in three areas, may be for you. 

Family Consultations

Whether you have received a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia we are here to help by providing information, support, guidance and resources. The goals of an early stage consultation include:

• Helping individuals with a dementia and their care partner(s) to create a personalized care plan, which may include participation in the Memory Club
• Answering questions about early stage & early onset dementia
• Providing referrals to services and other supportive programs in the community
• Providing relevant education materials and event information
• Providing information about clinical trials, research and medications
• Connecting newly diagnosed individuals and their care-partners to graduates of the Memory Club who can provide one-on-one peer support

 The Memory Club

The Memory Club is a cutting edge program specifically designed for individuals with early stage Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia and their care partner. The Memory Club is a comprehensive support, education and peer group that meets weekly. The mission of the Memory Club is to support and empower individuals and care partners as they deal with early stage Alzheimer’s disease and related memory loss disorders, and to shed light on important issues and challenges as they arise. Together we learn about dementia and its emotional impact on individuals, care partners and families. Ultimately, our aim is to create an atmosphere that nurtures new friendships and peer support during and beyond the group experience. The following themes are a sample of the issues addressed in the Memory Club:

• Understanding the disease process          
• Family dynamics
• Safety
• Practical planning for the future
• Emotional & psychological responses to the diagnosis
• Communication
• Honoring independence vs. taking over
• Coping strategies
• Changing responsibilities, roles & task sharing

The Graduation Club

Graduates from the Memory Club who meet criteria for early stage participation may choose to continue in the “Grad Club”  The Grad Club maintains the same objectives as the Memory Club while utilizing the input of current members to guide programming and topic discussions. Additionally, the Grad Club incorporates reminiscing as well as cognitive stimulation activities in the group for persons with dementia.

Early Memory Loss Forum

A one-day, interactive symposium in Southern California created by and for people with early stage Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. The purpose of this conference is to provide a centralized symposium of support, education and networking. Additionally, the conference provides a forum for people to speak out on their own behalf on issues of direct concern.

Support groups

Support groups provide a safe place where people go to learn, listen, share and gain emotional support from others who are also on a unique journey of providing care to a person with dementia.  Support groups are held at various times and in many different communities and languages. Each group is different, and depending on each person's needs will offer different things. Check to see if there is a group close to you that fits your needs.

Message boards

The Alzheimer’s Association message boards and chat rooms provide an online community for persons with Alzheimer's, caregivers and care providers. Our message boards have thousands of registered members from around the United States and thousands more who refer to the stories and information that is available 24 hours a day.