Learning that you have Alzheimer's Disease can be very hard to deal with. It is important to share your feelings with family and friends. Many kinds of help are available for persons with Alzheimer's Disease, their families, and caregivers.

These resources include:

• Support groups: Sometimes it helps to talk things over with other people and families who are coping with Alzheimer's Disease. Families and friends of people with Alzheimer's Disease have formed support groups. The Alzheimer's Association has active groups across the country. Many hospitals also sponsor education programs and support groups to help patients and families.
  
• Financial and medical planning: Time to plan can be a major benefit of identifying Alzheimer's Disease early. You and your family will need to decide where you will live and who will provide help and care when you need them.
  
• Legal matters: It is also important to think about certain legal matters. An attorney can give you legal advice and help you and your family make plans for the future. A special document called an advance directive lets others know what you would like them to do if you become unable to think clearly or speak for yourself.

Source: Agency for Health Care Policy and Research

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