The Alzheimer's Association runs the largest network of dementia support in the United States, with local chapters in every state
The Alzheimer's Association is a nonprofit organization that funds research, runs support groups, trains caregivers, and connects people with dementia and their families to local resources. You do not pay to use most of their services. The organization operates through a national office and 78 local chapters, each serving a specific region. Your chapter handles the programs and referrals for your area.
The Association's main value is that they know what is actually available near you — not just national information, but the specific adult day programs, memory care facilities, legal aid clinics, and support groups in your county. They also maintain the 24/7 Helpline, which answers questions about dementia, caregiving, and local options at any hour.
Key Takeaways
- The Alzheimer's Association Helpline (800-272-3900) is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and can answer questions about dementia, caregiving, and local programs in your area.
- Local chapters offer free or low-cost support groups for people with dementia and for family caregivers, meeting in person or online depending on your location.
- The Association provides caregiver training classes, respite care referrals, and information about legal and financial planning specific to dementia.
- You can find your local chapter by entering your zip code on the Alzheimer's Association website, which also lists programs, events, and volunteer opportunities in your region.
- The organization funds clinical trials and research studies; their website lists trials recruiting participants and explains how to join.
How to Reach the Helpline and What It Can Do
The Alzheimer's Association Helpline is 800-272-3900. You can call anytime — morning, evening, or middle of the night. The line is staffed by specialists trained in dementia and caregiving. They answer questions about symptoms, diagnosis, how to talk to a doctor, medication side effects, behavior changes, and what to expect as the disease progresses.
The Helpline also connects you to your local chapter and tells you which programs are running right now in your area. If you are looking for adult day care, a support group that meets on Tuesday mornings, or a lawyer who handles powers of attorney, the Helpline can point you to options. They can also help you think through a specific problem — for example, if your parent is refusing to bathe or is becoming aggressive, the specialist can walk you through strategies that have worked for others.
You do not need to know exactly what you are calling about. Many people call because something feels wrong but they are not sure what to ask. That is what the Helpline is for.
Support Groups for People with Dementia and Caregivers
The Association runs two kinds of support groups: one for people in the early stages of dementia, and one for family caregivers (spouses, adult children, and others doing the day-to-day care). Groups meet weekly or monthly, depending on your chapter. Most meet in person at a library, senior center, or hospital; many also offer online meetings.
Early-stage groups are for people who have received a diagnosis and are still able to participate in conversation. These groups let people share what they are experiencing, ask questions, and hear from others going through the same thing. Caregiver groups focus on the stress, decisions, and practical problems that come with caring for someone with dementia — managing behavior, handling guilt, finding respite time, and planning for the future.
Your local chapter can tell you which groups are meeting, when, and where. Some groups fill up, so calling ahead is worth doing. The Helpline (800-272-3900) can also connect you to a group in your area.
Caregiver Training and Respite Care Information
The Association offers Caregiver Training Classes, usually called "Savvy Caregiver" or similar names depending on your chapter. These are structured classes, often 6 to 8 weeks long, that teach you how to manage common dementia behaviors, communicate with someone who is confused, handle personal care tasks, and take care of your own health while caregiving. Classes are free or low-cost and meet in person or online.
The Association also helps you find respite care — temporary care for your family member so you can take a break. This might be an adult day program (a few hours a week), in-home care (a few hours or a full day), or a short stay in a facility. Your local chapter knows which programs exist in your area, how much they cost, and whether you might be able to pay through Medicaid or other programs.
Respite care is not free, but the chapter can connect you to programs that offer sliding-scale fees based on income, and they can tell you which programs accept Medicaid or other insurance.
Finding Your Local Chapter and What It Offers
Go to the Alzheimer's Association website (alz.org) and enter your zip code in the "Find Your Local Chapter" box. This will show you the chapter that serves your area, their phone number, and their website. Each chapter runs its own programs, so what is available varies by location.
Most chapters offer support groups, caregiver classes, and referrals to local services. Many also run memory cafes (social gatherings for people with early dementia and their caregivers), educational workshops, and volunteer programs. Some chapters have staff who can help you navigate Medicaid, Medicare, or long-term care planning. Your chapter's website or a phone call will tell you what they have.
Chapters also host the Walk to End Alzheimer's, a fundraising event held in most communities each fall. Walking or volunteering is one way to connect with others and support research.
Research Studies and Clinical Trials
The Alzheimer's Association funds research into prevention, treatment, and care. They also maintain a list of clinical trials — research studies testing new treatments or approaches — that are recruiting participants. If you or a family member has been diagnosed with dementia or mild cognitive impairment, you may be able to join a trial.
The Association's website has a section called "Clinical Trials" or "Research" where you can search by location and type of study. Trials vary widely: some test new medications, others test cognitive training or lifestyle changes, and some straightforward follow people over time to understand how the disease progresses. Participation is usually free, and some trials offer compensation for your time.
Your doctor can also tell you about trials recruiting in your area, or you can call the Helpline and ask whether any trials match your situation.
Educational Resources and Planning Tools
The Alzheimer's Association website has articles, videos, and downloadable guides on topics like early signs of dementia, how to talk to a doctor about memory concerns, medication options, behavior management, legal and financial planning, and what to expect in each stage of the disease. These resources are free and do not require you to create an account.
The Association also offers information about advance planning — writing a will, setting up a power of attorney, and making healthcare decisions ahead of time. They do not provide legal services, but they explain why these documents matter and can refer you to lawyers or legal aid clinics in your area that handle dementia cases.
Many chapters also host workshops on topics like "Dementia and Driving," "Managing Finances," or "End-of-Life Planning." These are usually free or very low-cost and open to anyone in the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a cost to call the Helpline or join a support group?
No. The Helpline is free, and support groups run by the Alzheimer's Association are free. Some caregiver training classes are free; others charge a small fee depending on your chapter. Call your local chapter or the Helpline to ask about costs in your area.
What if I think someone has dementia but they have not been diagnosed yet?
Call the Helpline or your local chapter. They can explain what symptoms warrant a doctor visit, help you think through how to talk to the person about your concerns, and tell you which doctors in your area specialize in memory or dementia diagnosis. They can also connect you to support groups for people worried about a family member's memory.
Can the Alzheimer's Association help me pay for care?
The Association does not pay for care directly, but they can tell you which programs offer sliding-scale fees, accept Medicaid, or have financial information. They can also refer you to social workers and financial planners who help families figure out how to pay for long-term care.
How do I know if a clinical trial is safe?
All clinical trials are reviewed by an ethics board before they recruit participants, and you receive a detailed consent form explaining the study, any risks, and your rights. You can ask the trial coordinator any questions before you decide to join, and you can leave at any time. Your doctor can also review the trial details with you.
What if my local chapter does not have the program I need?
Call the Helpline or your chapter directly and describe what you are looking for. They may know of programs run by other organizations in your area, or they may be able to connect you to resources in a neighboring county. If a program does not exist, your chapter may be able to point you toward alternatives.