A starting point for community members, patients, and families navigating brain health and Alzheimer's disease — compiled to accompany our lab's community outreach programs. This guide is educational and does not replace advice from a physician.
Conversations with patients and families tend to circle back to a handful of themes. This guide is organized so you can jump to what's most relevant right now:
| Alzheimer's Association — 10 Early Signs & Symptoms | A checklist comparing typical age-related changes to signs worth discussing with a doctor. |
| Vanderbilt Memory & Alzheimer's Center | Local clinical evaluation and memory screening to help pursue a diagnosis. |
| Organization | What you'll find |
|---|---|
| Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline: 800‑272‑3900 |
Symptom checklists, caregiver guidance, local chapter events, and a 24/7 helpline. |
| NIA: Alzheimer's & Related Dementias | Plain-language explainers from the National Institute on Aging on causes, stages, and current research. |
| Alzheimer's Foundation of America | Free memory screenings, caregiver support line, and educational webinars. |
| BrightFocus Foundation | Research updates written for a general audience, plus a free "Ask the Expert" series. |
| Dementia Society of America | Community education programs and a dementia-friendly resource directory. |
| Alzheimer's Association — Daily Care Guides | Routines, communication tips, and activities for each stage of the disease. |
| Family Caregiver Alliance — Home Safety | A room-by-room checklist for adapting a home as memory and mobility change. |
| Organization | What you'll find |
|---|---|
| Family Caregiver Alliance | Guides on preventing caregiver burnout, respite care options, and legal/financial planning basics. |
| AARP Caregiving Resource Center | Practical how-tos on home safety, difficult conversations, and coordinating care with family. |
| CaringBridge | Free private journal & care-coordination pages families use to keep loved ones updated. |
| Alzheimer's Association — Financial & Legal Planning | A step-by-step guide to powers of attorney, advance directives, and paying for care. |
| Family Caregiver Alliance — Legal Planning for Incapacity | Explains guardianship, conservatorship, and documents to put in place early. |
| Organization | What you'll find |
|---|---|
| Vanderbilt Memory & Alzheimer's Center | Clinical evaluation, memory screenings, and research studies based in Nashville. |
| Alzheimer's Association — Mid South Chapter | Support groups, education programs, and events serving Middle Tennessee. |
| Tennessee Commission on Aging & Disability | Connects families to local Area Agencies on Aging for in-home services and respite programs. |
| Organization | What you'll find |
|---|---|
| Alzheimer's Association TrialMatch | Free matching service connecting patients, caregivers, and healthy volunteers to nearby studies. |
| ClinicalTrials.gov | The federal registry of Alzheimer's studies, searchable by location and eligibility. |
This list is not exhaustive and inclusion is not an endorsement. If you or a family member has questions specific to a diagnosis or care plan, please speak with a physician. To connect with our community programs, visit the Community page or reach out via Contact.