Help & Information

These are the places my family and I have turned to. If you or someone you love is facing memory loss, you don’t have to figure it out alone.

If you need help now

  • Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline: 800-272-3900. Free, confidential support for people living with dementia and their caregivers, day or night. alz.org

  • Alzheimers.gov: the U.S. government’s hub for information on Alzheimer’s and related dementias.

  • NIA Alzheimer’s and related Dementias Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center: 800-438-4380, from the National Institute on Aging.

  • Eldercare Locator: 800-677-1116. Connects families with local services for older adults.

Worried about memory changes?

Forgetfulness isn’t always Alzheimer’s, and some causes of memory problems are treatable. If you’re noticing changes in yourself or someone you love, talk to a doctor. Getting checked early gives you more options and more time to plan. And a diagnosis isn’t the end of the road: new treatments are being rolled out all the time, so ask your doctor which ones might be right for you.

Keep your brain healthy

  • (re)think your brain: The Alzheimer’s Association’s free 6-Step Challenge: simple, science-based steps anyone can start today to take care of their brain. rethinkyourbrain.org

  • Know the 10 warning signs: Early signs of Alzheimer’s and when it’s time to talk to a doctor. See the 10 signs

Local to Tampa Bay Area

  • USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute (this is where Joe went): 4001 E. Fletcher Ave., Tampa, FL 33613 · (813) 974-4355. Memory testing and diagnosis, ongoing memory care, family support and research studies. No referral needed. USF is also one of Florida’s state-designated Memory Disorder Clinics: (813) 974-3100. health.usf.edu/byrd

  • Axiom Brain Health: 2919 W. Swann Ave., Suite 105A, Tampa, FL 33609 · (813) 353-9613. Free memory screenings and clinical research studies, including access to new treatments being studied.

  • Alzheimer’s Association Florida Gulf Coast Chapter: Tampa Bay support groups, caregiver education and local programs. alz.org/flgulfcoast

  • Florida Elder Helpline: 1-800-963-5337 (1-800-96-ELDER). Free help finding local programs, services and benefits for older adults and caregivers, in English and Spanish.

New treatments and research studies

  • Alzheimer’s Association TrialMatch: A free, confidential service that matches people living with Alzheimer’s, caregivers and healthy volunteers with clinical studies. alz.org/trialmatch

For caregivers and families

  • ALZConnected: A free online community where people living with dementia and their caregivers share ideas and support. alz.org/alzconnected

  • ALZNavigator: Answer a few questions and get a personalized action plan. alz.org/alznavigator

  • Community Resource Finder: Search for care, support and services near you. alz.org/crf

  • Alzheimer’s Foundation of America Helpline: 866-232-8484, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET, seven days a week, answered by licensed social workers. You can also text 646-586-5283. alzfdn.org

  • Family Caregiver Alliance: Practical guidance and support for family caregivers. caregiver.org

This site shares Joe’s personal experience for general information only and is not medical advice. The organizations, providers and programs listed here are shared for convenience and are not endorsements or recommendations; please check them out for yourself. Always talk with your own doctor or a qualified healthcare professional about diagnosis, screening and treatment. In an emergency, call 911.