Few of us escape the challenges posed by dementia, whether we’re a person diagnosed, an involved friend or loved one, or a hands-on caregiver. Over the years we’ve addressed the vast array of issues that can arise when Alzheimer’s and other dementias confront you or a loved one and we’ll continue to update you with the latest research findings and resources available. In that regard, we wanted to share with you some new tips and supports that have recently come to our attention.

First, The National Institute on Aging (NIA) announced a new website, Alzheimers.gov. This website is intended to bring together in one place comprehensive information and resources to help anyone whose life has been touched by Alzheimer’s and other related dementias. You’ll find the latest NIA information on diagnoses, symptoms, treatments, clinical trials, caregiving, and resources and supports. And with regard to caregiving, we recently became aware of a free online database of evidence-backed dementia programs for family caregivers sponsored by Best Practice Caregiving. It arose out of a partnership between the Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging and the Family Caregiving Alliance. While this database is intended more for healthcare professionals and community organizations, it may also give individuals and family caregivers a sense of the sort of programs available in the community to assist those caring for persons with dementia. And one more terrific website for those involved in dementia caregiving: Caring Kind, a New York City-based entity with a terrific website full of information, resources, and guides.

Regarding support specifically intended for individuals and family members, AARP recently published a list of 20 essential questions to ask when dementia is diagnosed. Compiled by experts from the University of California at Los Angeles Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Program, these questions should help you map-out your baseline situation as well as the next steps to take. Among the many questions listed are such essential concerns as symptoms to expect, the likely course of decline, actions to take to slow the decline, and sources of support for both patients and caregivers. And if you’re anticipating supporting a loved one with dementia, it may be helpful to take a look at a recent post by Amica Senior Lifestyles about the visual changes that may affect the perceptions and emotions of a loved one with dementia. You may be surprised to realize that common home decor such as patterned wallpaper or lighting that creates shadows may be frightening or exacerbate anxiety.

Finally, with regard to dementia diagnoses, new research published in JAMA Neurology makes clear that not everyone gets a dementia diagnosis in a timely manner, thus leaving some to play catch up or to miss out on valuable early interventions. According to this study, Black, Hispanic, and Asian individuals are commonly diagnosed at later stages of their dementia than Caucasian patients. While it’s not clear whether this delay is due to biases in health care systems, poor screening instruments, or cultural differences about the aging process, it does underscore the need to demand screening or diagnostic tests when older adults appear to have problems with memory or thinking skills. This is especially important in cases where the problems may be due to reversible causes if caught in time. For more insights into this important problem, click here.