Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month

November 28, 2023

November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, a special event celebrated each year to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias and to show support for people affected by these diseases. Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory, thinking skills, and other mental functions. It is the most common cause of dementia among older adults.

This year’s theme focuses on the following:

  • Early detection and diagnosis: Early detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is important so that people can start treatment and support services as soon as possible.
  • Reducing dementia risk: There are things that people can do to reduce their risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and staying socially active.
  • Preventing avoidable hospitalizations: People with Alzheimer’s disease are more likely to be hospitalized than people without the disease. Some things can be done to prevent avoidable hospitalizations, such as supporting caregivers and managing chronic health conditions.
  • Supporting caregivers: Caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients play a vital role. Resources and support, such as respite care and support groups, are available to help caregivers.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Institute on Aging offers helpful eBooks on Alzheimer’s disease and memory loss.

Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease is an easy-to-read ePub about Alzheimer’s disease, symptoms, and treatments, when it is wise to see a doctor, research studies, where caregivers can get help, and more.

Understanding Memory Loss outlines the difference between mild forgetfulness and more serious memory problems such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, the causes of memory problems, how they can be treated, and how to get help for serious memory loss. Includes vignettes and resource lists.

Here are some ways to get involved and support Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month:

  • Donate to Alzheimer’s research or support organizations.
  • Volunteer your time by volunteering at a local Alzheimer’s Association chapter or volunteer to help a caregiver in your community.
  • Educate yourself and others about Alzheimer’s disease to support people living with the disease and their caregivers.

By getting involved, you can help make a difference in fighting Alzheimer’s Disease.

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

Sign up to receive promotional bulletin emails from the US Government Online Bookstore.

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy a vast majority of eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Order by Phone or Email: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.  Email orders to ContactCenter@gpo.gov

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

About the author: Blogger Trudy Hawkins is the Senior Marketing & Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication & Information Sales Office supporting the U.S. Government Online Bookstore (https://bookstore.gpo.gov).


Understanding Memory Loss with Two NIH eBooklets

November 3, 2015

A recent National Institutes of Health-funded study found that out-of-pocket health care costs for dementia are greater than for any other disease. Such a serious disease with a serious price tag calls for comprehensive, accurate information to answer specific questions.

The NIH National Institute on Aging Alzheimer Disease Education and Referral Center (ADEAR, an appropriately reassuring acronym) has got you covered. Given that November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, it’s a fitting time to peruse their two free eBooks—available in English and Spanish—on the topics of Alzheimer’s disease and memory loss.

9780160930157Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease

Forgetfulness happens to everyone. We all have those foggy moments when we misplace car keys or blank on a person’s name. When those occurrences worsen over time, a more serious problem may exist. This digital booklet plainly outlines AD causes, signs, treatment, research, and caregiver guidance. In addition, there’s a section on how to join clinical trials looking into prevention and treatment of AD and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).

Understanding Memory Loss

For those dealing with age-related cognitive degeneration, medical terminology can cause a cloud of confusion. This booklet, and as well as the publication above, contains a simplified “words to know” glossary. It also addresses signs of serious memory problems, provides tips for coping with cognitive decline, and lays out the difference between forgetfulness and real memory impairment.9780160930133

Maybe you’re a health professional searching for current information on cognitive health and memory loss. Maybe you’re a caretaker looking to educate a loved one on what to do when they have trouble remembering. The knowledge journey for memory loss sufferers and their support network is not easy—minds are astir with questions and hearts weigh heavy with concern. But it’s really good to know that important dementia research conducted by the U.S. Government is just a few clicks away.

How do I obtain these FREE downloadable eBooks?

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at http://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Shop our Retail Store: Buy a copy of any print editions from this collection at GPO’s retail bookstore at 710 North Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC 20401, open Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., except Federal holidays, Call (202) 512-0132 for information or to arrange in-store pick-up.

Order by Phone: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

About the author: Our guest blogger is Chelsea Milko, Public Relations Specialist in GPO’s Office of Public Affairs.