First Aid for Dementia — Additional Resources

Practical help, encouragement, and support for individuals, families, caregivers, and churches.

Dementia can be a difficult journey, but no one has to walk it alone. These resources supplement First Aid for Dementia by Edward E. Moody Jr., Ph.D. They offer information, practical tools, and encouragement for people living with dementia, those who care for them, and churches seeking to minister to affected families.

Part One: For the Person Living With Dementia
Understanding Memory Problems and Dementia

Alzheimer's Association
Information about the warning signs of dementia, Alzheimer's disease, diagnosis, treatment, and living with memory changes.
24/7 Helpline: 800-272-3900

Alzheimer's Foundation of America
Offers memory screenings, educational materials, and support for individuals concerned about memory changes.
Helpline: 866-232-8484

National Institute on Aging
Research-based information about normal aging, mild cognitive impairment, dementia, and the importance of early evaluation.

Living Well With Dementia

ALZNavigator — Alzheimer's Association
A free tool that helps individuals and families develop personalized action plans after receiving a dementia diagnosis.

Music & Memory
Resources for creating personalized music playlists that can provide comfort, connection, and meaningful engagement.
Consider making a playlist of favorite hymns and songs to share with loved ones and caregivers.

Planning for the Future

National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
Information about locating qualified elder-law attorneys who can assist with advance directives, powers of attorney, financial planning, and long-term care arrangements.

Part Two: For the Caregiver
Caregiving is one of the most meaningful ways to demonstrate love, but it can also be demanding. These resources can help caregivers understand dementia, adapt their approaches, and find support.

Understanding Different Types of Dementia

Alzheimer's Association
Information and practical caregiving guidance for Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.

Lewy Body Dementia Association
Specialized education and support for people affected by Lewy body dementia, including guidance on hallucinations, sleep disturbances, movement difficulties, and changing attention.
Phone: 800-539-9767

Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration
Resources for families affected by frontotemporal dementia, including changes in behavior, personality, judgment, and language.

Parkinson's Foundation
Information about Parkinson's disease dementia, cognitive changes, and caregiver support.
Helpline: 800-473-4636

Additional resource

Communicating and Providing Daily Care

Alzheimer's Association — Caregiving
Guidance for responding to repeated questions, agitation, confusion, sundowning, communication difficulties, and changing daily needs.

Dementia Careblazers — Dr. Natali Edmonds
Educational videos and practical strategies for understanding dementia-related behaviors, improving communication, and reducing caregiver stress.

Dementia Care Partner Podcast — Teepa Snow
Practical approaches to supporting changing abilities, responding to distress, and maintaining meaningful relationships.

Finding Help and Support

Eldercare Locator
Connects families with local aging services, caregiver assistance, respite programs, and other community resources.
Phone: 800-677-1116

Community Resource Finder
Helps families locate dementia-related services, support groups, care programs, and community resources.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
A directory for finding speech-language pathologists who can help with communication and swallowing difficulties.

Health in Aging
Educational resources about older adult health, medication management, caregiving, and planning for changing care needs.

Christian Encouragement for Caregivers

The Veranda Ministries
A Christian ministry supporting individuals with dementia and their families through education, respite care, and compassionate assistance.

Aging Angst and Alleluias — Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly
A podcast offering Christian encouragement, personal stories, practical caregiving guidance, and conversations about aging, dementia, and family support.

Recommended Books

The 36-Hour Day — Nancy L. Mace and Peter V. Rabins. A comprehensive guide for families caring for people with dementia.

The Dementia Caregiver — Marc E. Agronin. Practical guidance for understanding and responding to dementia.

A Dignified Life — Virginia Bell and David Troxel. A person-centered approach to dementia care.

Creating Moments of Joy Along the Alzheimer's Journey — Jolene Brackey. Practical ideas for creating positive experiences.

Dignity for Deeply Forgetful People — Stephen G. Post. Preserving dignity, personhood, and meaningful relationships.

Loving Someone Who Has Dementia — Pauline Boss. Guidance for navigating grief, stress, and changing relationships.

Dementia: Living in the Memories of God — John Swinton. A Christian perspective on dementia, identity, memory, and God's faithfulness.

Remember for Me — Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly. Lessons from the experiences of people living with dementia.

Part Three: For the Church

Churches have an important opportunity to support individuals living with dementia and the families who care for them. A church can provide spiritual encouragement, meaningful relationships, practical assistance, and respite for overwhelmed caregivers.

Understanding Dementia Ministry

The Veranda Ministries
A Christian model of dementia care that can help churches consider ways to offer support, respite, encouragement, and meaningful activities.

Dementia: Living in the Memories of God — John Swinton
A theological resource for considering the dignity, identity, spiritual needs, and inclusion of people living with dementia.