For Patients and Families

picture of African American study participant

The Columbia University Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC) assigns equal importance to patient outreach and advocacy.

Patient Outreach and Advocacy

For 35 years, the leadership of the ADRC has actively participated in local, national, and international efforts to support patient outreach and advocacy. These efforts include forums arranged by the National Institute on Aging, the Alzheimer’s Association, and other national organizations. Our Center also ensures that our research participants are provided with an optimal experience as we form our relationship with them and their care community.

The Columbia University ADRC is located in a heavily populated area in Manhattan and serves more broadly in the tri-state area including New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. We have established close working relationships with local patient and caregiver support networks and other organizations—including museums, libraries, places of worship, and various assisted living communities.

On this webpage we have compiled local and national support groups and digital resources one can use immediately.

Columbia University Center of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease (CEAD)

CEAD is dedicated to providing access to subspecialist care for individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease and related disorders.

Visit the Center of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease (CEAD)

Learn More About Dementia

Educational Videos for Patients and Caregivers

Health & Memory Genetic Testing (English.) Interview with Jill Goldman, MS, MPhil, CGC; Professor of Genetic Counseling in Neurology Columbia University Irving Medical Center.
Health and Memory (English.) Interview with Dr. James M. Noble, Associate Professor of Neurology at Columbia University Irving Medical Center.
Salud y Memoria (Spanish.) Entrevista con el Dr. Rafael A. Lantigua; Profesor de Medicina y el Deán Asociado de Servicios Comunitarios.
Salud y Memoria (Spanish.) Entrevista con el Dr. Jose A. Luchsinger, Profesor de Medicina y Epidemiología.
Lewy Body Disorders Overview.
Lewy Body Disorders - Speech and Swallowing Presentation.
Lewy Body Disorders Seminar Series - Social Work and Caregiver Support.
Living with Lewy Body Disorders Seminar Series - Exercise for Lewy Body Disorders.
Living with Lewy Body Disorders - Cognitive Impairment.
Living with Lewy Body Disorders- Fall Prevention.
Lewy Body Dementia Seminar Series - Palliative Care Hospice Care.

Alzheimer's and Dementia Support Programs and Digital Resources

Global/Multi-Cultural Resources

American Indian and Alaska Native Communities

The Healthy Brain Initiative is the first-ever public health guide focused on dementia in American Indian and Alaska Native communities. The Road Map is designed to support discussion about dementia and caregiving within tribal communities and to encourage a public health approach—as part of a larger holistic response.

https://www.cdc.gov/aging/healthybrain/pdf/HBI-Road-Map-for-Indian-Country-508.pdf

Chinese

阿滋海默症資訊與資源

https://alz.org/asian/overview.asp?nL=ZH&dL=ZH

알츠하이머병 정보 및 자원

Korean

https://alz.org/asian/overview.asp?nL=ZH&dL=ZH

Japanese

アルツハイマー病についての情報とリソース

https://alz.org/asian/overview.asp?nL=ZH&dL=ZH

Support Groups

National Support Groups and Resources

https://www.helpforalzheimersfamilies.com/about/our-partners/

Alzheimer’s Foundation of America

https://alzfdn.org/caregiving-resources/

NYC Local Support Groups

NYC Alzheimer's Association

https://www.alz.org/nyc

Caring Kind

CaringKind offers free services for people with memory loss and their families.

The Arts and Healing

Music

Can music be used as a tool took to awaken cognitive reserve in people with late-stage Alzheimer’s Disease? Experience BrainStorm A six-part series showcasing researchers and clinicians featured in opera legend Renee Fleming’s anthology, Music and Mind: Harnessing the Arts for Health.

https://www.usagainstalzheimers.org/brainstorm/music-and-mind-series-part-2-connie-tomaino?utm_campaign=&emci=570e2121-825a-ef11-991a-6045bddbfc4b&emdi=b9780ca5-8a5a-ef11-991a-6045bddbfc4b&ceid=10401806

Hilarity for Charity, Comedian Seth Rogan Raises Awareness

https://www.wearehfc.org/resources

Visual Arts/Museums

Arts & Minds is a not-for-profit organization committed to improving quality of life for all people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias through engagement with art. We partner with museums to provide meaningful art-centered activities that create positive emotional and cognitive experiences, enhance verbal and non-verbal communication, reduce isolation, and build community. Our programs empower people with dementia, family members, professional caregivers, and educators to strengthen social, emotional, and spiritual bonds by engaging with art. Arts & Minds programs have moved from Museum spaces to your space! Check the website for at home participation.