Memory and Dementia

Discover MedlinePlus

MedlinePlus is a service of the National Library of Medicine, the largest biomedical library in the world. Use MedlinePlus.gov anywhere, anytime, on any device - for free - to discover high-quality health and wellness information that is reliable, easy to understand, and free of advertising, in both English and Spanish. 

Discover NIH

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is the nation’s medical research agency — making important discoveries that improve health and save lives. NIH is made up of 27 Institutes and Centers, each with a specific research agenda, often focusing on particular diseases or body systems.

The primary NIH organization for research on dementia and cognitive impairment is the National Institute on Aging.

• Understanding Memory Loss: What to do when you have trouble remembering [PDF]
• What is Alzheimer's Disease?
• How is Alzheimers Disease Diagnosed?

The primary NIH organization for research on Lewy Body Dementia and Frontotemporal Dementia is the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

• Frontotemporal Disorders: Information for Patients, Families, and Caregivers [PDF]
• Neurological Diagnostic Test and Procedures [PDF]
• Brain Basics

Discover More

Accelerating research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support is important. Alzheimer's.gov and The Alzheimer's Association produce information for you to participate in the understanding of your health and preventive care and to seek treatment when you suspect something is wrong.

Use the easy-to-read resources developed by these agencies and associations to share information in your community.

• Age-Related Forgetfulness or Signs of Dementia? [Infographic]
• Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices May Reduce Your Risk of Dementia [Infographic]
• Understanding Different Types of Dementia [Infographic]
• Alzheimer's Disease Fact Sheet
• 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's Worksheet [PDF]
• What to expect when visiting the doctor [PDF]
• Clinical Trials

Brain Health

Research is still evolving, but evidence is strong that people can reduce their risk of cognitive decline by making key lifestyle changes, including participating in regular physical activity, staying socially engaged, and maintaining good heart health. 

• Certain Antioxidants May Lower Dementia Risk | NIH News in Health

"You have agency over your brain health. So just like the rest of your body, you have an influence over the health of your brain and your memory and there's lots you can do to take care of it... your sleep habits, eating, exercise, managing stress, and learning new things." - Lisa Genova

Memory Care Certified Communities

An estimated 6.5 million Americans aged 65 and older live with Alzheimer’s and roughly 34% of assisted living community residents have Alzheimer’s or other dementias. The Joint Commission and the Alzheimer’s Association are collaborating to offer Joint Commission Memory Care Certification for Assisted Living Communities. This program helps organizations address the quality and safety needs of their residents minimizing risk and improving care for patients and residents with all levels of cognitive impairment.

Organizations awarded with Memory Care Certification will be recognized on The Joint Commission Quality Check® website and on the Alzheimer’s Association Community Resource Finder, a database of dementia and aging-related resources for those seeking programs and services.

Public Libraries

Public libraries are embedded in almost every American community, offering a unique opportunity to welcome and engage the 81% of people who have dementia who are still living at home, as well as the people who care for and about them. Libraries can also actively serve and enrich the experiences of people living in memory care and other facilities. The American Library Association has a directory of information and resources to help public libraries get started with dementia friendly service.