Patient Education

Fact Sheet Definitions Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia in older people. Dementia is a medical condition that disrupts the way the brain works. AD affects the part of the brain called the cerebral cortex (language and reasoning) which...

Feeling anxious or nervous is a common emotion for people of all ages and a normal reaction to stress. Feeling anxious can help us handle problems and strange situations, and even avoid danger. It is normal to feel anxious about illnesses, new social interactions, and...

Initiative on Depression in Late Life Everyone feels sad or blue sometimes. It is a natural part of life. But when the sadness persists and interferes with everyday life, it may be depression. Depression is not a normal part of growing older. It is a treatable medical...

Caring for Patients with Alzheimer's Disease & Related Dementias Alzheimer’s disease, a disorder affecting the brain, is the leading cause of dementia. Characterized by memory loss, impaired judgement, loss of language skills, and changed personality, the disease...

Understanding the Most Common Dementing Disorder Initiative on Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Introduction Everyone forgets things from time to time. Occasionally misplacing keys, forgetting a name, or remembering a birthday two weeks late is not cause for...

Alcohol/Drug Abuse/Misuse Substance Abuse and Misuse Among Older Adults Prevention, Recognition, and Help As we get older, our bodies begin to react differently to alcohol and medications than when we were younger. Many older people take many different medications,...

Coping with Depression and the Holidays Facts About Depression The Holidays After the Terrorist Attacks Nursing Home Residents For most of us, the holidays are a time to gather with friends and family, celebrate, reflect on the past and plan for the future. However,...

Consumer/Patient Information Information for older adults, family members, and caregivers can be found under the following categories. Order these brochures online at the AAGP Bookstore. Alcohol/Drug Abuse/Misuse Substance Abuse and Misuse Among Older Adults:...

Today, thoughts of aging gracefully have been replaced by efforts to age successfully. As we age and look forward to longer life expectancies than past generations, we strive to age with good health. How do we do this? By eating nutritiously. Limiting alcohol. Keeping...

Insomnia is Not a Normal Part of Aging Insomnia is a common complaint among older adults. Many assume that getting older means no longer sleeping well. However, illness, inactivity, poor sleep habits, and the inappropriate use of alcohol, caffeine and tobacco—rather...

Tabla de Contenidos: Comprendiendo y Reconociendo las Necesidades Especiales de las Familias y las Personas a Cargo del Paciente Cinco Reacciones en el Ajuste de la Familia Cuidando a la Persona a Cargo del Paciente Ayuda para las Familias y Personas a Cargo del...

EPIDEMIOLOGY In the next 15-20 years the population of older adults will double. 2-4% of the elderly meet current criteria for alcohol abuse or dependence. An additional 10-15% of the elderly meet criteria for at-risk drinking. Concurrent depression and alcohol use...

A Mental Health Care Guide A guide for older adults, and their family members and caregivers, on how to prepare for a possible disaster and how to respond following one. Each year, people all over the world suffer various disasters—both natural, such as hurricanes,...

Una Guía de Salud Mental Esta es una guía para los adultos mayores, los miembros de su familia y cuidadores acerca de cómo prepararse frente a una posible catástrofe y que hacer en caso de que se produzca. Cada año, muchas personas en todo el mundo sufren catástrofes;...