Helplines and Support Organizations

Free helplines, trusted organizations, and where to find local services for people with memory loss and their caregivers.

Last reviewed: October 2026

You don't have to find your way alone. These organizations offer free information, support and referrals. Phone numbers are U.S.-based and were checked in October 2026; please confirm on each organization's website.

If there's an emergency

Call 911 for a medical emergency, sudden confusion, signs of stroke, or if someone with dementia is missing and in danger.
Call or text 988 – Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, for anyone in emotional crisis, including exhausted caregivers. Available 24/7.

General dementia helplines

Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline – 800-272-3900

Free, confidential support around the clock from specialists and master's-level clinicians, in more than 200 languages. Help with understanding diagnosis, behaviors, caregiving, care options, legal and financial questions, and emotional support. Website: alz.org.

NIA Alzheimer's and related Dementias Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center – 800-438-4380

The federal government's information service on Alzheimer's and related dementias, run by the National Institute on Aging. Free publications, information about research and clinical trials, and referrals. Website: nia.nih.gov/alzheimers.

Alzheimer's Foundation of America – 866-232-8484

Helpline staffed by licensed social workers, with information and community resources. Website: alzfdn.org.

Alzheimers.gov

The U.S. government's portal for information on Alzheimer's and related dementias, including care, research and finding clinical trials.

Condition-specific organizations

Lewy Body Dementia Association (lbda.org) – information, support groups and a helpline for families affected by Lewy Body Dementia.
Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (theaftd.org) – helpline 866-507-7222, support for families affected by Frontotemporal Dementia.
Parkinson's Foundation (parkinson.org) – helpline 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636).
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Foundation (cjdfoundation.org).
National Down Syndrome Society (ndss.org) – resources on aging and Alzheimer's in Down syndrome.

Finding local services

Eldercare Locator – 800-677-1116

A public service of the U.S. Administration for Community Living that connects you with your local Area Agency on Aging and services such as meals, transportation, in-home help, adult day programs, respite care, and legal help. Website: eldercare.acl.gov.

Other local help

Area Agencies on Aging and Aging and Disability Resource Centers
State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) – free Medicare counseling (shiphelp.org)
Benefits CheckUp from the National Council on Aging (benefitscheckup.org) – finds programs to help pay for medicines, food and utilities
Hospital and memory clinic social workers

Caregiver support

Family Caregiver Alliance (caregiver.org) – information, online support groups and state-by-state resources.
ARCH National Respite Network (archrespite.org) – helps locate respite care.
Alzheimer's Association ALZConnected – free online community for people with dementia and caregivers.

Veterans

The VA Caregiver Support Line (855-260-3274) and VA dementia care programs help veterans and their families. Veterans may be eligible for home care, adult day health care, respite and nursing home care.

Research participation

ClinicalTrials.gov and Alzheimers.gov – search for studies.
Alzheimer's Association TrialMatch – free matching service.
See Joining a Clinical Trial.

Legal and financial help

National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (naela.org) – find an elder law attorney.
Eldercare Locator – can connect you with free legal assistance programs for older adults.

Safety

MedicAlert + Safe Return-style ID programs and local police "Project Lifesaver" programs can help if a person with dementia wanders.
Report suspected scams or financial abuse to Adult Protective Services (find your local office through the Eldercare Locator) and the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 833-372-8311.

Ask us

Can't find what you need? Email ask@memorydigest.com and we'll try to point you in the right direction. We can't give personal medical advice.

Sources

Not medical advice. This article is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan for any individual. Talk with a doctor about your situation.

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Have a question about memory, Alzheimer's, or caregiving? Email us at:

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We may answer common questions in future updates (we won't share your name). We can't give personal medical advice; for urgent help call the Alzheimer's Association Helpline at 800-272-3900.

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