The 5 Best Alzheimer’s and Dementia Resources of 2026

Having any kind of cognitive impairment (a change in memory or thinking abilities) can be a frightening experience. Forgetting things, losing things, or having difficulty following a conversation can leave you feeling disoriented and frustrated. Cognitive impairment may also contribute to feeling isolated or disconnected from the world around you.

Individuals and groups who understand what you’re going through can offer support and encouragement at this difficult stage of life.

These five organizations help people with Alzheimer’s disease, mild cognitive impairment, or other forms of dementia connect with others in similar circumstances and continue to live fulfilling lives. They do this through support groups, social activities, and more.

1. Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association is a leader in advancing research into identifying, treating, and preventing Alzheimer’s disease. It’s also at the forefront of support, including information and practical assistance, for those who have Alzheimer’s, as well as their families.

The association’s I Have Alzheimer’s web page has links to information about the disease itself; the types of financial and legal planning a person can do now to ensure their wishes will be carried out later; and advice on how to stay healthy and have a good quality of life when you have Alzheimer’s.

When it comes to social support, the Alzheimer’s Association has in-person support groups run by local chapters, as well as ALZConnected, a free online community for people with dementia and their caregivers.

The 24/7 Helpline (800-272-3900) can assist with crisis assistance and referrals to local programs and services. Interpreters are available for people who don’t speak English.

You can keep up with the Alzheimer’s Association by signing up for its free e-newsletter or following the organization on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and other social media sites.

2. Memory Café Alliance

Memory cafés are social gatherings for people with memory loss or other types of cognitive impairment and their caregivers. The cafés typically take place in YMCAs, senior centers, public libraries, churches, and other community gathering spots, often on a monthly basis. The cafés usually offer programming such as live music or a craft project, but the main point is to have fun, feel supported, and connect with others.

The Memory Café Alliance, an online resource from Dementia Friendly America, has a directory that lists hundreds of memory cafés in the United States and a few other countries. Interested people can locate a physical memory café near them or a virtual (online) memory café that meets their needs. The website also offers resources for people who wish to start a memory café or promote one.

You can stay connected with the Memory Café Alliance by following it on Facebook, Instagram, X, and other social media sites.

3. Dementia Mentors

People with a chronic condition often say no one except another person with the condition can truly understand what it’s like to live with it.

Dementia Mentors helps people with dementia meet that other person, in the form of a mentor who not only understands what they’re going through but can also provide support, the opportunity to just talk, and encouragement.

The mission of Dementia Mentors is to help people with dementia realize there’s still life after a dementia diagnosis and help them stay social. This international organization currently hosts 46 virtual memory cafés per month, all of which are hosted by mentors who have a dementia-related diagnosis of some kind.

Dementia Mentors offers various other resources, including motivational videos for people with dementia and their caregivers.

You can follow Dementia Mentors on Facebook to stay up to date on the latest news, events, and updates.

4. Art Can at the Allentown Art Museum

Many museums offer special programs for people with dementia and their caregivers, often involving gallery tours and discussions geared toward individuals with memory loss. Some museums also offer opportunities to make art. Such programs can stimulate memory and thinking, encourage social interaction, and simply provide enjoyment for participants.

For example, Art Can at the Allentown Art Museum in Pennsylvania is a free monthly program offering accessible art experiences for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia and their caregivers. The program happens in a private setting and is designed specifically to engage people with these diagnoses.

After museum educators lead a guided group conversation, participants can explore the galleries individually and continue the conversation with trained volunteers. If you’re interested in participating, reach out to the program directly to schedule a visit.

You can keep up with news and updates from the Allentown Art Museum by following it on Facebook, Instagram, and other social media sites.

If you’re not in the Allentown area, reach out to the museums near you to see if they have similar programs.

5. Music & Memory

A large amount of anecdotal evidence and growing body of clinical research show that music therapy can help soothe emotional distress in people with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Singing, playing simple instruments, moving to music, or just listening to familiar tunes can help relieve anxiety, provide social connection, and bring joy to participants.

Music & Memory helps nursing homes and other long-term facilities learn how to provide personalized music services for residents with cognitive or physical challenges. Specifically, the group provides training for care organizations on how to create personalized therapeutic music playlists to help listeners tap into deep memories, socialize with others, feel more like themselves, or stay present. Check out some personal stories about people who find these services helpful and some of the volunteers who help provide them.

You can stay up to date with Music & Memory by subscribing to its newsletter and following the organization on Facebook, Instagram, and other social media sites.