Unraveling the uncertainties of Alzheimer's disease: Internet resources for attorneys and clients.

Alzheimer's is a deadly, mysterious disease that affects millions of people. At this time, there is no known cure. People diagnosed with the disease, their families and caregivers, and their attorneys need quality information about Alzheimer's, its symptoms, and possible treatments. Here are some helpful Internet resources.

**********

Alzheimer's disease is a debilitating and deadly brain disease affecting millions of people. Up to four million Americans suffer from Alzheimer's disease, and that number is expected to grow. (1) Former President Ronald Reagan has been battling the disease for years.

Most of us personally know someone who has the disease, or know a family member who is coping with the disease of a loved one. My own family dealt with the horror of the disease when my grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 1988. We sat by helplessly and watched him gradually deteriorate mentally and physically. He eventually succumbed to the disease in 1990.

Unfortunately, when my grandfather was battling Alzheimer's disease and my grandmother was struggling with her role as the primary caregiver, the Internet and its many web resources did not exist as it does today. Although my family had access to books and pamphlets provided to us by healthcare providers, these resources were limited and static. The Internet has changed all this; if there are any bright lights in this otherwise bleak scenario, perhaps this is one of them.

Although researchers have not found a cure for Alzheimer's disease, at least there are organizations on the Internet reaching out to patients and caregivers. Websites provide information to two important audiences: people diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and family members affected by the disease. More important, the information is available at the click of a button at any time it is needed. When a new issue arises or a caregiver has a question, information is immediately available. Websites also provide a community in which patients and caregivers can overcome feelings of isolation or despair by connecting with others who are having similar experiences. Finally, practicing elder law attorneys frequently need information about Alzheimer's disease to effectively advise clients on legal matters.

Here are some of the many web resources that deal with Alzheimer's disease.

AARP

http://www.aarp.org

Founded in 1958, AARP is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the needs of people over 50 years of age. (2) With more than 35 million members, (3) AARP is a powerful and respected organization. Accordingly, the website …