Over 5 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease. But if you're struggling with the physical, emotional and financial costs of caring for a loved one with this devastating illness, you may feel completely alone. With the latest news from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, hopefully more help and support is on the horizon.

Whether you’re a caregiver of a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, or if you have a home health nurse or aide come in to your home and help take care of your loved one, there may come a time when it’s in everyone’s b

If you’re caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease or dementia, make sure you include regular activities into your daily routine.

Research has shown that activities play a large part in preventing the progression of dementia. It’s also known that socializing prevents loneliness, despair and suicidal thoughts.

If you’re taking care of a loved one with Alzheimer's – a spouse, parent or sibling – you know how exhausting it can be, both physically and emotionally. You’re under a lot of stress and your responsibilities can be extremely taxing. You may feel overwhelmed, but the truth is, if you don’t take care of yourself, you run the risk of becoming ill. Then what?

In retrospect, all the signs were there. My father-in-law, a brilliant businessman, was designing a map for a new cable system his company was to build. The design took an unusually long time to complete. When my husband, who was to build the new system, took a look at the map his father had developed, he was stunned.