Easy-to-Read Booklets on Alzheimer’s Disease, Memory Loss
Offered by NIA
The National Institute on Aging (NIA), a component of the National Institutes
of Health, now offers two free booklets designed to help people with limited
literacy skills learn about Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and memory loss. In these
easy-to-read booklets, the medical and technical language has been replaced by
plain language, stories, photographs, and other features to help readers understand
the content.
“Our goal was to produce strong, clear materials to make information about AD
and memory loss accessible to everyone, including those with limited literacy
skills,” says Richard J. Hodes, M.D., director of the NIA. “These booklets also
are excellent starting points for anyone who needs basic information about AD
and memory problems, regardless of reading capability.” They are valuable additions
to the comprehensive collection of health education materials available from
NIA’s Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center, adds Hodes.
In addition to local field testing, education experts at NIA-funded Alzheimer’s
Disease Centers arranged a series of interviews with caregivers and people with
AD to gather feedback about the booklets. “We carefully tested each booklet for
overall appeal, format, graphic elements, comprehension, cultural appropriateness,
and “self-efficacy” (a measure of understanding the importance of taking action
if signs of AD or serious memory loss are seen), says Patricia D. Lynch, M.S.,
project officer of the ADEAR Center. “The testing yielded excellent feedback
that we used to refine the booklets,” explains Wendy Mettger, M.A., the plain
language expert who developed the booklets.
Understanding Memory Loss covers topics such as:
- differences between mild forgetfulness and serious memory problems
- causes of memory problems and how they can be treated
- what a person should do when worried about memory
- how family members can help
Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease includes:
- signs of AD
- the importance of seeing a doctor early
- treatment for AD
- help for caregivers
To order copies or for more information about these booklets, visit the ADEAR
Center Web site at www.alzheimers.nia.nih.gov,
or call 1-800-438-4380. Bulk orders are welcome.
The ADEAR Center provides information to the public and health professionals
about AD and age-related cognitive change and offers a variety of publications,
as well as information about clinical trials. The NIA is the lead federal agency
conducting and supporting basic, biomedical, and behavioral and social research
on aging and the special needs and problems of older people.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) — The Nation's Medical Research
Agency — includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of
the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It is the primary federal
agency for conducting and supporting basic, clinical and translational medical
research, and it investigates the causes, treatments, and cures for both common
and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov. |
