When it is and why it matters
Alzheimer’s caregiver support groups and dementia caregiver communities provide a lifeline that many families do not find until they are exhausted. June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. The Alzheimer’s Association designates this month each year to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, which affect millions of people across the United States and their families.
The Alzheimer’s Association maintains a network of Alzheimer’s caregiver support groups across the US and online. In 2024, an estimated 7 million Americans age 65 and older were living with Alzheimer’s disease (Alzheimer’s Association, 2024). Behind each of those numbers is a family: a spouse, an adult child, a sibling, or a friend carrying a significant weight of care and grief.
This month is not only about medical research. It is also about the people doing the caregiving, and the people living with the disease, who carry emotional burdens that often go unacknowledged. Support groups exist for both groups, and they can make a real difference.
What the research says
The emotional weight of caregiving for someone with Alzheimer’s is well documented:
- In 2023, 11.5 million family members and other unpaid caregivers provided an estimated 18.4 billion hours of care for people living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias (Alzheimer’s Association, 2024).
- Approximately 74% of family caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s report concern about maintaining their own health since taking on the caregiving role (Alzheimer’s Association, 2024).
- Higher caregiver burden is significantly associated with lower scores in mental health, social functioning, and general health perception (Dos Santos et al., 2024).
- Social support is one of the strongest predictors of quality of life for family caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s (PMC, 2024).
Support groups do not treat Alzheimer’s disease. But they do address something equally important: the emotional weight of living with it or caring for someone who has it. That is the gap that peer support fills.
Groups for Alzheimer’s and caregiver support in our directory
Our directory lists peer support groups for people affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia. These include groups for family caregivers, groups for spouses and partners, groups for adult children of people with dementia, and in some cases groups for people in earlier stages of the disease who want peer connection.
These groups are led by peers, trained facilitators, or mental health professionals. They offer a place to talk with others who understand what you are carrying, without having to explain yourself from the beginning.
Browse the directory to find groups that meet online or in your area. Many groups meet weekly or biweekly, and most are low-cost or free.
How to choose a group
Finding the right group takes some trial and error. A few things to consider:
- Who the group is for. Some groups are for caregivers only. Others include people living with early-stage dementia. Some are for adult children; others focus on spousal caregivers. Check the description before attending.
- Format. Online groups offer flexibility. In-person groups offer a different kind of presence. Both can be effective.
- Facilitation style. Some groups are professionally facilitated. Others are peer-led. Neither is better; it depends on what you need.
- Stage of disease. Some groups are specific to families navigating later-stage care. Others welcome people at any point. This detail matters for how well you fit with the group.
- Give it a few sessions. The first meeting can feel uncomfortable. Most people find their footing after two or three sessions.
Other resources
- Alzheimer’s Association: alz.org — 24/7 helpline (800-272-3900), support groups, and care navigation
- Alzheimer’s Foundation of America: alzfdn.org — caregiver support, education, and community resources
- Caregiver Action Network: caregiveraction.org — peer support and resources for family caregivers
- AARP Caregiver Support: aarp.org/caregiving — tools, guides, and community for caregivers
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 if you or someone you love is in crisis
Frequently asked questions
Are support groups only for caregivers, or can people with Alzheimer’s join too?
Both. Some groups are designed specifically for caregivers. Others welcome people living with early-stage Alzheimer’s who want peer connection. Some groups include both. The listing in our directory will specify who the group is for.
Will a support group help me cope with caregiver burnout?
Many caregivers find that talking with others in a similar situation reduces feelings of isolation and helps them feel understood. Support groups are not a substitute for professional mental health care, but they can complement it. If you are experiencing significant depression, anxiety, or burnout, speaking with a licensed therapist alongside attending a group can be a strong combination.
What if I feel guilty for needing support?
Caregiver guilt is common. Many people feel they should be able to manage alone, or that focusing on their own needs is selfish. In reality, caregivers who tend to their own emotional health are better equipped to provide care. Support groups are full of people who felt exactly the same way before they started attending.
Are online support groups as effective as in-person groups?
Research and caregiver reports suggest that online groups can be just as meaningful as in-person groups, with the added benefit of accessibility. For caregivers who cannot easily leave home, online groups may be the most realistic option. What matters most is consistency and finding a group where you feel comfortable speaking.
Do I need a diagnosis to join a group?
Most caregiver support groups do not require a formal diagnosis. If you are caring for or supporting someone with Alzheimer’s or another dementia, you are welcome. Some groups may ask about your relationship to the person with dementia (spouse, adult child, sibling) to ensure a good fit.
References
Alzheimer’s Association. (2024). 2024 Alzheimer’s disease facts and figures. Alzheimer’s and Dementia, 20(5). https://doi.org/10.1002/alz.13809
Dos Santos, R. C., et al. (2024). When support matters: Quality of life in Alzheimer’s family caregivers. PMC. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC13063624/
Alzheimer’s Association. (2024). New Alzheimer’s Association report reveals top stressors for caregivers. https://www.alz.org/news/2024/new-alzheimers-association-report-reveals-top-stressors-caregivers
My Therapy Groups is a directory. Group leaders write their own listings, and we do not vet, supervise, or endorse the groups listed here. We are not a clinic and we do not provide clinical services or guarantee outcomes. That is the group’s work, not ours. If you are in crisis, call or text 988. We will be here when you are ready.
Research on the benefits of group therapy consistently shows that caregiver support groups reduce burnout and improve quality of life. Finding Alzheimer’s caregiver support groups near you or online takes less time than most caregivers expect.
Alzheimer’s caregiver support groups reduce burnout, improve coping, and remind caregivers that they do not have to carry this alone. Finding Alzheimer’s caregiver support groups in your area or online takes less time than most families expect.
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