What are dementia support groups?

Dementia support groups are meetings that take place online (via a virtual meeting platform, such as Zoom) or in-person. They may also involve a forum, featuring posts or emails from members who send messages to share stories, ask questions, and more.

Is a dementia support groups right for me?

While there are many different types of dementia support groups, the goal is to offer people a place where they can feel connected to others who are going through similar experiences. Most caregivers find that the biggest benefit they gain from support group meetings is feeling that they are not alone. But informal support groups may not be for everyone. Some find that they need a more structured environment; professional help such as counseling or therapy may be needed (either in a group or individual setting).

How are dementia support groups structured?

Dementia support groups are structured differently, depending on the group. Many are organized and led by a group moderator, someone who has had experience in the field (such as a dementia caregiver) but is not a paid professional. A moderator welcomes new members, makes group announcements, and sends out information about the group (i.e. welcome email messages). After the moderator opens the meeting, each member of the group is usually given an opportunity for an introduction. The groups are structured to give members an opportunity to interact in their own way. Often, guest speakers are asked to join.

How much do dementia support groups cost?

Most of the support groups and other services on this list are free. Groups that charge a fee are usually those that employ professionals, such as social workers, fitness trainers, licensed counselors, etc.

Do these groups accept insurance?

Insurance payments are not applicable for most of these groups because they are free. If a group is facilitated by a licensed professional, check with a health insurance provider to find out if the group or individual therapy service is covered.

6 Dementia Support Groups of 2023

Studies have shown that participating in a dementia support group can have a positive outcome on a person’s mental health while improving the quality of life for people with dementia and their caregivers.

Support groups offer a great opportunity to share with others, and a good place to ask questions, get information about local resources, and learn new ways to manage the challenges of living with dementia.

Whether you are newly diagnosed, are in the early stages of the disease that causes dementia, or are caring for a person with dementia, finding a community that meets your needs is what matters most.

This article provides information on dementia support groups so that you can connect in a way that works best for you.

Alzheimer’s Association

Key Specs

Membership fee: Free
Structure: In-person and virtual meetings, and a community forum
Details: Support groups and meetings are offered in several locations, there's an online community, and virtual meetings
Things to consider: Some local chapters are not currently phone or online support groups

The Alzheimer's Association addresses the needs of people with all types of dementia, not just Alzheimer’s disease. Virtual support groups online forums and discussion boards are available, as well as in-person groups at a variety of locations across the country. All options are free of charge.

Support groups include peer- or professionally led groups for caregivers, people with dementia, and others dealing with Alzheimer’s disease (and other forms of dementia). There are also groups available for those with younger-onset and early-stage Alzheimer’s disease.

They also have a community discussion board called ALZconnected. This is an online community where you can ask questions, provide support, and create either public or private groups to discuss specific issues.

Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA)

Key Specs

Membership fee: Most groups are free, some may collect voluntary donations
Structure: Online, phone, video conferencing
Details: Offers support groups specifically for spouses and caregivers, and has active Facebook support groups
Things to consider: Support groups are not available in all states

Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) is a condition involving abnormal protein deposits in the brain called “Lewy bodies.” These deposits affect brain chemical levels, which may result in abnormal thinking, movement, and behavior, as well as mood disorders.

Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA) offers several types of virtual groups, internet discussion forums, and more. Its Facebook support group, Living with Lewy, offers virtual, (Zoom-based) meetings for anyone living with LBD—even those who have a probable diagnosis pending.

If you're seeking a combined support group for people diagnosed with Lewy body dementia and their care partners, Living Together with Lewy is another Facebook group that is available. This one aims to help those who are newly diagnosed, people with early symptoms of the condition, and others who are seeking advice around a possible diagnosis.

LBDA also offers another type of online support group if you have a spouse with Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD) or Lewy body dementia (LBD): LBD Caring Spouses.

Another option is contacting the LBDA Lewy Line to connect with a licensed professional who will offer emotional support and connect you with resources, including a Lewy Buddy if desired.

Family Caregiver Alliance

Key Specs

Membership fee: Free
Structure: Email-based discussion group, online, and video (Zoom)
Details: Support group specifically for family caregivers, phone support group in Spanish, and LGBTQ+ support groups are available
Things to consider: No in-person meetings offered right now, and Young Adult Caregivers Support Group open to Bay Area participants only.

Family Caregiver Alliance is a free, online community offering a support group—which is not moderated—for family members, partners of people with dementia, and caregivers of adults with chronic, debilitating conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, traumatic brain injury, and more.

You can send and receive email messages to interact during group discussions. Family Caregiver Alliance also offers an LGBT Community Support forum for gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender caregivers.

In the San Francisco area, the Family Caregiver Alliance also offers two meetings for caregivers who are taking care of someone over the age of 60 with any diagnosis, or between ages 18 and 59 with an adult-onset cognitive or neurological impairment. One group holds monthly in-person meetings, and the other is a Zoom-based meeting specifically for young adult caregivers under the age of 40.

American Parkinson’s Disease Association (APDA)

Key Specs

Membership fee: Free (fee for certain classes)
Structure: In-person and online support groups, discussion forum, fitness classes
Details: Offers a network of local chapters and virtual events, resources created specifically for veterans and first responders, and fitness and dance classes on YouTube and via Zoom.
Things to consider: There are minimal fees for some classes.

The American Parkinson’s Disease Association (APDA) provides a variety of support groups and resources for Parkinson’s disease patients and their family members and caregivers, everything from an online discussion forum called Smart Patients to an Ask the Doctor section aimed at answering any question or concern you may have.

The APDA offers a nationwide search page to find local, in-person support group meetings for people with Parkinson’s and their caregivers. Fitness classes are also available nationwide and, although there's a fee involved, the APDA can help those who need financial assistance.

There are also resources for those with early-onset Parkinson’s, veterans with Parkinson’s, Spanish speakers, and more.

Dementia Mentors

Key Specs:

Membership fee: Free
Structure: Virtual meetings, one-on-one mentoring online activities
Details: The group is led by mentoring volunteers who have been diagnosed with dementia, online activities, and 10-12 virtual gatherings per week
Things to consider: There are currently no in-person meetings

Dementia Mentors is an online support resource offering private, one-on-one mentorship and video chats to allow people with dementia the chance to socialize. Mentors are volunteers who have been diagnosed with dementia themselves.

The primary goal of Dementia Mentors is to offer a social outlet via a supportive environment for those living with dementia. Mentorship can include fielding questions about day-to-day living and coping with dementia, sharing experiences, and other topics.

The organization also offers a service called a Virtual Memory Café, which is an online social gathering for people with dementia. There are about 10-12 meetings every week at various times during the day to serve people living in different time zones.

Dementia Mentors also provide a community on Facebook with regular webinars to help people who are newly diagnosed.

Memory People

Key Specs:

Membership fee: Free
Structure: Social media platform
Details: There's a very large community in which people with dementia interact with others, caregivers, loved ones, and family members, and only members can see posts
Things to consider: A Facebook account is required

There are many Facebook support groups that offer private, social media forums for people with dementia and their caregivers. Memory People is one group that has nearly 27,000 members. Memory People welcomes people living with dementia, along with their caregivers, family members, and other loved ones.

Topics of discussion include everything about the reality of dementia and memory impairment, and members encourage each other forward on their journey with emotional support.

When you become a member, a group administrator will send you an email message with a friendly welcome that will tell you more about the group and allow you to view the comments from other group members. All posts are monitored to assure it is a safe space and the rules are being followed (for example, members do not promote studies or discuss unproven remedies or medical cures).

Note: Once you are a group member, your posts will only be seen by other members, not the general public.

A Word from Verywell

Living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia or caring for a person with dementia can feel lonely and isolating. Dementia support groups—for both patients and their family members, caregivers, or loved ones—can help provide the care, community, and social interaction you need to cope with the daily stresses of living with dementia.

Most support groups are free of charge and many offer sessions, meetings, or “memory cafes” (social gatherings that allow people experiencing memory loss and a loved one to connect virtually), so you can receive and give support from the comfort of your own home.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are dementia support groups?

Dementia support groups are meetings that take place online (via a virtual meeting platform, such as Zoom) or in-person. They may also involve a forum, featuring posts or emails from members who send messages to share stories, ask questions, and more.
Is a dementia support groups right for me?

While there are many different types of dementia support groups, the goal is to offer people a place where they can feel connected to others who are going through similar experiences. Most caregivers find that the biggest benefit they gain from support group meetings is feeling that they are not alone. But informal support groups may not be for everyone. Some find that they need a more structured environment; professional help such as counseling or therapy may be needed (either in a group or individual setting).
How are dementia support groups structured?

Dementia support groups are structured differently, depending on the group. Many are organized and led by a group moderator, someone who has had experience in the field (such as a dementia caregiver) but is not a paid professional.

A moderator welcomes new members, makes group announcements, and sends out information about the group (i.e. welcome email messages). After the moderator opens the meeting, each member of the group is usually given an opportunity for an introduction. The groups are structured to give members an opportunity to interact in their own way. Often, guest speakers are asked to join.
How much do dementia support groups cost?

Most of the support groups and other services on this list are free. Groups that charge a fee are usually those that employ professionals, such as social workers, fitness trainers, licensed counselors, etc.
Do these groups accept insurance?

Insurance payments are not applicable for most of these groups because they are free. If a group is facilitated by a licensed professional, check with a health insurance provider to find out if the group or individual therapy service is covered.

2 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Szczepańska-Gieracha J, Jaworska-Burzyńska L, Boroń-Krupińska K, Kowalska J. Nonpharmacological forms of therapy to reduce the burden on caregivers of patients with dementia-A pilot intervention study. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020;17(24):9153. doi:10.3390/ijerph17249153
National Institute on Aging. What Is Lewy body dementia? Causes, symptoms, and treatments.

By Sherry Christiansen
Sherry Christiansen is a medical writer with a healthcare background. She has worked in the hospital setting and collaborated on Alzheimer's research.

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