Education and support are essential for people newly diagnosed. Understanding the physical changes in the brain is the first step. Take a tour of your brain on the Alzheimer’s Association website to better understand how it works, and learn about the seven stages of Alzheimer’s. People often resist reaching out for help at first, but support groups can be enormously helpful. Through support groups, you can: 1) Learn how to cope with the disease, and 2) Hear about other people’s experiences with symptoms and treatments. If you are looking for an early-stage support group contact Judy Filippoff, MSW, Early Stage Program coordinator at the Alzheimer’s Association at (800) 272-3900. For a list of support groups through Alzheimer's Aid Society of Northern California visit the Alzheimer’s Association support group and education calendar. Remember, you are not alone in your diagnosis. Read more at www.eskaton.org