What to Do After an Alzheimer’s Diagnosis in Los Angeles: Clinics, Trials, and Support Near Sierra Madre

An Alzheimer’s diagnosis changes everything. If your family is facing an Alzheimer’s diagnosis in Los Angeles, the grief and fear are real. You may have the urge to take action right away.

The good news is you’re in one of the best places in the country for Alzheimer’s care. LA County is home to leading research hospitals, clinical trials, and support groups close to Sierra Madre and Pasadena.

If you’re wondering what the next steps are after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, let The Kensington Sierra Madre be your guide.

First Steps After an Alzheimer’s Diagnosis in Los Angeles County

The days after a dementia diagnosis can feel like a blur. Give yourself permission to grieve. These first steps can help when you’re ready.

Immediate Steps to Take After Alzheimer’s Diagnosis

• Learn what type of dementia your loved one has. Treatment differs between Alzheimer’s, Lewy body dementia, and other forms.
• Get a care plan from your doctor
• Contact the UCLA or USC memory programs
• Consider clinical trials
• Talk with a local memory care expert
• Get referrals for specialists, if necessary
• Request a full list of current medications and any needed changes.
• Explore local support groups in Pasadena
• Begin gathering a support team of family, friends, and local resources

You don’t have to figure everything out today. LA County and the San Gabriel Valley are home to top Alzheimer’s care networks. Knowing where to turn is the first step.

Alzheimer’s Clinics and Research Centers Near Sierra Madre

Los Angeles County is home to some of the most respected Alzheimer’s programs in the country. Many of these resources are within 15–30 minutes of Sierra Madre and Pasadena.

• UCLA Mary S. Easton Center for Alzheimer’s Research and Care. Located in Westwood, this center offers memory clinic evaluations, caregiver support groups, and clinical research programs.
• UCLA Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Program. Nurse practitioners create personalized care plans and coordinate with your loved one’s doctors. The program has served over 4,300 families since 2011.
• USC Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. Based at Keck Medicine in downtown LA, USC focuses on early detection through clinical studies and brain health research.
• Cedars-Sinai Jona Goldrich Center for Alzheimer’s and Memory Disorders. This center provides diagnostic evaluations and runs the C.A.R.E.S. Program for ongoing dementia care support.

These programs can help your family build a care team in Los Angeles after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

Clinical Trials for Alzheimer’s in Los Angeles

Being near Los Angeles is a real advantage. UCLA, USC, and Cedars-Sinai all run clinical trials testing new ways to treat memory loss and slow cognitive decline.

For many families, joining a trial brings hope and purpose during a difficult time. Some studies focus on early-stage Alzheimer’s. Others explore prevention or new medications.

Here’s how to start looking:

• Visit the Alzheimers.gov Clinical Trials Finder for a searchable list by location.
• Contact the NIA Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers at UCLA or USC directly.
• Ask your loved one’s doctor if a trial might be a good fit.

Our team at The Kensington Sierra Madre can also help point your family toward local research programs.

Alzheimer’s Support Groups Near Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley

One of the most comforting things families tell us is that they have finally found people who understand. Support groups offer that connection, and several meet right here in the Pasadena area.

• Alzheimer’s Los Angeles runs caregiver support groups across LA County, including an in-person group in Pasadena led by Elizabeth Nadeau of CAPS. They also offer a free helpline at 844-435-7259.
• Alzheimer’s Association, California Southland Chapter, offers free caregiver groups by phone, video, and in person. Their 24/7 helpline is 800-272-3900.
• The Kensington Sierra Madre hosts a monthly Family Caregiver Support Group, also led by Elizabeth Nadeau. It’s open to families in any stage of the dementia grief journey.

Talking with other families who’ve walked this road can ease the weight you’re carrying. You don’t have to do this alone.

How The Kensington Sierra Madre Connects Families to Alzheimer’s Care in Los Angeles

The Kensington Sierra Madre is nestled in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains. The setting is peaceful, and it’s a short drive from Pasadena, Arcadia, and greater LA County.

We’re one of the premier memory care communities in the Pasadena area.

The Kensington Sierra Madre Difference

We’re a Positive Approach to Care Designated Community. Our team is trained in Teepa Snow’s proven methods for supporting people living with dementia. That training shapes everything we do.

We offer three memory care neighborhoods to support your loved one at every stage.

• Kensington Club for residents experiencing early cognitive changes
• Connections for residents with mid-stage memory loss
• Haven for later-stage care needs

Families are invited to monthly educational events on Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other relevant care topics, as well as to our monthly support groups.

Whether your loved one needs Alzheimer’s or dementia support today or your family is planning ahead, we’re here to walk beside you.

Take the Next Step Toward Alzheimer’s Care in Los Angeles

An Alzheimer’s diagnosis doesn’t come with a roadmap, but you don’t have to find the way alone. Our Promise is to love and care for your family as we do our own.

Your family deserves guidance, compassion, and a real plan. Reach out to The Kensington Sierra Madre for guidance. We’d love to hear your story.

FAQ: Alzheimer’s Care in Los Angeles