Dealing with the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease is challenging. But there’s still room to keep moving forward.

The Alzheimer’s Association hopes to make that clear to newly diagnosed patients through an online learning experience, thanks to a $196,000 World of Difference Grant from the Cigna Foundation.

The association is developing the interactive LiveWell E-Learning Program, a web-based app for early-stage Alzheimer’s patients and those with other forms of dementia. The app will focus on encouraging patients to build a support network and to avoid isolation. It will include interactive graphics and video of people who are living with the disease.

“Our goal with the program is to help people remain active participants in their communities, maximize independence and well-being, and gain a sense of control over living with the disease,” Monica Moreno, the Alzheimer’s Association national director of early stage initiatives, said in a news release.

The program builds upon successes the association has had with the launch of a telephone support group earlier this year and the I Have Alzheimer’s microsite.

“It’s an honor and an inspiration for the Cigna Foundation to be able to help people with Alzheimer’s find ways to live a meaningful life despite the challenges of such a diagnosis,” Cigna Foundation Executive Director David Figliuzzi said in the release.

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