Alzheimer's Association

The Alzheimer's Association is a leading voluntary health organization dedicated to advancing research, providing support, and promoting education for individuals affected by Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. Established in 1980 by a group of family caregivers and researchers, the Association has grown to include a home office in Chicago, a public policy office in Washington, D.C., and a presence in communities across the United States.

Mission and Services

The Association's mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.

To achieve this mission, the Alzheimer's Association offers a comprehensive range of services:

• 24/7 Helpline: A free, confidential service available around the clock, staffed by master's-level clinicians and specialists, providing support and information in over 200 languages.
• Educational Programs: The Association conducts online and in-person support groups and educational programs nationwide, ensuring these services reach underserved populations.
• Community Resource Finder: A comprehensive database developed in partnership with AARP, helping families locate programs and services related to dementia and aging.
• Clinical Studies Matching Service: Through TrialMatch®, the Association offers a free service connecting individuals with clinical studies related to Alzheimer's disease.

Research Initiatives

As the world's largest nonprofit funder of Alzheimer's research, the Association is investing $300 million in 920 best-of-field projects across 45 countries. This commitment has led to significant advancements, such as the development of Pittsburgh Compound B (PIB), which made amyloid buildup—a hallmark of Alzheimer's—visible in the living brain through a PET scan.

Advocacy and Legislation

The Alzheimer's Association actively advocates for policies that support individuals with Alzheimer's and their families. Working with the Alzheimer's Impact Movement (AIM), a separately incorporated advocacy affiliate, the Association has been instrumental in passing landmark legislation, including the National Alzheimer's Project Act.

This act mandated the creation of a national plan to fight Alzheimer's and coordinates efforts to prevent and effectively treat the disease by 2025.

Community Engagement

The Association engages communities through various events and initiatives, such as the annual Walk to End Alzheimer's, held in more than 600 communities nationwide. This event serves as a fundraiser for Alzheimer's care, support, and research.

Participants raise critical funds that allow the Association to provide 24/7 care and support and advance research toward methods of prevention, treatment, and ultimately, a cure.

Locations

The Alzheimer's Association operates in multiple locations across the United States, including:

• Savannah, GA, USA: Serving the local community with resources and support.
• Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA: Providing services and support to individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's.
• Stamford, CT, USA: Offering educational programs and support groups.
• Lawton, OK, USA: Engaging with the community to provide resources and assistance.
• Fort Worth, TX, USA: Delivering care and support services to those in need.
• Kansas City, MO, USA: Hosting events and programs to raise awareness and support research.

These locations are part of the Association's extensive network dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.

Through its comprehensive services, research initiatives, and advocacy efforts, the Alzheimer's Association continues to lead the fight against Alzheimer's disease, striving to improve the lives of those affected and working toward a world without Alzheimer's.