Alzheimer Association
On April 10, 1980, the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Association was incorporated. With no more than $75,000 for a budget, this Alzheimer Association made it under the leadership of founding president, Jerome Stone, opening seven founding chapters in total: Boston, Columbus, Minneapolis, New York City, Pittsburgh, San Francisco, and Seattle.
At that time, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) invested only $13 million in Alzheimer research. However, two years later in 1982, President Ronald Reagan designated the first National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Week. The Alzheimer Association founded more chapters after that and started its own research program. A testament: Things were finally beginning to happen.
A Multimillion Dollar Organization Dedicated to Alzheimer Research
Today, the Alzheimer Association is a multimillion dollar organization run by volunteers and dedicated individuals whose vision is to see “a world without Alzheimer’s disease.” And with their mission “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,” the Alzheimer Association has indeed come a long way from its humble beginnings.
Being the first and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to finding prevention methods, treatments, and an eventual cure for Alzheimer’s disease, the Alzheimer Association has been acting as a catalyst for a generation’s worth of advancements in the research revolving around Alzheimer’s as well as general health care and support.
Services for Free
25 years since its inception, the Alzheimer Association remains a donor supported and not for profit voluntary organization that provides reliable information and care consultation to Alzheimer’s patients, friends and family members. The supportive services they provide and special programs designed for patient’s loved ones have helped many a family cope with the disease. Moreover, the Alzheimer Association’s active role in public policy changes has brought on an increase in funding for dementia research, particularly its most common form, Alzheimer’s disease.
The Alzheimer Association now has nationwide distribution of local chapters with no less than 300 points of service. They provide you with support, whether you are a patient, a family member, or even a caregiver. In addition, the Alzheimer Association also offers education and training programs to care providers. These programs will help them deliver better dementia care and improve quality of life for people living with Alzheimer’s.
Core Programs and Services
Each of the local chapters of the Alzheimer Association provides the following core services:
* Information and Referral – a chapter helpline that is open 24/7, providing emotional support and information
* Care Consultation – dedicated professional staff help you navigate through the difficult decisions and uncertainties you may have in dealing with Alzheimer’s
* Support Group – peer or professionally led groups for caregivers
* Safety Services – Promoting and encouraging people with Alzheimer’s to enroll in their national Safe Return program