Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association

The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Founded in 1980 by a group of family caregivers, the Association includes the national office in Chicago, the public policy office in Washington, D.C., and chapters in communities across the country.

Alzheimer’s disease is both a global and national epidemic. Worldwide, more than 35 million people are living with the disease. In the United States alone, an estimated 5.4 million people have Alzheimer’s, and nearly 15 million are serving as their caregivers. Alzheimer’s is the only cause of death among the top 10 in the United States without a way to prevent, cure or even slow its progression.

The Alzheimer’s Association strives to address this epidemic by providing information, education and support for millions of individuals, caregivers and medical professionals who face dementia every day.

We provide care and support across the country.
• Our 24/7 Helpline (1.800.272.3900) offers free support and information on a variety of topics, including treatments and clinical trials, care strategies, and legal, financial and housing decisions.
• Our award-winning website at www.alz.org is a rich resource that helps inform and educate.
• Medic Alert® + Alzheimer’s Association Safe Return® is a 24-hour nationwide emergency response service for individuals with Alzheimer’s or related dementia that wander or who have a medical emergency.
• The Alzheimer’s Association Green-Field Library, the nation’s largest devoted to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, provides reference and research services accessible virtually.
• Our local chapters host thousands of support groups and educational sessions in communities nationwide.

We advance research into methods of prevention, treatment and ultimately, a cure.
• The Alzheimer’s Association is the largest nonprofit funder of Alzheimer’s disease research. Through our International Research Grant Program, we have committed more than $292 million to 2,000 best-of-field grant proposals since 1982.
• The Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) is the world's largest conference of its kind, bringing together researchers from around the world to report and discuss groundbreaking research and information.
• We lead the World-Wide Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (WW-ADNI) a global consortium of international investigators working to predict and monitor the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s.

We advocate for the needs and rights of people facing Alzheimer’s.
• Through our efforts, we have helped pass landmark legislation such as the National Alzheimer’s Project Act, mandating a coordinated national plan to address Alzheimer’s disease. When approved, the plan should accelerate the development of treatments, focus and coordinate federal efforts, and improve early diagnosis and care coordination.
• We call for an increased commitment to increased research funding from the federal government. Currently, for every $2.80 that Medicare and Medicaid spend caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, the federal government invests only $.01 on Alzheimer’s research.
• We demand better access to diagnosis and care planning. Unfortunately, most people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias have not been diagnosed, preventing them from accessing the best treatments and planning for the future.

Join the cause. Visit us at alz.org.
• Connect with a local chapter and participate in a support group, attend one of our educational workshops or volunteer within your community.
• Advocate for those affected by Alzheimer’s and urge legislators make the disease a national priority.
• Participate in Walk to End Alzheimer’sTM, the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.
• Donate to advance vital research and further care and support programs.