Posted on May 16, 2006

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Alzheimer's Association

Founded: 1980

Contact: Mary Chehovin, Director of Public Relations

Address:
Alzheimer's Association
National Office
225 N. Michigan Avenue, 17th Floor
Chicago, IL 60601

Phone: (800) 272-3900
E-mail: info@alz.org
URL: http://www.alz.org/

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.

About the Organization:
The Alzheimer's Association, the first and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to finding prevention methods, treatments, and an eventual cure for Alzheimer's disease, is a nationwide network with a national office in Chicago, a public policy office in Washington, D.C., eighty-one chapters, and three hundred offices across the country that offer individualized assistance to at-home caregivers and residential direct-care staff. As the largest private, nonprofit funder of Alzheimer's research in the United States, the association supported ninety-three projects in 2005 with grants totaling $17.9 million.

Current Programs:
The Alzheimer's Association supports advocacy for increased research and government funding, funds an extensive grants program, sponsors the Maintain Your Brain consumer-education campaign, and operates the Green-Field Library in Chicago, which has an online catalog, resource list, and materials the public may request online. In addition, each local chapter of the association offers five core services: information and referrals to community resources; care consultation by telephone, e-mail, or in-person; peer- and professional-led support groups; safety services, notably the Safe Return program; and education, including materials such as brochures, books, and videotapes, and programs targeted to individuals and professionals. Local chapters may also offer special programs, such as assistance to people with Alzheimer's who live alone, rural and/or multicultural outreach, care-coordination services, and training programs for families and professionals.

Web Site:
The Alzheimer's Association Web site features a database of local chapters; warning signs, treatments, and stages of the disease; related disorders; and a tour of the brain. It also provides links, fact sheets, published research, a "diversity toolbox" with culturally relevant materials for people from diverse backgrounds, a list of clinical trials, information on Medicare and Medicaid, and suggestions and resources for specific groups — people living with Alzheimer's, caregivers, health professionals, and youth.

Funding:
The Alzheimer's Association is supported primarily by gifts from individuals.