The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. We've been a catalyst in nearly every major advance in Alzheimer research since 1982, and we have committed millions of dollars in grants to promising research projects. Our national organization has offices in Chicago and Washington, D.C., and 77 chapters nationwide.

Our 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.

Our vision

A world without Alzheimer's disease.

What we do

We serve the cause to end Alzheimer's disease by:

• providing information, referral, education and support services
• advocating for policy change
• advancing research in the cause, treatment and cure
• raising public awareness and concern to make Alzheimer's disease a national priority

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How we use funds to fulfill our mission

A donor-supported organization, the Alzheimer's Association allocates its funds in an ethical and responsible manner that exceeds the rigorous standards of America’s most experienced charity evaluator, the Better Business Bureau.

To earn the BBB Wise Giving Alliance seal we must meet a minimum standard of 65 percent for program expenses. For fiscal year 2007, the Association exceeded that by committing 78 percent of all Association expenses directly to programs that support those living with Alzheimer’s and those advancing Alzheimer research.

Our beginning

The Alzheimer's Association was founded by a small group of caregivers in 1980. These pioneers profoundly affected how people are living with Alzheimer's today — they no longer need to face it alone. Our organization’s achievements and progress in the Alzheimer field have given thousands of people a better quality of life and brought hope for millions more.

Join us as an Alzheimer's Champion

Every 71 seconds someone in America develops Alzheimer’s and its prevalence is increasing. There's no doubt about it: Alzheimer’s disease is the 21st century’s health epidemic. If you don’t know someone with Alzheimer's disease, you soon will.

Becoming an Alzheimer's Champion is the ultimate way to fight back against this mind-robbing disease. It's the opportunity to make a real difference to real lives by taking action. Big or small, whatever you do matters ... to those living with Alzheimer's today and to future generations. We thank you.