Alzheimer’s Disease: Early Detection Matters has earned first place in the American Express Members Project®. We appreciate your dedication to the fight against Alzheimer’s!

The passion of one Cardmember
We are also extremely grateful to Jay Smith, the American Express Cardmember who submitted the project and named the Alzheimer’s Association as the fulfilling organization. Jay’s passion for fighting Alzheimer’s is fueled by the experiences of his wife, Patty, who was diagnosed at the age of 51 – two years after she first exhibited the signs and symptoms of the disease. Patty is a past member of the Association’s Early-Stage Advisory Group.

The fight continues
This victory is only a small accomplishment in our larger fight against Alzheimer’s disease. Five million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, and millions more suffer the emotional and financial consequences when a loved one is diagnosed.

More about the Early Detection Matters project
The Alzheimer’s Association will receive $1.5 million from American Express to begin an education campaign highlighting the importance of early detection among physicians and the general public. This is a positive step toward helping those who go undiagnosed for many years, losing valuable time that could be spent planning for the future and starting treatment.

Funds from the American Express Members Project will enable the Alzheimer's Association to:

• Collaborate with other health leaders to get the word out and combine resources.
• Engage people with Alzheimer's to be advocates, allowing them to spread awareness about the importance of early detection.
• Increase public education about early detection via paid advertising, public relations and other forms of proactive communications.
• Promote participation in clinical trials of groundbreaking treatments.
• Empower those who suspect they may have Alzheimer's to find the help and hope they need.
• Educate physicians about the 10 Warning Signs® and patient support services.