Alzheimer's Association
National non-profit headquarters
Location	Chicago, Illinois, USA
Type	501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Website	https://www.alz.org/
Focus Areas	[Alzheimer's Disease](/diseases/alzheimers-disease) Research, Care, Advocacy, Education
Founded	1980
Chapters	75+ chapters nationwide
Total Research Funded	$300+ million
Tax ID	13-3039601

Alzheimer’s Association

Overview

The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s disease care, support, and research in the United States. Founded in 1980 by a group of family caregivers and healthcare professionals, the organization has grown to become the largest nonprofit funder of Alzheimer’s research in the world, having invested over $300 million in research since its founding^{1Alzheimer's Association About UsOpen reference}.

Based in Chicago, Illinois, the Association operates through a nationwide network of more than 75 chapters, providing services to millions of people affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias. The organization is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization (Tax ID: 13-3039601) governed by a Board of Directors and led by President and CEO Joanna L. Rosado^{1Alzheimer's Association About UsOpen reference}.

The Association’s mission is "to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support"^{1Alzheimer's Association About UsOpen reference}. This comprehensive mission encompasses research funding, advocacy, education, care support, and awareness campaigns that reach millions of individuals and families annually.

History and Foundation

Founding and Early Years

The Alzheimer’s Association was founded in 1980 in Chicago when a small group of family caregivers and healthcare professionals recognized the urgent need for an organization dedicated to addressing the growing crisis of Alzheimer’s disease. At the time, Alzheimer’s was poorly understood, often misdiagnosed, and rarely recognized as a major public health concern. Families affected by the disease had few resources, minimal support systems, and little hope for effective treatments.

The founding members included caregivers who had lost loved ones to the disease and physicians who had witnessed firsthand the devastating impact on patients and families. Their vision was to create an organization that would provide support for those affected while simultaneously driving research toward better treatments and eventually a cure.

Growth and Expansion

Since its founding, the Alzheimer’s Association has grown exponentially:

• 1980s: Established national headquarters in Chicago; began building chapter network

• 1990s: Launched the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) as the world’s largest gathering of Alzheimer’s researchers

• 2000s: Expanded research funding programs; launched TrialMatch clinical trial matching service

• 2010s: Strengthened advocacy efforts; increased annual research investment to over $50 million

• 2020s: Reached $300 million cumulative research funding milestone; expanded diversity and inclusion initiatives

The organization has played a critical role in increasing public awareness of Alzheimer’s, advocating for government research funding, and advancing scientific understanding of the disease. The Association has been instrumental in changing Alzheimer’s from a misunderstood condition to a recognized major public health priority.

Mission and Strategic Priorities

The Alzheimer’s Association operates under six strategic objectives that guide all programs and initiatives^{2Alzheimer's Association 2024 Annual ReportOpen reference}:

1. Accelerate Research

The Association funds innovative research projects worldwide through competitive grant programs. Priority areas include:

• Basic Science: Understanding fundamental disease mechanisms

• Biomarker Development: Early detection and diagnosis methods

• Therapeutic Development: Drug discovery and clinical trials

• Care Research: Improving quality of life for patients and caregivers

2. Drive Risk Reduction and Early Detection

The Association promotes brain health and risk reduction strategies while advancing early detection methods:

• Brain Health Education: Public education on modifiable risk factors

• Early Detection Campaigns: Promoting awareness of early warning signs

• Cognitive Testing Advocacy: Encouraging regular cognitive assessments

3. Maximize Quality Care and Support

The Association provides comprehensive support services for people living with Alzheimer’s and their families:

• Caregiver Support: Training, respite, and emotional support

• Care Navigation: Guidance through the healthcare system

• Quality Care Standards: Advocacy for best practices in dementia care

4. Increase Concern and Awareness

The Association works to increase public understanding of Alzheimer’s and its impact:

• Public Awareness Campaigns: National and community education

• Media Engagement: Press coverage and social media outreach

• Advocacy Mobilization: Grassroots advocacy efforts

5. Build Community Engagement

The Association engages communities across the nation through:

• Chapter Network: Local presence in 75+ communities

• Volunteer Programs: Thousands of dedicated volunteers

• Corporate Partnerships: Business community engagement

6. Operational Excellence

The Association maintains organizational strength through:

• Financial Stewardship: Responsible resource management

• Governance: Strong board oversight and transparency

• Technology Innovation: Modern systems and platforms

Research Programs and Funding

Research Grants

The Alzheimer’s Association funds research through several mechanisms^{3Alzheimer's Association Research FundingOpen reference}:

Part the Cloud Grant Program

Funding translational research to accelerate drug development:

• Focus on novel therapeutic targets

• Support for early-stage clinical trials

• Partnership with pharmaceutical companies

Investigator-Initiated Research Grants

Supporting independent researchers worldwide:

• Junior Investigator Awards

• Mid-Career Investigator Awards

• New Investigator Research Grants

International Collaboration

Supporting global research efforts:

• Partnership with Alzheimer’s Disease International

• Collaboration with European research networks

• Support for World Health Organization initiatives

Research Priorities

The Association’s research funding prioritizes^{4Alzheimer's Association Facts and Figures Report 2024Open reference}:

1. Disease-Modifying Therapies: Interventions that slow or halt disease progression

2. Early Detection: Biomarkers and diagnostic tools for early diagnosis

3. Prevention Strategies: Lifestyle interventions and risk reduction

4. Non-Pharmacological Interventions: Behavioral and environmental approaches

5. Care and Support: Quality of life improvements

Research Impact

The Association’s research investment has contributed to:

• Identification of novel therapeutic targets

• Development of improved diagnostic methods

• Understanding of disease mechanisms

• Clinical trial design improvements

Care and Support Services

Helpline and Information

The Association’s 24/7 Helpline (800-272-3900) provides free, confidential support^{5Alzheimer's Association HelplineOpen reference}:

• Trained staff available around the clock

• Information about Alzheimer’s and dementia

• Caregiver support and guidance

• Connections to local resources

Care Navigation

The Association offers personalized Care Navigation Services^{6Alzheimer's Association Care and Support ServicesOpen reference}:

• Assessment of individual needs

• Development of care plans

• Connection to local services

• Ongoing support and check-ins

Support Groups

The Association facilitates Support Groups nationwide:

• Peer support for caregivers

• Early-stage support groups

• Caregiver stress management

• Memory loss support groups

Education Programs

The Association provides comprehensive Education Programs^{7Alzheimer's Association Early Stage ProgramsOpen reference}:

• Caregiver Training: Skills for managing daily challenges

• Professional Education: Training for healthcare workers

• Community Presentations: Public education sessions

• Online Learning: Webinars and e-learning modules

Early-Stage Programs

The Association’s Early-Stage Advisory Group has shaped dementia care, research, and advocacy since 2006^{7Alzheimer's Association Early Stage ProgramsOpen reference}:

• Leadership development for people with early-stage dementia

• Advisory roles in organizational decisions

• Awareness and stigma reduction initiatives

Advocacy and Public Policy

Alzheimer’s Impact Movement

The Alzheimer’s Impact Movement (AIM) is the Association’s advocacy arm^{1Alzheimer's Association About UsOpen reference}0:

• Federal and state policy advocacy

• Grassroots advocacy mobilization

• Campaign for increased research funding

• Care quality and access advocacy

Policy Priorities

The Association advocates for^{1Alzheimer's Association About UsOpen reference}1^{1Alzheimer's Association About UsOpen reference}2:

1. Increased Research Funding: More NIH funding for Alzheimer’s research

2. Care Quality Standards: Improved dementia care in all settings

3. Early Detection Coverage: Medicare coverage for cognitive assessments

4. Caregiver Support: Resources for family caregivers

5. Long-Term Care Financing: Reform of long-term care systems

6. Dementia Workforce Training: The AADAPT Act to expand provider training in dementia care

Annual Advocacy Events

• Alzheimer’s Advocacy Forum: Annual conference in Washington, D.C.

• State Advocacy Days: Grassroots engagement at state level

• Virtual Advocacy: Online advocacy campaigns

Major Initiatives

Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC)

The AAIC is the world’s largest gathering of Alzheimer’s researchers^{1Alzheimer's Association About UsOpen reference}3:

• Annual attendance of 10,000+ researchers

• Platform for presenting breakthrough findings

• Networking and collaboration opportunities

• Research career development

TrialMatch

TrialMatch is a free, confidential clinical trial matching service^{1Alzheimer's Association About UsOpen reference}4:

• Database of 300+ clinical trials

• Personalized matching based on criteria

• Connection to research teams

• Support for trial participation

Walk to End Alzheimer’s

The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care^{1Alzheimer's Association About UsOpen reference}5:

• 600+ walks annually nationwide

• Millions of participants

• Hundreds of millions raised

• Community awareness building

Brain Health Roundtable (March 2026)

The Brain Health Roundtable was launched in March 2026 as a cross-sector coalition working to elevate brain health as a national public health priority and accelerate the adoption of evidence-based strategies to reduce dementia risk. This initiative brings together stakeholders from healthcare, research, policy, and community organizations to develop coordinated approaches to brain health promotion.

The Roundtable focuses on:

• Elevating brain health in national and state public health agendas

• Promoting evidence-based strategies for dementia risk reduction

• Addressing health disparities in brain health outcomes

• Coordinating cross-sector action among healthcare providers, researchers, and policymakers

For more details, see Brain Health Roundtable and AADAPT Act.

Brain Tour

The Brain Tour is an educational resource explaining how Alzheimer’s affects the brain^{1Alzheimer's Association About UsOpen reference}6:

• Interactive brain anatomy

• Disease progression explanation

• Treatment effects visualization

Diversity and Inclusion

The Association’s Diversity and Inclusion Initiative ensures equitable access to services^{1Alzheimer's Association About UsOpen reference}7:

• Culturally responsive programs

• Minority community outreach

• Healthcare disparity reduction

• Language accessibility

Statistics and Impact

Alzheimer’s Disease Facts (2024)

According to the Association’s Facts and Figures Report^{1Alzheimer's Association About UsOpen reference}8, Alzheimer’s disease represents one of the most significant public health challenges facing the United States and the world. The disease affects millions of Americans and imposes enormous economic and emotional burdens on individuals, families, and society as a whole.

Prevalence and Demographics

Metric	Value
Americans living with Alzheimer’s	6.5 million
Projected by 2050	12.7 million
Age 65+ population with Alzheimer’s	1 in 9 (11%)
Age 85+ population with Alzheimer’s	1 in 3 (33%)
Women (as % of total)	Nearly two-thirds
African Americans (at higher risk)	2x compared to whites
Hispanics (at higher risk)	1.5x compared to whites

The prevalence data reveals significant demographic disparities in Alzheimer’s disease. Research has shown that older African Americans and Hispanics are disproportionately affected, with studies indicating that African Americans are approximately twice as likely to have Alzheimer’s or other dementias compared to non-Hispanic whites, while Hispanics are about 1.5 times as likely^{1Alzheimer's Association About UsOpen reference}9. This disparity is attributed to multiple factors including higher rates of cardiovascular conditions, lower education levels, and socioeconomic factors that influence health outcomes.

Women are disproportionately affected by Alzheimer’s both as patients and caregivers. Approximately 3.8 million women in the United States are living with Alzheimer’s, representing nearly two-thirds of all Americans with the disease. This reflects both the longer life expectancy of women and potential biological factors that may increase risk.

Caregiver Statistics

The Alzheimer’s Association Facts and Figures Report provides detailed caregiver statistics that highlight the enormous burden on families^{1Alzheimer's Association About UsOpen reference}0:

Caregiver Metric	Value
Total Family Caregivers	11 million
Unpaid Caregiver Hours Annually	18 billion
Total Value of Unpaid Care	$339.3 billion
Average Age of Caregiver	49 years
Female Caregivers	65%
Caregivers over 50	34%

The average annual cost of care for someone with Alzheimer’s is substantial. In 2024, the total cost of all care for people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias is estimated at 345 billion, with Medicare and Medicaid covering approximately 233 billion (67%) and out-of-pocket costs accounting for $92 billion (27%)^{1Alzheimer's Association About UsOpen reference}1. These figures highlight the critical need for supportive services and the economic impact on families.

Organization Impact

The Alzheimer’s Association’s impact extends across multiple dimensions of the disease:

• Chapters: 75+ chapters nationwide

• Helpline Contacts: 300,000+ annually

• Support Groups: 5,000+ facilitated

• Education Participants: Millions reached

• Research Funded: $300+ million total

• Walk Participants: Millions across 600+ events

Economic Impact

The economic burden of Alzheimer’s continues to grow substantially. The total annual cost of care exceeds 345 billion, and projections indicate that this will rise to over 1 trillion by 2050 as the population ages^{1Alzheimer's Association About UsOpen reference}2. This includes:

1. Direct Medical Costs: Hospitalizations, medications, physician visits, and diagnostic tests

2. Direct Non-Medical Costs: Home health aides, adult day care, and assisted living

3. Indirect Costs: Lost wages for caregivers, reduced productivity, and disability

The economic burden is particularly acute for families, who often face catastrophic out-of-pocket expenses for long-term care services not covered by Medicare. According to the Association’s analysis, families spend an average of 11,700 annually on out-of-pocket costs for dementia care, compared to 4,500 for care for other older adults.

Detailed Programs and Services

Safe Return Program

The Association’s Safe Return program is a nationwide identification and support program for people with dementia who may wander:

• Identification jewelry and clothing labels

• 24/7 emergency response line

• Registration database for emergency personnel

• Family notification system

MedicAlert + Alzheimer’s Association Safe Return

This partnership provides:

• 24-hour emergency response

• Medical alert bracelet

• Wandering prevention support

• Family notification system

Virtual Programs

The Association has expanded virtual services to reach more people:

• Virtual Education Classes: Online versions of in-person programs

• Webinars: Topic-specific presentations

• Support Groups: Online peer support

• Care Consultations: Video-based support

Multicultural Outreach

The Association’s multicultural outreach addresses health disparities^{1Alzheimer's Association About UsOpen reference}3:

• African American Outreach: Partnerships with churches and community organizations

• Hispanic/Latino Outreach: Spanish-language programs and materials

• Asian American Outreach: Culturally appropriate services

• Native American Outreach: Tribal partnerships

Scientific Research and Collaboration

Partnership with NIH

The Association works closely with the National Institutes of Health^{1Alzheimer's Association About UsOpen reference}4:

• Collaborates with National Institute on Aging (NIA)

• Supports NIH-funded clinical trials

• Participates in research consortia

• Advocates for increased NIH funding

International Collaboration

The Association maintains global partnerships:

• Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI)

• Research institutions worldwide

• International conference hosting

• Global policy advocacy

Research Milestones

Association-funded research has contributed to significant advances:

• Identification of novel genetic risk factors

• Development of biomarkers for early detection

• Understanding of amyloid and tau biology

• Clinical trial design improvements

Healthcare Provider Education

Professional Training

The Association provides education for healthcare professionals:

• Dementia Care Practice Recommendations

• Training for First Responders

• Physician Continuing Education

• Nurse Training Programs

Quality Care Initiative

The Association’s Quality Care Initiative promotes:

• Evidence-based care practices

• Person-centered care approaches

• Staff training and certification

• Facility recognition programs

Special Populations

Youth Programs

The Association has specific programs for younger populations:

• Teens: Alzheimer’s awareness and volunteer programs

• College Students: Campus chapters and internships

• Young Professionals: Emerging Leaders program

Veterans Programs

The Association supports veterans with Alzheimer’s:

• Partnerships with VA medical centers

• Military caregiver support

• TBI and dementia research

• Agent Orange exposure studies

Related Organizations and Partnerships

National Partners

• Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers

• Alzheimer’s Clinical Trial Consortium

• Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation

Related Topics

• Alzheimer’s Disease

• Dementia Care

• Alzheimer’s Disease Clinical Trials

• Alzheimer’s Disease Research

Contact Information

• Headquarters: 225 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601

• Helpline: 800.272.3900 (24/7)

• Website: www.alz.org

• Email: info@alz.org

• Tax ID: 13-3039601