About the Alzheimer's Association
Our Vision...A World Without Alzheimers

As baby boomers enter the age of greatest risk, Alzheimer's disease is becoming the leading public health crisis of the 21st century. The Alzheimer's Association is working to avert this crisis by aggressively advancing research and by improving the quality of care and support for individuals affected by the disease.

Research program

The Alzheimer’s Association is the largest private funder of Alzheimer research, having awarded nearly $140 million in research grants in the quest to develop more effective treatments, preventions and, eventually, a cure. Learn more.

Support, information and referral services

Our nationwide chapter network provides information, assistance, and support in diverse communities nationwide. Many chapters sponsor peer groups and professionally-led support groups for those affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Specialized groups are available in many locations for individuals with early-onset or early-stage Alzheimer’s, adult caregivers, children of people with the disease, and other groups with specific needs. For more information about support groups and other local services in your area, contact your local chapter.

Advocacy programs

Advocacy is a major component of the Alzheimer's Association mission. Advocates representing the Association raise awareness about Alzheimer-related issues before federal, state, and local government and with health and long-term care providers. The payoff has been phenomenal: substantial increases in federal research funding, growth in state-supported services, and improvements in the quality of care for those in residential facilities. Learn more.

Educational materials

The Alzheimer's Association offers educational materials (brochures, videos, audiotapes, books, etc.) on topics related to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia disorders, including basic information about these conditions, getting a diagnosis, communication techniques, home safety tips, choosing a residential care setting, experiences of other caregivers and activity programming. Many of these brochures are available on-line.

24-hour call centers / The Contact Center

The Association's local telephone helplines and its national 24/7 toll-free line give people the assistance and information they need. We connect callers to information about the disease, treatments, care strategies, and linkages to community programs. For more in-depth support, we offer confidential care consultation. Learn more.

Safe Return / Safety services

Safe Return is a national program of the Alzheimer Association that assists in the identification and safe, timely return of individuals with Alzheimer's who wander and become lost. Learn more.

The Association also provides information on other Alzheimer-related safety concerns such as driving and home safety.

Library Services

The Alzheimer's Association operates the nation's largest library and resource center dedicated to Alzheimer's disease. The library provides a wide variety of free information services to the public. Learn more.

Educational and training programs

The Alzheimer's Association offer a variety of ongoing educational programs targeted to specific audiences — health care and social services professionals, individuals with the disease and their families, and the general public— as well as customized speaking engagements upon request. Some educational programs offer continuing education (CE)  credits. To learn about educational and training programs in your community, contact your local chapter.