Tell me about national alzheimer’s association
Alzheimer’s disease is a devastating and progressive neurological disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of all cases. As the population continues to age, the number of people living with Alzheimer’s is expected to increase dramatically. In the United States alone, there are currently over 6 million people living with the disease, and this number is projected to reach nearly 14 million by 2050.
In light of this growing epidemic, the National Alzheimer’s Association was established to provide support, education, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease. This non-profit organization has been at the forefront of the fight against Alzheimer’s for over 40 years, working tirelessly to advance research, improve care and support for those living with the disease, and ultimately, find a cure.
The National Alzheimer’s Association was founded in 1980 by Jerome H. Stone and a group of individuals who were affected by the disease. Stone’s wife was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s at the age of 50, and he witnessed firsthand the lack of resources and support available for families dealing with the disease. Driven by his personal experience, Stone made it his mission to create an organization that would advocate for those affected by Alzheimer’s and provide a platform for awareness and education.
Today, the National Alzheimer’s Association has grown to become the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Its headquarters are located in Chicago, with over 75 chapters across the country that offer services and support to local communities.
The organization’s vision is a world without Alzheimer’s disease. To achieve this goal, they work towards their mission of eliminating Alzheimer’s through the advancement of research, providing care and support to those affected by the disease, and promoting brain health and risk reduction strategies.
Research is at the core of the National Alzheimer’s Association’s efforts. They fund innovative and cutting-edge research projects that aim to better understand the causes of Alzheimer’s, develop effective treatments, and ultimately find a cure. The organization has invested over $560 million in more than 3,600 research grants to date, making it the largest private funder of Alzheimer’s research in the world.
In addition to funding research, the National Alzheimer’s Association provides support and resources for those living with the disease and their caregivers. They offer a 24/7 Helpline (800-272-3900) staffed by trained professionals who provide support, information, and referrals to local resources and services. The organization also offers support groups, educational workshops, and care consultations to help caregivers navigate the challenges of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s.
The National Alzheimer’s Association also plays a crucial role in advocating for public policies that benefit individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s. They work closely with lawmakers at the federal and state levels to increase funding for research, improve access to quality care and support, and promote policies that support brain health and risk reduction.
As part of their efforts to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s, the National Alzheimer’s Association hosts several events throughout the year. The most notable is the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s, the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. In 2020, over $80 million was raised through these walks across the country.
In conclusion, the National Alzheimer’s Association is a vital organization dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Through their work in research, care, support, and advocacy, they are making significant strides towards a world without Alzheimer’s. To learn more about their services or get involved in their cause, visit their website at alz.org.
