Finding an Alzheimer's Organization

As Alzheimer’s takes its deadly and debilitating toll on more and more Americans, many organizations have been formed to research, educate, and support those with the disease and their families. Connecting with an Alzheimer’s organization is a great way to learn more about current research, meet and correspond with others who have been impacted by Alzheimer’s, and volunteer your help and time to help combat the spread of Alzheimer’s.

Major Alzheimer’s Organizations

The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading Alzheimer’s organization; it was the first organization made up of volunteers committed to preventing, treating, and someday curing Alzheimer’s disease. Their vision is “a world without Alzheimer’s disease.” You can find information about local chapters and other helpful information on their website, www.alz.org.

Leading the federal effort on research on aging, the National Institute on Aging, a part of the National Institutes of Health, was founded to improve the health of the aging population. While not specifically an Alzheimer’s organization, NIA supports research on age-related diseases, and because Alzheimer’s is one of the major age-related disease, you can find lots of valuable information and resources on their website, www.nia.nih.gov. Visit the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association (ADRDA) on this same website; it was founded in 1980 to provide current, comprehensive information about Alzheimer’s. Currently there are chapters in Seattle, Boston, San Francisco, Columbus, Minneapolis, New York City, and Pittsburgh.

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke also provides extensive resources on their website, www.ninds.nih.gov. This is another division of the National Institutes of Health, and is the nation’s largest supporter of biomedical research on disorders of the brain. You can find patient studies, research findings, and press releases on the site.

Another valuable resource is the Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation. This Alzheimer’s organization can be found at www.alzinfol.org. Believing that education is the key to finding a cure for Alzheimer’s, the Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation was founded in 1995 and its primary resources are directed toward scientific research. This organization also funds projects to help care for Alzheimer’s sufferers and those who care for them.

The Alzheimer's Foundation of America was founded in February 2002 with the goal of uniting other organizations across the US. Their focus is “Together for care…in addition for cure.” They believe that providing education and raising awareness will help remove the stigma often associated with the disease and improve the quality of life for those afflicted with it. You can learn more about this wonderful Alzheimer’s organization by visiting www.alfdn.org.

Local Organizations

Many Alzheimer's organizations have local chapters. Some have regional associations. You’ll want to research these organizations on the internet or through your local library in order to determine where you can best connect. One of the most rewarding aspects of partnering with organizations like these is that you’ll be making a measurable difference while getting support for yourself and your loved ones.