Alzheimer's Association

Jerome H. Stone founded the Alzheimer's Association with the help of several family support groups after meeting with the National Institute on Aging in 1979. Stone's efforts began in 1970 when his wife was first diagnosed with Alzheimer's. During the 1970s, there was very little information available about the disease, and only a few support groups existed at the time. Through his efforts, he joined with seven independent groups who wanted to form a national organization. The groups consisted of researchers, physicians, caregivers and other humanitarians. Together, they held their first official meeting on December 4, 1979, to discuss solutions for the need for Alzheimer's information and care and a cure for the disease.

The Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association was incorporated on April 10, 1980. In that year, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) invested $13 million in Alzheimer's disease research. In 1982, President Ronald Reagan designated the first National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Week.

The Association is the world's largest nonprofit funder of Alzheimer's research and the nonprofit with the highest impact worldwide. It has chapters in communities across the nation, with its home office located in Chicago and a public policy office in Washington, D.C.

The Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900) is available 365 days a year. Through this free service, specialists and master's-level clinicians offer confidential support and information to people living with dementia, caregivers, families and the public. The Association also has free online tools to help people find answers, local resources and support.

In January 2023, Joanne Pike succeeded Harry Johns as Association president and CEO, becoming the first woman to hold these positions in the organization's history.

Walk to End Alzheimer's

Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's is the world's largest fundraiser for Alzheimer's care, support and research. Participants are encouraged to raise critical funds that allow the Alzheimer's Association to provide 24/7 care and support and advance research toward methods of prevention, treatment and, ultimately, a cure.

The Longest Day

The Longest Day is the day with the most light — the summer solstice. The Longest Day participants fight the darkness of Alzheimer's and all other dementia through a fundraising activity of their choice on a day that works for them. With sports tournaments, card games, parties, baking and more, participants raise funds to advance the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer's Association.

Ride to End Alzheimer's

The Alzheimer's Association Ride to End ALZ is a cycling event to directly fuel the pace and momentum behind the fight to end Alzheimer's. Participants in Ride to End ALZ raise funds and awareness to advance research toward the first survivor of Alzheimer's. Ride to End ALZ offers in-person and virtual events for a range of riders from casual cyclists to avid enthusiasts.

The Alzheimer's Impact Movement (AIM) is a separately incorporated 501(c)(4) advocacy affiliate of the Alzheimer's Association. AIM works to secure policies to overcome Alzheimer's and dementia, including increased investment in research, improved care and support, and development of approaches to reduce the risk of developing dementia. Working at the federal and state level, AIM advances the public policy priorities of the Alzheimer's and dementia community.

The Alzheimer's Impact Movement (AIM) Advocacy Forum is an annual gathering that takes place in the spring in Washington, D.C. The multiday event includes training sessions, celebrity guests, the National Alzheimer's Dinner, and topical presentations focusing on Alzheimer's disease policymaking and legislation. The feature of the event is a lobby day during which time volunteer attendees conduct meetings with members of Congress on Capitol Hill.

The Alzheimer's Association transparently shares its governance policies, financial reports and partnership information.