# Alzheimer's Association

The Alzheimer's Association is a nonprofit voluntary health organization that focuses on Alzheimer's disease care, support and research.

## History

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. Stone 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 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 affirms to be 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.

## Events
### Walk to End Alzheimer's

Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's is a 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 sunlight — 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 for the fundraising and public awareness about the Alzheimer's disease, aimed at occasional cyclists and enthusiasts.

## Publications

The Alzheimer's Association publishes Alzheimer's & Dementia, an open access and peer-reviewed journal that also provides the research and patient community with a collaborative forum.

## Alzheimer's Impact Movement

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.

## Alzheimer's Impact Movement Advocacy Forum

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.

## Transparency

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