The WTOP Charity of the Month for August is the Alzheimer’s Association,
the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research.
More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, a number projected to rise to nearly 13 million by 2050, barring the development of medical breakthroughs to prevent, slow or cure the disease. Eleven million more – family members and friends – provide their unpaid care. As the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research, the Alzheimer’s Association® is working relentlessly to address this crisis by:
Providing care and support to those affected.
- The Association’s free 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900), staffed by master’s-level clinicians and specialists, provides confidential support and information to all those affected in over 200 languages.
- The Association’s website, alz.org®, offers a wealth of information, resources and online tools for people living with the disease, caregivers, professional health care providers, and all others affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia.
- Free education programs, support groups and early stage programs are offered both in the community and online, ensuring these services reach underserved populations.
- Working alongside partner organizations, the Association prioritizes outreach efforts to diverse and underserved communities so that all those affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia get the help they need.
Accelerating research across the globe
- The Alzheimer’s Association is the largest nonprofit funder of Alzheimer’s research, currently investing $320 million in over 1,000 active best-of-field projects in 54 countries, spanning six continents. Our grants have funded some of the most instrumental research in Alzheimer’s science.
- We accelerate research through TrialMatch®, a free clinical studies matching service for people living with the disease, caregivers and healthy volunteers.
Advocating to improve the lives of all those affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia
- The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voice for Alzheimer’s disease advocacy, fighting for critical research, prevention and care initiatives at the federal and state level.
- Together with the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement (AIM), a separately incorporated advocacy affiliate of the Association, and our nationwide network of advocates, we engage elected officials and help to encourage passage of landmark legislation, including the National Alzheimer’s Project Act, which mandated the creation of the first ever national plan to fight Alzheimer’s and coordinates efforts toward its first goal to prevent and effectively treat the disease by 2025.
- Our committed advocacy network has helped secure a seven-fold increase in Alzheimer’s and dementia research funding since 2011. Following a $226 million increase signed into law in December 2022, and added to current NIH spending, annual federal funding for Alzheimer’s research will be more than $3.7 billion.
You can make a difference, too! Volunteer. Advocate. Donate. Stand with us today to help us achieve our vision of a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia®.
Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s®
Sign up today for Walk to End Alzheimer’s, the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. More than 600 Walks will be held nationwide, including several in the metro Washington region. Find a Walk near you, learn more and register at alz.org/walk. Together, we can end Alzheimer’s!
