Alzheimer's Foundation of America

Alzheimer's Foundation of America
Name	Alzheimer's Foundation of America
Formation	2002
Type	Nonprofit organization
Headquarters	New York City
Services	Support services, education, research funding
Region served	United States
Leader title	President and CEO

Alzheimer's Foundation of America is a national nonprofit organization focused on providing support, services, education, and resources for individuals living with dementia and their families. Founded in 2002, the organization operates programs across the United States and collaborates with medical centers, community organizations, and research institutions. It partners with clinicians, veterans' groups, senior living communities, and cultural institutions to expand care and awareness.

History

The organization was established in 2002 amid growing public attention following reports in outlets such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and coverage by broadcasters like National Public Radio, NBC News, CBS News, and ABC News. Early collaborations involved partnerships with academic centers including Columbia University, Johns Hopkins University, Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, and Massachusetts General Hospital. Philanthropic support came from foundations like Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Glenmede Trust Company, Ford Foundation, Rockefeller Foundation, and individual donors publicized through platforms such as The Chronicle of Philanthropy. High-profile fundraising events featured entertainers associated with venues like Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall, Lincoln Center, and benefactors from firms such as Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley. Legal and policy interactions included testimony before bodies such as United States Congress committees and consultations with agencies including National Institutes of Health and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Mission and Programs

The organization's mission emphasizes care, support, and education, aligning with initiatives championed by health authorities like World Health Organization, Alzheimer's Association, American Medical Association, American Academy of Neurology, and research funders like National Institute on Aging. Signature programs include national helplines modeled after services in institutions such as Mount Sinai Health System, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, Mayo Clinic, and Cleveland Clinic. Outreach efforts connect with community partners including AARP, Veterans Health Administration, United Jewish Appeal Federation, United Way, and arts institutions like Smithsonian Institution and Metropolitan Museum of Art to support culturally tailored programming. Educational curricula reference work from investigators at Harvard Medical School, Stanford University School of Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, and University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine.

Services and Support for Caregivers

Direct services include telephone helplines, care consultations, support groups, and educational workshops similar to programs at Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Rush University Medical Center, University of Michigan Health, Duke University School of Medicine, and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Caregiver resources are distributed through collaborations with organizations such as Meals on Wheels America, Family Caregiver Alliance, National Alliance for Caregiving, Easterseals, and YMCA of the USA. The foundation’s respite and caregiver training efforts mirror models used by Veterans Affairs, Department of Veterans Affairs, American Red Cross, and community health networks like Montefiore Medical Center and NYU Langone Health.

Research, Education, and Advocacy

The organization supports research grants, caregiver studies, and educational symposia in partnership with academic centers including Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, University of Southern California, and University of Toronto. Advocacy priorities align with legislative efforts by coalitions such as Alzheimer's Impact Movement, testimony before committees in United States House of Representatives, and engagement with regulators like Food and Drug Administration on clinical trial design. Public education campaigns have utilized media channels including PBS, CNN, The Wall Street Journal, Time (magazine), and collaborations with celebrity advocates affiliated with institutions like Kennedy Center and networks including Bravo (American TV network).

Fundraising and Partnerships

Fundraising strategies include benefit galas, charity walks, corporate sponsorships, and grantmaking, partnering with corporations such as Pfizer, Eli Lilly and Company, Biogen, AbbVie, and GlaxoSmithKline. Community fundraising events have been held in cities including New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, and San Francisco, with support from local organizations like Rotary International, Junior League, Chamber of Commerce (United States), and faith-based groups like United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism and National Council of Churches. Collaborative projects involve museums, theaters, and cultural partners such as Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum of Modern Art, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, and philanthropic initiatives from families akin to the Gates family and Walton family.

Governance and Leadership

The organization is overseen by a board of directors and executive leadership that includes professionals with backgrounds from institutions including Columbia Business School, Harvard Business School, Yale School of Management, Wharton School, Georgetown University, and legal advisors from firms frequenting cases before United States Supreme Court and regulatory matters involving Federal Trade Commission. Past and current leaders have collaborated with health system executives from Mount Sinai Health System, NYU Langone Health, Cleveland Clinic, and veteran advocates associated with Veterans of Foreign Wars and Disabled American Veterans.

Category:Non-profit organizations based in New York City