Launched online resources for individuals & families

One of the most difficult topics to discuss is driving. The online Dementia and Driving Resource Center, features videos of families discussing driving, links to other resources, tips to help families recognize when driving is no longer safe and information on how to obtain a driving evaluation.

Another new initiative, essentiALZ™, our new certification program, was developed for family members and professional care providers to recognize the knowledge of any caregiver who fulfills the certification requirements.

AAIC recording-breaking attendance

French President Nicolas Sarkozy addressed the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference 2011 (AAIC 2011), the premier annual forum presenting the latest research from the world’s leading scientists in the Alzheimer’s field. The impact of Alzheimer’s and dementia represent an international crisis. Current estimates suggest 36 million people worldwide are living with dementia, and this number will double by 2030 and more than triple by 2050. The costs of caring for people with dementia are likely to rise even faster than the prevalence and most governments are woefully unprepared to address the social and economic upheaval these conditions will cause.

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Raised national concern & awareness

We celebrated Alzheimer’s Action Day (September 21) and launched World Alzheimer’s Month in September, generating more than 100 million impressions in national TV, print and social media. These, and year round efforts are helping to make the escalating Alzheimer’s crisis part of the national conversation.

Spearheaded development of a modern diagnosis for Alzheimer’s disease

Three international workgroups convened by the Alzheimer’s Association and the National Institute on Aging issued the first new criteria and guidelines to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease in almost 30 years.

The guidelines reflect current thinking that Alzheimer’s creates distinct and measurable changes in the brains of affected people years, perhaps decades, before memory and thinking symptoms are noticeable.

Celebrated landmark legislative victories-NAPA

The Alzheimer’s Association played a critical role in the passage of the National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA) in January 2011. We continued our leadership by hosting thousands of Americans in a public input process across the country.

Harry Johns, president and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association, is a member of the Advisory Council for the Secretary of Health and Human Services on the development of a national strategy to address Alzheimer’s disease.

Just this week the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released the “Draft Framework for the National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease.” This initial framework highlights many solutions to the challenges raised by advocates like you from across the country and identified by Congress in the passing of the National Alzheimer’s Project Act one year ago. Our work isn’t done. We won’t rest until an urgent, achievable, accountable plan is in place.

Walked to End Alzheimer’s™

Across the country, more than 330,000 participants and more than 39,000 teams raised $46,800,000 (and counting) in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s™. Watch our new Walk video!