Why We Ride

Right now, there is no shortage of ideas in Alzheimer's research — only dollars. But you can help change that. Funds you raise will go toward the Association's efforts to discover methods of treatment and prevention for Alzheimer's and other dementias. The Association currently has more than $405 million invested in over 1,100 active projects in 56 countries spanning six continents, focusing on four critical areas:

Discovery Science

To accelerate advances in biochemistry, genetics, immunology and more, the Association is increasing investments made through the world-class Alzheimer's Association International Research Grant Program. Recognizing the critical need for collaboration, the Association will continue building the Global Alzheimer's Association Interactive Network (GAAIN) — an innovative online “big data” platform — to give researchers free access to information.

EARLY DETECTION

The Association is working to provide physicians with the technology and tools they need to recognize Alzheimer's in patients quickly and differentiate it from normal aging — enabling more timely interventions and more effective disease management. A far-reaching study of the impact that early detection of Alzheimer's may have on hospital admissions, emergency room visits and health care costs could pave the way for insurers to start covering diagnostic PET scans.

TREATMENTS

To help bring Alzheimer's treatments to affected families sooner, the Association is investing in innovative drug trials designed to reduce the time it takes to go from lab to pharmacy. Inspired by the “drug cocktails” that have changed the course of cancer, heart disease and HIV-AIDS — saving countless lives — the Association is leading the charge to test combination therapies to treat Alzheimer's.

PREVENTION

More than one-third of all cases of dementia are estimated to be potentially preventable. To accelerate this field of study, the Association is funding and implementing U.S. POINTER, a two-year clinical trial that will evaluate whether lifestyle interventions that simultaneously address multiple risk factors — including physical exercise, nutrition, cognitive and social stimulation, and improved self-management of health — can prevent cognitive decline and dementia.

Ride With Us!

Join us today and help give hope to the nearly 7 million Americans living with Alzheimer's, the more than 11 million Americans providing unpaid care, and the millions more who have lost a loved one to this disease.