Alzheimer's Association Marks 20th Anniversary.

News/Lifestyle Editors & Health Writers

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 2, 2000

The Association Provides Support for 4 Million Americans With the Disease and Their Families and Provides Funding for Alzheimer Research

When a group of family caregivers banded together in 1979 to discuss the possibility of forming a national Association for people with Alzheimer's disease, it was a time when not many people knew about Alzheimer's and families facing the disease had no place to turn.

Twenty years later, scientists have made great progress in understanding this deadly disease -- we now know it is not a part of normal aging -- and the Alzheimer's Association, as it is known today, celebrates its 20th anniversary. (The Association was officially incorporated in 1980.)

"In the short time since its founding, the Alzheimer's Association has made tremendous strides in funding research to understand the underlying causes of Alzheimer's and providing programs and services to the millions of families facing this devastating disease," said Peter Braun, executive director of the Alzheimer's Association of Los Angeles.

"While the Association has grown and experienced many changes in the last 20 years, our mission to create a world without Alzheimer's disease remains unchanged."

On Sept. 9, 1979, representatives from five family support groups who were attending a national medical conference decided to get together to talk about forming a national Alzheimer's Association.

Sensing that their families were not the only ones affected by Alzheimer's and that millions of individuals nationwide needed help in coping with the disease, these individuals agreed that a national organization was sorely needed.

After contacting the director of the National Institute on Aging to express their desire, the family caregivers traveled to Washington, D.C. On April 10, 1980, the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association Inc. was legally incorporated and this date is considered the organization's official founding date.

Since then, the Alzheimer's Association has grown from a group of seven chapters to a network of chapters spanning the country. The Association has awarded more than $100 million in research grants to leading scientists in Alzheimer research, and throughout the country, chapters continue to expand programs and services for people with the disease and their families.

"Today, families no longer have to face Alzheimer's disease alone," said Braun. "Tomorrow, we hope to spare another generation from being lost to the wrath of this disease.

"As we work towards this goal, the Alzheimer's Association will maintain an aggressive force advocating for better care, pushing for increased government funding for research and providing support and services for millions of families across the nation."

The Alzheimer's Association is the premier source of information and support for the 4 million Americans with Alzheimer's disease. Through its national network of chapters, it offers a broad range of programs and services for people with the disease, their families, and caregivers, and represents their interests on Alzheimer-related issues before federal, state, and local government and with health and long-term care providers.

The largest private funder of Alzheimer research, the Association has committed more than $100 million toward research into the causes, treatment, prevention and cure of Alzheimer's.

The Alzheimer's Association of Los Angeles serves more than 150,000 people with Alzheimer's disease and their families by providing a variety of programs and services. Information regarding the Alzheimer's Association of Los Angeles and available services can be obtained by calling 800/660-1993 or by visiting the Web site at www.alzla.org.