About
The Alzheimer's Association is a national not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization headquartered at 225 N. Michigan Ave. in Chicago, Illinois. Founded in 1980, it has grown into a global leader in the fight against Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, working through local chapters across the United States to deliver care, support, research funding and advocacy.
Mission
The Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.
What they do
- Operate a free 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900), available in over 200 languages and staffed by master's-level dementia experts
- Run face-to-face and virtual support groups and education programs nationwide, plus the ALZConnected online support community
- Provide caregiving resources, brain health and risk-reduction initiatives, and clinical trial matching
- Fund Alzheimer's and dementia research worldwide, including the Part the Cloud initiative for translational research
- Advocate for federal research funding and public policy on behalf of people affected by dementia
History
The Association was founded in 1980 and has worked closely with the National Institute on Aging (NIA) since its founding. Its Early-Stage Advisory Group, which brings the voices of people living with early-stage dementia into the organization's work, has operated since 2006.
Scale and impact
According to the Association, it has more than 450 million dollars in active and committed research funding across over 1,200 projects in 59 countries spanning six continents. Its advocacy has helped grow annual federal Alzheimer's and dementia research funding from 411 million dollars to over 3.7 billion dollars for fiscal year 2023. Since 2012, its Part the Cloud initiative has raised and invested more than 100 million dollars in translational research. The NonProfit Times has repeatedly recognized the Association as a top large nonprofit employer (2011-2025).
Financials
Per its IRS filings summarized by ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer (EIN 13-3039601, legal name Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association Inc.), for the fiscal year ending June 2025 the Association reported total revenue of 457.2 million dollars, total expenses of 478.7 million dollars, and net assets of 310.9 million dollars. The IRS granted its tax exemption in June 1985.
Governance
The Association is governed by a national Board of Directors and senior management team, advised by a Medical and Scientific Advisory Group and an Early-Stage Advisory Group of people living with dementia.