Success Story

"Alzheimer's is a serious disease that doesn't just impact the elderly. My mom was only 46 when she told my brother and me that she had … Alzheimer's disease,… which had also affected my grandmother, mother and aunt. There is a chance that I may experience what my mom and my relatives went through. With awareness and education, we can find understanding and diminish the fear and uncertainty surrounding this devastating disease." -Julianne J., age 19

The Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) provides optimal care and services to individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related illnesses and to their families, including younger-generation caregivers like Julianne, who was awarded a college scholarship in AFA's annual essay competition. AFA's National Toll-Free Helpline (866-232-8484) is staffed by compassionate, licensed social workers who are available to provide support and assistance seven days a week. Your donations help us fund our network of more than 2,000 member organizations nationwide, which provide quality hands-on care in cities across the country. AFA also offers dementia-specific training for healthcare professionals, free, educational conferences for family and professional caregivers and telephone-based support groups.

In addition, AFA advocates for federal funding and awards grants for research toward a cure for this devastating disease, which currently affects more than 5 million Americans. AFA also strongly believes that early detection of memory problems is key to maintaining quality of life. Since its inception, AFA's National Memory Screening Program has screened more than 5 million people across the country.