The Alzheimer's Foundation of America is an American nonprofit organization based in New York City whose mission is to provide support, services and education to individuals, families and caregivers affected by Alzheimer's disease and related dementias nationwide, and fund research for better treatment and a cure. AFA unites more than 2,800 member organizations from coast-to-coast that are dedicated to meeting the educational, social, emotional and practical needs of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related illnesses, and their caregivers and families. Member organizations include grassroots Alzheimer's agencies, senior centers, adult daycare center, home healthcare agencies, long-term care residences, research facilities, and other dementia-related groups. AFA holds Charity Navigator's highest rating of 4 stars.
Disease background
Experts believe that an estimated 5.5 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease. The number of people with Alzheimer's disease doubles for every 5-year interval beyond age 65. The Centers for Disease Control issued a report in 2017 showing that Alzheimer's-related deaths increased by 54.5% between 1999 and 2014. Unless the disease can be effectively treated or prevented, the number of Americans with Alzheimer's disease will increase significantly; projections are that as many as 13.8 million Americans ages 65 and over will be affected by the year 2050. On January 4, 2011, President Barack Obamasigned into law the National Alzheimer's Project Act, requiring the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to establish the National Alzheimer's Project to, in part, create and maintain an integrated national plan to overcome Alzheimer's disease; and accelerate the development of treatments that would prevent, halt or reverse the course of Alzheimer's disease. In May 2012, HHS released its historic “National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease.”
Leadership
The Alzheimer's Foundation of America was founded by Eric J. Hall and Bert Brodsky. Mr. Hall visioned the start up and established the coordination of member organizations from coast to coast. Mr. Hall led the organization to its current pinnacle over a 12 year period. The Founding Chairman of the Board is Bert E. Brodsky, Executive Chairman of Sandata Inc., Port Washington, New York. Brodsky founded the organization with Mr. Hall in 2002 after his experiences serving as a caregiver for his mother, who had Alzheimer's disease. The Alzheimer's Foundation of America's current President & Chief Executive Officer is Charles J. Fuschillo Jr..
Programs and services
The Alzheimer's Foundation of America's core programs/services include:
National Memory Screening Program, which offers free, confidential memory screenings and educational materials at community sites
Care Connection, monthly educational webinars with guest experts for family and professional caregivers
Support Groups for families affected by Alzheimer's disease
Dementia Care Professionals of America, offering membership, training, qualification and other benefits to healthcare professionals
AFA Teens and AFA on Campus, divisions to educate and engage students—providing opportunities to establish local chapters; and participate in annual college scholarship and video competitions
The national Educating America Tour which brings information about Alzheimer's-related programs and services to communities across the country.
An Education and Resource Center which provides a variety of programs and services to individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease, family and professional caregivers and the general public
Research
AFA provides grant funding to support research toward a cure and/or better treatment for Alzheimer's disease.
Publications
The Alzheimer's Foundation of America publishes:
Alzheimer's Today, a free quarterly magazine for caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease or related illnesses
Booklets, brochures and DVDs on care-related topics, such as medication management, communication tips, successful aging, preventing wandering, and driving.
Collaborations
The Alzheimer's Foundation of America is a co-convenor of Leaders Engaged on Alzheimer's Disease, and contributes content to HealthCentral.com, Inspire.com, and ShareCare.com.
