World Alzheimer’s Day
By Becca Stewart
Every 65 seconds, someone in the world is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. By the year 2050, an estimated 16 million Americans could be living with this devastating and most common form of dementia. We recognize World Alzheimer’s Day on September 21 to raise awareness and continue the search for a cure.
Scientists don’t yet know exactly what causes Alzheimer’s Disease. Despite decades of research, we still do not have a cure. However, through continued education, study, and research, scientists are hopeful that we will one day rid the world of this horrible disease.
Please join us in continuing the fight to find a cure for Alzheimer’s Disease. Below are just a few of the many reputable organizations working tirelessly to develop treatments and ultimately eradicate this disease.
Organizations to Support on World Alzheimer’s Day
September 21 is World Alzheimer’s Day. Please consider donating in honor of those we’ve lost, those who are fighting, and those we can save in the future.
Memory Matters
St. George, UT
Alzheimer’s is often called a “family disease” because it impacts not only the person living with the illness but all those who love them. Caregivers are often mentally and physically drained and often feel isolated and alone. Memory Matters provides support, counseling, and resources for dementia patients and those caring for them. Each year, Memory Matters helps 2,400 throughout the Southwest.
The organization provides activities, support groups, education, and consultation for Alzheimer’s patients, dementia patients, and their caregivers.
“Memory Matters Utah opens the door to understanding the disease and how to best care for the person with the disease while at the same time focusing on taking care of the caretaker too. They create a means to share firsthand information and suggestions on the best way to approach difficult behaviors. No other organization in this area can provide the support for caretakers that Memory Matters Utah provides. They are a very professional, caring, educated, and sharing group of people dedicated to making a difference to those who need it most: the caretakers.”
-Anonymous, Client Served
Donate Now
National Endowment for Alzheimer’s Research
Newark, DE
NEAR researchers are working to develop cutting-edge prevention and treatment options for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Currently, the organization is the only nonprofit in the world using gene transfer technology to create new drug therapies for patients.
In addition to their ground-breaking research, NEAR also educates the public and works to raise awareness about the disease.
“My relative who got Alzheimer’s is grateful for the hard work that NEAR has put into developing new gene therapies which someday will be a cure for her and many others. Thank you so much for your valuable work. You are truly saving lives and making a difference.”
-Andrea, Donor
Donate Now
American Alzheimer’s Research Organization (AARO)
San Antonio, TX
AARO’s research seeks to isolate and understand the underlying cause of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. This organization’s continued research has developed cutting-edge treatments and therapies for current patients and hopes to one day find a cure. Currently, the organization focuses on nutrition and lifestyle as a preventative measure for Alzheimer’s disease.
Besides their ground-breaking research, AARO also hosts Alzheimer’s and brain awareness events across the country. By helping patients identify dementia and seek help early on, the organization is extending the quality of life for countless patients and their families.
“AARO is the only Alzheimer’s nonprofit that is looking for ways to prevent the disease and not just find a pill to reduce the symptoms. After my experience, I started volunteering with AARO in support of their mission of preventing this devastating disease.”
-Anonymous, Volunteer
Donate Now
Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, Fisher Center
New York, NY
The Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, Fisher Center is the leading funding source for Alzheimer’s research. The team of internationally renowned scientists works to unlock the mysteries of this disease and other dementias, develop treatment options, and eventually discover a cure for this horrible disease.
The Alzheimer’s Research Foundation is the largest and most advanced facility of its kind. Day in and day out, researchers are exploring the disease and its possible treatments.
Donate Now
You can learn more about these organizations and discover other Alzheimer’s-related nonprofits by searching our website, GreatNonprofits.org.