In fiscal year 2008, we made great strides in raising awareness of the Alzheimer crisis and in motivating others to get involved in the cause.

Alzheimer's Disease Fact and Figures

With the release of the 2008 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report, we provided new prevalence data and other information on the state of Alzheimer’s in the United States. The report is a comprehensive abstract of U.S. data and offers a startling snapshot of the disease today. Noteworthy statistics include: Every 71 seconds, someone develops Alzheimer’s. 10 million baby boomers will develop Alzheimer's in their lifetime. 250,000 American children ages 8 to 18 are unpaid caregivers.

Our consumer awareness campaign expanded to network and cable television  for the first time with a new advertising campaign entitled “Stolen.” The campaign, which included television, print, online and radio advertisements, showed how Alzheimer’s painfully steals both memories and precious family moments. Victor Garber, stage and screen actor and Alzheimer Champion, provided the voiceover for the broadcast ads.

In addition, we added more than thirty Celebrity Champions to our list of high-profile advocates who help the Association raise awareness and concern about Alzheimer’s disease.  New Champions include such names as NFL star Terrell Owens, actress/director Penny Marshall and her brother actor/director Garry Marshall, “Ugly Betty’s” father Tony Plana, Emmy Award-winning Wayne Brady and “The View’s Elisabeth Hasselbeck.

We introduced Alzheimer issues into the presidential campaign through advertising, public relations outreach and advocate mobilization. A full-page advertisement in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Politico and The Washington Post pointedly asked the 2008 presidential candidates directly what they plan to do about this growing epidemic. By imploring candidates to talk about Alzheimer’s and long-term care issues on the campaign trail, we generated extensive media coverage and public comment on the disease. 

To promote World Alzheimer’s Day, Sept. 21, 2007, we launched a national campaign encouraging people to host purple-themed dinner parties to raise awareness of the disease and $1 million to help combat it. To support the Association’s World Alzheimer’s Day goal, the Harrah’s Foundation pledged a $1 million matching grant. Champions enthusiastically responded by raising $1.8 million in donations, bringing our World Alzheimer’s Day efforts to $2.8 million.

The 2007 Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk® season was the most successful to date, with record-breaking participation and $35 million in donations—an increase of nearly 13 percent. An advertising campaign that aired in August 2007 is credited with increasing online team registrations and 20,000 advocate sign ups.

The annual Rita Hayworth Galas, held in New York City and Chicago, raised awareness and more than $3.5 million for the Alzheimer’s Association. The galas honor legendary film star Rita Hayworth, one of the most well-known figures to have suffered from Alzheimer’s disease.  Ms. Hayworth’s daughter, Princess Yasmin Aga Khan, hosts the black-tie events. Since 1985, Rita Hayworth Gala attendees have contributed more than $48 million for Alzheimer programs and research.

Jerome Stone, founding chairman of the Alzheimer’s Association,
and family at the 2008 Rita Hayworth gala in Chicago.

This year’s National Alzheimer’s Gala in Washington D.C. recognized advances in Alzheimer research and featured key policymakers as attendees. During the last four years, Beltway gala attendees have raised millions of dollars for Alzheimer programs, services and cutting-edge research.

The Association held its first annual Alzheimer’s Association National Corporate Recognition Conference, “In Good Company,” in conjunction with the Public Policy Forum in Washington D.C. The Association recognized and celebrated each organization for their commitment and support of our vision of a world without Alzheimer’s.

Corporate sponsors of the Association understand the impact Alzheimer’s has on families, the healthcare system and society. It is through their support of our nationwide efforts that the Association has been able to accelerate our mission to eliminate Alzheimer’s and provide the best care and support to those impacted by the disease. Learn more about how we work with corporate sponsors to further our mission. 

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