Join the faces fighting Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease is an epidemic. More than 5 million people in the United States have Alzheimer's, the nation's sixth-leading cause of death; by 2050, that number could rise to 13.8 million. And over 15 million family members and friends currently care for someone with the disease.

People like you.

Help us make a difference by joining the faces of Alzheimer's at the 2014 Alzheimer's Association Advocacy Forum. Come to Washington, D.C., as we put a spotlight on the disease and compel our policymakers to engage in the fight.

Face the facts: It's time to take action against Alzheimer's.

Letter from 2014 Forum Chair

Fellow Alzheimer's Advocates:

When I was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2009, I decided that I wasn't going to sit back and let this disease go unchallenged. I was going to make a difference, and advocacy is one of the ways I've chosen to do so. To raise awareness, I share my story at Walk events, Town Hall meetings, support groups and at every other opportunity I can.

I am honored to be chair of the 2014 Alzheimer's Association Advocacy Forum. This will be our 26th meeting, and once again we're planning a seminal event. We'll hear speakers from across party lines who will share the best practices of advocacy and insider views of the political landscape in Washington, D.C.

This is your opportunity to network with people from across the country. And on the Forum's final day, you'll be able to put all you have learned into practice as we storm Capitol Hill in a purple tide and convey to Congress the urgent need to change the trajectory of this disease.

I know you understand that Alzheimer's is devastating for millions of people who have it or who provide care for someone. You also understand that only through our effective advocacy will our leaders in Washington be motivated to take action.

Please join me in being a voice in Washington for those who otherwise wouldn't be heard. You, too, can make a difference.
I look forward to meeting you in April.

Scott Russell
Chair, 2014 Alzheimer's Association Advocacy Forum
National Board Member, Alzheimer's Association

Highlights from the 2013 Advocacy Forum

Ashley Campbell, daughter of legendary musician Glen Campbell, gives emotional testimony before the Senate Committee on Aging. Hundreds of advocates converged on Capitol Hill to make their voices heard in the fight against Alzheimer's. Senator Collins (R-ME) greets Glen Campbell before a hearing on the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's. The delegation from New Jersey has a productive meeting on Capitol Hill. Alzheimer's advocates fill the room during a hearing hosted by the Senate Committee on Aging. Dr. Russell Katz, retiring director at the FDA, is honored the Ronald and Nancy Reagan Research Award by Dr. Maria Carillo, vice president, Medical and Scientific Relations, Alzheimer's Association. Dr. Ron Grant, a former member of the Alzheimer's Association Early-Stage Advisory Group and recipient of the Advocate Award, shares a moment with Glen Campbell. Glen Campbell accepts the Sargent and Eunice Shriver Profiles in Dignity Award and is joined on stage by his family and friends. Terry Moran, co-anchor of ABC's "Nightline," welcomes guests to the National Alzheimer's Dinner. Advocates enjoy their time together at the National Alzheimer's Dinner reception. Attendees of the National Alzheimer's Dinner join in celebrating Glen Campbell's birthday. Prior to addressing attendees, Sen. Stabenow (D-Mich.) greets a young advocate. Sen. Stabenow (D-Mich.) encourages advocates to share their stories on Capitol Hill. Mary Richards, senior director, Federal Affairs, Alzheimer's Association, coaches attendees on their Hill Day strategy. An attendee poses a question for the experts during advocacy training.

Highlights from Alzheimer's Association Advocacy Forum
		Senate hearing addresses National Alzheimer's Plan progress Advocates at the 25th annual Alzheimer's Association Advocacy Forum paused during a day of visits with members of Congress to attend a Senate Special Committee on Aging hearing on the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease. Read more >>
		Advocates take to the Hill with facts and personal stories Hundreds of Alzheimer's advocates sporting purple sashes could be spotted around Capitol Hill on April 24 in the culmination of the Alzheimer's Association Advocacy Forum. Read more >>
		National Alzheimer's Dinner honors heroes in the movement to end Alzheimer's On Tuesday, April 23, hundreds of guests attended the National Alzheimer's Dinner to raise awareness of Alzheimer's disease and benefit the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer's Association. Read more >>
		NIH's Collins delivers positive news about Alzheimer's research funding Alzheimer's Association Advocacy Forum keynote speaker Dr. Francis Collins, director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), provided attendees at Tuesday's General Session with a dose of good news for Alzheimer's research during a time when optimism about financial resources may be in short supply. Read more >>
		The millennial generation raises its voice to fight Alzheimer's On Monday, April 22, young advocates aged 18 to 35 gathered for a networking session during the 25th annual Alzheimer's Association Advocacy Forum. Read more >>
		Advocates relive the past, look to the future The 2013 Forum's opening session, Winning the Fight: Celebrating 25 Years of Alzheimer's Advocacy, paid tribute to the past while rallying attendees to continue the momentum. Read more >>
		Advocates with Alzheimer's gather to learn, connect and share As the Alzheimer's Association's 25th annual Advocacy Forum kicked off on Monday, April 22, advocates living with Alzheimer's and other dementias attended an educational session and networking event. Read more >>