In 1982, Alzheimer's disease was rarely diagnosed, its extent was little known and no treatments or services were available.  Few scientists investigated it.  There were no practical guidelines for treatment or care.  Family caregivers struggled to provide care for loved ones. 

In Davenport, Iowa, a committed group of caregivers dedicated themselves to forming a support group for caregivers dealing with Alzheimer's.  In 1983, Josephine Lindquist and Sister Carolyn Walters had their first informational meeting. Thirty people attended that first meeting.  Later that year, the group formed its own organizational board of directors,  In 1984, the volunteer group affiliated itself with the National Alzheimer's Association.

In Central Iowa, caregivers followed much the same route, banding together to offer support and help spread awareness of this little-understood disease.  From the Golden Iowa Chapter, the Mid-Iowa Chapter, and mergers with the Mississippi Valley Chapter has emerged the Greater Iowa Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association.

Today we are the primary resource for information, assistance and support for people living with Alzheimer's disease, as well as the friends, family members and professionals working to make Alzheimer's just a memory.