About us
The Alzheimer’s Association - Maine Chapter
The Alzheimer's Association, Maine Chapter serves the entire State of Maine from its Portland office. There are approximately 30,000 families in Maine who are affected by Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia.
Our mission
To eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.
Our vision
A world without Alzheimer's disease.
Financial information
The Maine Chapter is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) nonprofit, donor-supported organization. Programs and services are made possible through contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations. The chapter uses 76 percent of funds raised for programs, services and research efforts.
Annual report
Board of directors – Maine
| Officers | ||
| Karen Stram | Dresden | President |
| Sherrie Bergman | Brunswick | Vice President |
| Frank H. Parker | Bath | Treasurer |
| Carol Calcagni | Yarmouth | Secretary |
| Directors | ||
| Amy Cotton, MSN, APRNBC | Bangor | |
| Dr. Jabbar Fazeli | Yarmouth | |
| Scott Hersey | Yarmouth | |
| John Wasileski | Topsham | |
| Jennifer C. Schumacher | Portland | |
| Gail Richardson Gee | Southwest Harbor | |
| Michael Bierley | Topsham | |
| Lori Desjardins | Portland | |
| Kirby Whitney | Bangor | |
| Deane Lanphear | Topsham | |
| Marilyn Paige | Scarborough | President Emeritus |
Our history
The Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter, was incorporated in 1987. Like others whose loved ones become ill with Alzheimer’s, Marilyn Paige, the founder, felt she needed help in assuming her new role as caregiver for her husband who had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Unable to find a support network, she started her own support group in February 1982. With a little publicity in the local newspapers, the number of people in her support group soon reached twenty-five.
By 1984, there were 14 support groups in Maine. In the same year, Paige founded the Maine Alzheimer’s Disease Association. In 1987 the organization became affiliated with the National Alzheimer’s Association and was incorporated as the Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter. In 1992, the Chapter opened its first office in Scarborough, and in 1993, a part-time Executive Director was hired. The office was relocated to Portland in 1995 and a full-time Executive Director was employed by the Chapter as of January, 1996.
The current chapter staff provides comprehensive education and training programs throughout Maine and a round-the-clock telephone Helpline for information, consultation, referral services and care management services.






