As part of a nationwide network of chapters, the Alzheimer's Association^® National Capital Area Chapter provides help and hope to half a million people impacted by Alzheimer's and related disorders - those diagnosed, their families and care partners - including approximately 80,000 people with dementia in the District of Columbia, suburban Maryland and Northern Virginia. The Chapter provides the following services: counseling, information and education for families and caregivers; support groups; Safe Return; training for professionals; community education; and government advocacy on the state and local levels.

The Alzheimer's Association National Capital Area 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. Seventy-eight percent of chapter expenditures go toward providing programs and services for the metropolitan D.C. region.

Vision

A world without Alzheimer’s disease.

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.

Guiding Principles

There are currently an estimated 5 million people with Alzheimer’s disease in the United States. This number is expected to skyrocket to as many as 16 million people by mid-century. The promise of earlier diagnosis and the development of better medications and treatments will significantly change the experience of Alzheimer’s for millions. These factors will provide unprecedented opportunities and challenges to the Association over the next three years.

The Alzheimer’s Association is the current leader in Alzheimer’s advocacy, research and support.  To enhance and strengthen this leadership position and to expand the depth, breadth, and pace of the Alzheimer’s movement, we must do more.

The Alzheimer’s Association will advance its mission by:

1. Expanding its nationwide reach as the “go to” Alzheimer’s organization among the general public, and by increasing the number of champions who advance the cause.
    
2. Bringing to people the face of Alzheimer’s disease by creating opportunities for and encouraging those with the disease to speak out about the issues facing them, the impact on their families, and the needs in the communities in which they live.
   
3. Growing substantially its leadership position in advocacy and public policy by increasing the number of advocates (those affected by the disease as well as those in the larger population) as well as the intensity and effectiveness of advocacy messages to raise the issue of Alzheimer’s disease to a higher priority societal level and to better advance the Association’s whole mission.
    
4. Accelerating the progress in Alzheimer’s research by creating new partnerships within the scientific community and seeking new opportunities for engaging stakeholders in promoting increased support for the funding of Alzheimer’s research.
   
5. Increasing access to and improving the quality of culturally sensitive care, services, education, and support available to people with Alzheimer’s disease and their paid and family caregivers, whether in their homes, in the community or in institutions.