OUR MISSION
- Investigating the causes, preventions, treatments and cures for Alzheimer’s disease and cures for Alzheimer’s and related disorders
- Offering patient and family services to aid those affected by the disease
- Maintaining a nationwide network to provide family support through programs and services in local communities
- Educating and informing the public and healthcare professionals
- And advocating for research funding and legislative support for families
The Alzheimer's Association, Albuquerque Chapter, was founded in 1981 by Marian Knapp and family caregivers facing the daily challenges of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease.
The newly organized Albuquerque Chapter in conjunction with seven other regional areas, assisted in the creation of the National Alzheimer's disease and Related disorders Association. Today, the National Alzheimer's Association is dedicated to researching the prevention’s, cures and treatments of Alzheimer's disease, providing education to the general public, providing support and assistance to afflicted patients and their families, and positively affecting change in public policy at the state and federal levels. Presently, the Alzheimer’s Association has 78 Chapters.
In 1996, the Albuquerque Chapter expanded to include five southern counties and was renamed the New Mexico Chapter. An executive director and an administrative assistant were hired to respond to an increasing Chapter workload. Early in 1997, a branch office was established in Las Cruces and a part-time branch office person was employed to better serve the southwestern and southern part of the State. In the spring of 1997, a part-time Memory Walk coordinator was employed.
Currently the Chapter operates five offices (Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Las Vegas, Farmington and Roswell and employs nine staff members. A membership of over 14,000 families, caregivers, professionals and businesses receive the quarterly newsletter and support statewide efforts to serve caregivers and support research at the National level.
A volunteer Board of Directors governs the New Mexico Chapter and seven standing committees (Finance, Nominating, Patient/Family Services & Education, Public Policy, Public Relations, Development and Personnel) support the work of Chapter staff.
The New Mexico Chapter serves Alzheimer’s families around the state through support groups, a statewide Helpline, information kits, resource information, a speakers bureau, training workshops, education conferences, health fairs, quarterly newsletters, Safe Return, a respite assistance program and advocacy.
These services are supported primarily through special events such as the Memory Walk and private donations from individuals, corporations and foundations. We also receive about a third of our program support through the State of New Mexico Aging and Long Term Services Department.
Our mission in brief - 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.
