Since its founding in 1980, the Alzheimer's Association has been the leader in making the fight against Alzheimer’s a national priority, a call that resonates during November, which is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month.

After designating a National Alzheimer’s Disease Week in 1982, President Reagan helped to launch a national campaign against Alzheimer’s disease in 1983, calling members of the Alzheimer's Association to the White House for the signing of a proclamation declaring National Alzheimer’s Disease Month.

“The emotional, financial and social consequences of Alzheimer’s disease are so devastating that it deserves special attention,” Reagan said. Taking lead of the issue, he went on to advocate research as “the only hope for victims and families.” Reagan courageously announced his Alzheimer’s diagnosis to the public in November 1994 and passed away in 2004.

Alzheimer’s Association founder Jerome Stone led a group of family caregivers, Association volunteers and staff in the effort to bring attention to the cause on Capitol Hill.  That advocacy effort continues even stronger today with Association public policy staff and volunteers leading the call for increased government funding for critical Alzheimer research and support programs. 

In 1983 fewer than 2 million Americans had the disease; today, the number of individuals with Alzheimer’s has soared to as many as 5.3 million and is expected to grow to 16 million by 2050 unless something is done to slow or stop this devastating disease.

While there is much we don’t yet know about Alzheimer’s disease, tremendous progress is being made, laying the foundation for future breakthroughs in prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

For additional information and resources, contact the Alzheimer’s Association at 1.800.272.3900 or visit http://www.alz.org/.