The 2023 edition of Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures — the Association's annual compilation of statistics and information detailing the impact of Alzheimer's and dementia on individuals, families, government and the nation's health care system — found that the national cost of caring for individuals living with Alzheimer's or other dementias will be $345 billion in 2023, a $24 billion increase from a year ago. The accompanying special report, The Patient Journey In an Era of New Treatments, offered new insights on why too often individuals living with memory concerns and their doctors are not discussing the disease, missing a critical first step toward diagnosis and potential treatment.

The Association centered efforts on the FDA's accelerated approval of lecanemab (Leqembi®) and urging the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to change its policy preventing individuals living with early Alzheimer's from accessing treatments, which included an advertising campaign consisting of digital displays, newsletter sponsorships, targeted print placements and social media. The campaign garnered more than 100 million impressions and over 25,000 petition signatures.

Each June, the Association recognizes Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month as an opportunity to hold a global conversation about the brain and Alzheimer's and all other dementia.​ In FY23, the Association conducted rallies in all 50 states to urge CMS to change its treatment coverage policy. The Association also invited people across the world to participate in The Longest Day® fundraiser to fight the darkness of Alzheimer's through an activity of their choice.

The Association's website, alz.org, continued to serve as a valuable resource on Alzheimer's care, support and research, providing services to constituents nearly 20 million times. The Association also delivered critical Alzheimer's information to the public through 6.6 billion total media impressions in traditional and nontraditional forms, including blogs, social media, and paid and earned placements nationally and locally.

Social media continued to drive conversation about Alzheimer's and all other dementia and the Association. The combined social media following on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and X (formerly Twitter) increased by 9% to more than 1.4 million users. Engagement on our posts significantly outperformed nonprofit benchmarks, evidencing the Alzheimer's community's continued interest in staying up to date on Association news and willingness to publicly share information about the cause.

In partnership with the Ad Council and NASCAR, the Association launched new public service announcements (PSAs) featuring NASCAR driver Ryan Blaney sharing his family's journey with Alzheimer's following his grandfather Lou's diagnosis. The PSAs encouraged families to have a conversation with loved ones when they notice changes in cognition or behavior, and stressed the benefits of early detection, including access to treatment options, an opportunity to participate in clinical trials and more time to plan for the future. The Ryan Blaney Family Foundation led a $50,000 Match Challenge that culminated in a check presentation by Blaney at the inaugural 2023 NASCAR Cup Series Chicago Street Race.

A new Walk to End Alzheimer's marketing campaign, "This Is Why We Walk," focused on the many reasons people take part in the event, the world's largest fundraiser for Alzheimer's care, support and research. The messaging spanned TV, radio, print, digital and social media and alluded to care, support and research, highlighting how Walk supports the Association's full mission, and reflected the current state of treatment and our efforts to ensure access. 

Four-time Grammy-nominated country artist Mickey Guyton joined the Association's digital storytelling series Music Moments to raise awareness during Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month. Guyton performed a heartfelt rendition of her song "How You Love Someone," coupled with an intimate behind-the-scenes interview sharing her personal connection to the cause through her grandmother.

In recognition of National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month and National Family Caregivers Month, the Association partnered with the Golf Channel to produce a month-long series to educate viewers about Alzheimer's and Association resources. Topics included the importance of early detection and diagnosis, warning signs and the benefits of early diagnosis; the challenges families face following an Alzheimer's diagnosis; and research advances and the important leadership role the Association is playing in the fight against the disease.

Teams across Major League Baseball, including the Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Milwaukee Brewers, New York Yankees, Oakland Athletics, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants and Seattle Mariners, took part in Alzheimer's Association Awareness Games by featuring opportunities for fans to learn about Association efforts to end the disease and donating tickets to Association constituents. Teams also participated in initiatives such as the Major League Memories alumni player engagement program at senior care facilities.

For the 14th year in a row, the Association achieved top-three status in large nonprofits in The NonProfit Times' annual "Best Large Nonprofits to Work For" survey, securing the #2 ranking in FY23. The annual survey emphasizes employee development, recognition measures and workplace culture.