People living with Alzheimer's disease, dementia or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) have the power to drive meaningful change. Learn about the Alzheimer's Association Early-Stage Advisory Group and how to join. Members work closely with the Association to shape the future of dementia care, research and advocacy. By sharing your voice and lived experience, you can make a difference.

About the Early-Stage Advisory Group

"Early-stage" includes people of any age who are diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, MCI, or another dementia. This stage includes those living with younger-onset Alzheimer's, also known as "early-onset."

Being part of [the Early-Stage Advisory Group] has helped me say, "Be strong. Get it out there. Help. You've got to give hope to others."

Kathi R., living with Alzheimer's

The Alzheimer's Association Early-Stage Advisory Group prioritizes the voices of people living with dementia. Here are some ways you can get involved as an advisor:

• Increase awareness

  Advisors act as national spokespeople in awareness campaigns and media outreach. National media outlets, including The New York Times and "NBC Nightly News," have featured Early-Stage Advisors. Their stories have reached over 300 million people since the Advisory Group started.

• Improve support services
  Advisors give input on the development of programs and tools. Examples include the My ALZ Journey® app, I Have Alzheimer's online content, and Live Well Online Resources. These tools help people in the early stage of the disease live their best lives.

• Advance public policy
  Advisors share their stories with lawmakers, encouraging them to make Alzheimer's a national priority. Members have testified to the Social Security Administration and served on the National Alzheimer's Project Act (NAPA) Advisory Council.

• Accelerate research
  Advisors work with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Their perspectives can help engage more people living with the disease in clinical studies.

Honoring 20 years of the Early-Stage Advisory Group

Call for nominations

The Alzheimer's Association seeks dynamic individuals living with early-stage Alzheimer's or another dementia. You can nominate yourself or someone else for the Early-Stage Advisory Group.

Nominations must be submitted by April 15, 2026, to be considered for the term starting July 1, 2026. 

• The person must have a diagnosis of MCI, early-stage Alzheimer's or another dementia.

• They must be able to travel. The Alzheimer's Association covers travel expenses.
• They must have a care partner or companion to accompany them during travel.

• They must be able to participate in conference calls and use email.

• They must be available for a one-year term (July 1 to June 30).

The role of the Early-Stage Advisory Group is to:

• Raise awareness about living with dementia in the early stages.

• Inform the public about the Association's work.

• Act as a spokesperson for national media opportunities.

• Advocate for research and support funding.

• Support the Association in providing useful services for people living with early-stage Alzheimer's.

Each advisor is selected for their personal experience with the disease and desire to use their voice to advocate for early-stage topics. 

For more information or questions, contact earlystageinfo@alz.org.