Forum Highlight

National Alzheimer's Dinner celebrates advocates and progress

During the National Alzheimer's Dinner on June 2, part of the 2026 Alzheimer's Impact Movement (AIM) Advocacy Forum in Washington, D.C., over 1,000 advocates from all 50 states celebrated achievements and saw outstanding leaders recognized for advancing the fight against Alzheimer's and all other dementia.

Emcee Richard Lui, news anchor and a longtime supporter of the cause, congratulated advocates on making their voices heard on Capitol Hill earlier in the day.

"You sat across, all of you, from your members of Congress — some of you for the first time," Liu said. "That's not a small thing. It’s a lot of small things. A lot of big things. And they all lead to the same thing we all want. It’s great to be shoulder to shoulder back in this community with you."

When Liu's father was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2013, Liu flew from New York to California weekly to care for him until his death in 2021. Liu's mother is now living with Alzheimer's in California, creating another caregiving chapter.

"The journey is a little different, but the disease is the same," Liu said. "That experience — a decade of traveling back and forth from New York to California to be there for people that I love — led me to keep telling these stories through my journalism and through film."

Honoring leaders

The evening's first AIM Humanitarian Award was presented to Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.). The Humanitarian Award honors public officials who've made significant contributions to advancing research and enhancing care and support for people living with dementia and their caregivers.

Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.)

Bob Thomas, chair of the AIM Board of Directors, said that as chair of the House Appropriations Committee, Cole has made a real and lasting difference in the fight against Alzheimer's. Thomas cited Cole's leadership as indispensable in securing critical increases in Alzheimer's and dementia research funding at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Cole has also supported vital legislation, such as the National Alzheimer's Project Act, the Alzheimer's Accountability and Investment Act, the BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act and the Alzheimer's Screening and Prevention (ASAP) Act.

"This is not an individual who simply lends his name to legislation," Thomas said. "This is an individual who understands what's at stake, who shows up and who delivers, and an individual who articulates the case for Alzheimer's action as well as any one of us in this room."

"Research is pennies on the dollar for what it can yield," Cole said. "We've made enormous progress thanks to your efforts year after year after year … Thank you for coming here. I know some years you wonder if it makes a difference. I promise you that it makes a difference."

The second AIM Humanitarian Award honored Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee and the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Subcommittee. DeLauro (who wasn't in attendance) has been instrumental in securing critical increases in Alzheimer's and related dementia research funding at NIH and a steadfast supporter of the Elder Justice Act and the BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act.

"Congresswoman DeLauro has been an outstanding champion for people living with Alzheimer's and all other dementia," said presenter Joanne Pike, DrPH, Alzheimer's Association president and CEO and AIM CEO. "She has been a vital advocate in ensuring that individuals impacted by Alzheimer's and dementia receive the quality care and assistance they so rightfully deserve."

A special anniversary

Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the Alzheimer's Association Early-Stage Advisory Group (ESAG) comprises people living in the early stages of Alzheimer's or another dementia whose advocacy proves that those most affected have the most important voices in the fight. The group was recognized for its dedication and impact in broadly, and proudly, sharing their experiences.

"For two decades, ESAG advisors have been at the table," Liu said. "Not as patients to be spoken about but as leaders helping to shape programs, drive policy and change the way the world understands this disease … Tonight, we get to celebrate what their courage has made possible."

"Thank you for being here," said Aaron Daniels, an ESAG member who also serves on the Alzheimer's Association Board of Directors. "Thank you for going to the Hill today. Thank you for telling your stories and making the case for the people who couldn't be in those meetings today. Keep going. The work you're doing matters more than you know — and to those of us living with this disease, it means everything."

Tiffani McLaurin-Robinson

Answering the call

"Advocating for Alzheimer's awareness is more than a cause for me — it's personal," said McLaurin-Robinson. Her perspective was shaped by watching her mother care for her grandmother, who lived with the disease, and by the support her family received from dementia experts through the Alzheimer's Association's 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900). "It's about honoring my grandmother's life, supporting caregivers like my mother and being a voice for families navigating the uncertainty, fear and grief that comes with this disease. I know what it feels like to need help — and how life-changing it is when someone answers the call."

Chief Policy Officer and AIM President Robert Egge asked attendees to look around the room and admire the number of dedicated advocates who went to Capitol Hill and urged lawmakers to act while telling the truth about their families, their urgency and their hope.

"Thank you — for being here and advocating for the ASAP Act," Egge said, "for the meetings you had and for the advocacy you will carry home with you long after this Forum ends."

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