Act Now to Make Twice the Impact
Act Now to Make Twice the Impact
You can have twice the impact on accelerating research and helping to provide much-needed care and support to those impacted by Alzheimer’s disease when you take part in our Fall 2x Match Challenge. But you must act now — this opportunity is only available until Sept. 30.
Donate NowAlzheimer's Association and Special Olympics Launch Partnership to Expand Brain Health Resources for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
In conjunction with the new partnership, the organizations will collaborate to expand awareness of brain health and dementia, develop accessible educational resources, and strengthen connections between local Alzheimer's Association chapters and Special Olympics Programs. An initial focus of the partnership is adapting the Alzheimer's Association's 10 Healthy Habits for Your Brain resource into an easy-read format to better serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
"This partnership reflects our commitment to making brain health and dementia resources accessible to all communities," said Carl V. Hill, Ph.D., MPH, chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer at the Alzheimer's Association. "Together with Special Olympics, we can better support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families and caregivers with trusted information, education and resources."
The partnership comes at a critical time. People with Down syndrome are at significantly increased risk for Alzheimer's disease, with estimates suggesting that 50% or more of people with Down syndrome will develop dementia due to Alzheimer's disease as they age. In addition, by age 40, most people with Down syndrome have the brain changes associated with Alzheimer's disease, including the buildup of amyloid plaques and tau tangles, although not everyone develops dementia symptoms.
Through the collaboration, the Alzheimer's Association and Special Olympics will work to:
- Increase awareness of brain health and dementia among people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- Expand access to educational materials and support resources.
- Develop accessible and inclusive health education tools and resources.
- Connect individuals, families and caregivers to information about dementia, caregiving and support services.
- Explore opportunities for local Alzheimer's Association chapters and Special Olympics Programs to collaborate in communities across the country.
- Explore future potential to collaborate on research and evaluation focusing on dementia in the population of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The Alzheimer's Association offers information and resources for individuals with Down syndrome, their families and caregivers, including guidance on understanding Alzheimer's risk, recognizing symptoms and accessing support services. Learn more about Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease, and watch the video ALZ Talks: When Down Syndrome and Alzheimer’s Intersect.
"As our organizations work together, we have an opportunity to build stronger connections between our local networks and create meaningful pathways to education, support and care," Hill added. "Together, we can help ensure that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families have access to the resources they need throughout every stage of life."
About the Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia®. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.
About Special Olympics
Founded in 1968, Special Olympics is a global sports movement to end discrimination against people with intellectual disabilities. We foster acceptance of all people through the power of sport and programming in education, health and leadership. With more than 5.1 million athletes and Unified Sports® partners and over one million coaches and volunteers in more than 200 countries and jurisdictions, Special Olympics offers over 30 Olympic-type sports and delivers more than 60,000 events and competitions each year. Engage with us on: X, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn. Learn more at SpecialOlympics.org.