Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA)
The mission of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is to provide support, services and education to individuals, families and caregivers affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias nationwide, and fund research for better treatment and a cure.
Our Story
AFA was founded in 2002 by a caregiver whose mother lived with Alzheimer’s disease from 1980-1992. At that time, there was little information available and nowhere to turn for support.
His goal was to make sure that no other family living with Alzheimer’s disease would have to go through the journey alone. AFA was created to be that resource for families in their time of need.
AFA’s services include:
- A National Toll-Free Helpline (866-232-8484), open seven days a week, and staffed entirely by licensed social workers, specifically trained in dementia care.
- Funding grants for innovative Alzheimer's research.
- Caregiver support groups and educational programs and publications for caregivers.
- Dementia-care training for healthcare professionals - provides them with additional training and continuing education to elevate the level of care they provide on a daily basis.
- The National Memory Screening Program - which provides, free, confidential memory screenings at sites across the country.
- Providing scholarships to high school seniors who have been impacted by Alzheimer's disease.
AFA holds Charity Navigator’s top 4-star rating.
About Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that impacts memory, thinking and language skills, and the ability to carry out the simplest tasks.
Alzheimer's disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, and the only one in the top ten without a cure or reversible treatment.
Nearly 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease right now, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that number could grow to 13.8 million by 2060.
1 in 6 seniors are living with Alzheimer's disease, and more than 11 million people care for someone living with Alzheimer's every day.
