Expanding our reach to more individuals, communities and organizations.
Transformational medical treatments for those with early-stage Alzheimer’s.
Investments in research.
Advancements in legislation.
What a year it has been.
Together, with our supporters and volunteers, we celebrate the accomplishments of the past year.
Research efforts around the globe
The Alzheimer’s Association is proud of its role as the world’s largest non-profit funder of Alzheimer’s and dementia research.
This was a monumental year for research. With the FDA approval of two promising new treatments for individuals in the earliest stages of the disease, we ushered in an “Era of Hope.”
We are investing $320 million in more than 1,000 projects in 54 countries, spanning six continents.
Locally, the University of Minnesota and Mayo Clinic received research grants from the Association.
Access to health care
Not every person has equal access to health care. In our work, we know that receiving a proper diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s is a barrier for many. Ensuring all those facing Alzheimer’s and dementia have access to the resources and support they need is core to our mission.
Primary care is frequently the gateway to serving individuals who may have dementia. Through our collaborations with Minnesota and North Dakota health systems, we worked to improve detection, diagnosis, and care.
Our collaboration with HealthPartners is improving care coordination, treatment delivery and providing training and education in brain health.
Partnering with Mayo Clinic, we are identifying creative ways to use AI tech solutions to improve patient care.
Working with the Veterans Health Administration in Minneapolis, we developed dementia training for volunteers, ensuring they have the skills to recognize and engage with their clients in a dementia-friendly way.
Our collaborations with health systems and community clinics aim to elevate Alzheimer’s and dementia awareness and detection. Our Project Echo program connects dementia care experts with primary care practices through free telementoring continuing education.
Community participation
We know that our strength is in joining with others. Through every partnership, our collaborations reflect our commitment to ensuring that a diversity of ideas, experiences, cultures and socio-economic backgrounds are recognized and valued.
In the last year, we expanded our collaborations with other organizations to create new shared programming and reach more people with valuable information about dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Among our partners are 3M, ALZ CARES (Community Alliances for Resources, Education and Support), Arrowhead Parish Nurses, Blue Cross Blue Shield Minnesota, Burleigh County Senior Adult Program, Centro Tyrone Guzman, CLUES, Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program, Indian Health Board, Innovative Therapy Solutions, Juniper, Medica, Minnesota Elder Justice Center, Mind and Memory Clinic, North Dakota State University, RBC Wealth Management, Securian Financial, Senior LinkAge Line, University of North Dakota School of Medicine, U.S. Bank, Veterans Affairs Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, YMCA of the North, of Cass and Clay County, and Missouri Valley.
Our dedicated volunteers help us in all facets of our work, from delivering support groups and community education programs, to serving at events and advocating for key public policy initiatives.
10,000 people raised $2.6 million at our chapter’s 18 locations of the 2022 Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
The 2023 Purple Gala at the Minneapolis Renaissance Depot attracted 560 guests who generously contributed $1,082,000 to advance our mission.
Our supporters rallied around events such as The Longest Day, Reason to Hope, Young Champions’ Bean Bagz for Brains, and Allianz Life’s annual Driving to Donate golf event.
Our advocacy efforts
Ensuring that Alzheimer’s and other dementias are a priority in federal and state legislation is central to our work.
Guaranteeing access to promising new Alzheimer’s treatments was our top federal priority. Earlier in the year, CMS, the federal agency that administers the Medicare program, denied access. Our six-month advocacy blitz, including a Rally for Access in every state and a rally at the White House, resulted in a reversal of this decision.
We secured a nearly $300 million increase in research funding.
A Medicare pilot program was established to better coordinate patient care.
Policies were created to include more diverse populations in clinical trials.
$4 million was secured from the Minnesota Legislature to make respite care more affordable and available to caregivers.
Funding was obtained for a public information campaign focused on early detection and directed to underserved and rural communities.
120 people met with their state legislators at the Capitol on Advocacy Day and championed Alzheimer’s and dementia legislation.
Advocates met with the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Health Secretary, and legislators at the Capitol to discuss the need for more funding.
The North Dakota Legislature appropriated $1.6 million in funding to the Alzheimer’s Association to provide services to individuals and their families impacted by Alzheimer’s. Through this two-year grant, the Association staff provides educational programs, individualized care consultations, and outreach to community providers, health systems, and long-term care facilities.
Our support programs
We recognize that individuals often do not have the information and support they need about Alzheimer’s and dementia. As a result, our educational and outreach efforts are at the heart of what we do.
Research indicates that some communities are disproportionately impacted by Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
Women, African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, Native Americans, Alaskan Natives, LGBTQ+ communities, and those living in rural America are more likely to develop the disease. They are also less likely to receive an early diagnosis and more likely to encounter barriers when seeking help.
1,082 Minnesotans and North Dakotans called our 24/7 Helpline.
1,141 care consultations helped individuals and families navigate the disease and develop personal plans.
In-person and virtual support groups assisted 984 individuals.
Specialized support groups aided those in early stages of the disease, caregivers, those who have recently lost a partner or spouse, and LGBTQ+ care partners.
Nearly 5,000 people attended our 270 no-fee educational classes.
2,246 individuals attended 111 awareness presentations throughout Minnesota and North Dakota.