Getting Support: What is an Alzheimer’s Organization?
Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most debilitating sicknesses that someone can experience, and it doesn’t only affect the victim. Family members and friends of the victim suffer with each glance of confusion at a name and each time a cherished memory disappears.
There is help out there, though, through a number of Alzheimer’s organizations existing to help, to do research, and to find a way to cure or even prevent this horrible disease. Below is discussion of a few of these Alzheimer’s organizations available in most areas.
The Alzheimer’s Association
This particular Alzheimer’s organization has been the world leader in research and support, and it is the first and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to finding preventative methods, treatments, and an eventual cure for the disease. This Alzheimer’s organization has an underlying mission to eliminate the disease through research, drug development, and community outreach. Their resources include a care finder database, research library, and telephone support to help when things confusing.
Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Association
Another Alzheimer’s organization that has become a wonderful resource for families and friends of those affected by this disease is the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Association, or ADRDA. This Alzheimer’s organization was incorporated on April 10, 1980, with seven founding chapters in Boston, Columbus, Minneapolis, New York City, Pittsburgh, San Francisco, and Seattle.
Today it is a multi-million dollar organization and has been a catalyst and leader for a generation of advancements in the disease, the treatment, and counseling of the people affected by it. This Alzheimer’s organization is quickly becoming a wonderful resource for everyone affected by this disease.
The Alzheimer’s Foundation
Perhaps one of the most recognizable names in the many Alzheimer’s organizations available is that of the Alzheimer’s Foundation. Founded in 2002, this organization was started by a consortium of organizations to fill the gap that existed on a national level to assure quality of care and provide an excellence in service to individuals with this disease and their families. The goal of this Alzheimer’s organization is to unite other organizations across the United States to help meet the educational, social, emotional, and even practical needs of those affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
Local and National Help
All these Alzheimer’s organizations, as well as many others, have national and local chapters and regional associations. If you want to help, or even learn more about this disease, perhaps one of the easiest ways to go about it is to open your local phone book and start dialing the number of your local chapter. Another option in finding a nearby Alzheimer’s organization is to go online and search the Internet. Or, check out your local community center or local library. Chances are the information for an Alzheimer’s organization will be waiting there.