The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is a national non-profit organization whose mission 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.
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 the journey alone.
AFA was created to be that resource for families in their time of need. AFA operates a National Toll-Free Helpline (866-232-8484), staffed entirely by licensed social workers, which provides support and assistance to callers, as well as connect them with resources in their area, no matter where in the United States they live. The helpline has grown into a seven-day a week service. AFA’s national network of more than 2,900 member organizations serves families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-related illnesses in each of the fifty states.
To help individuals take a proactive approach to brain health, AFA has a National Memory Screening Program which provides, free, confidential memory screenings at sites across the country. What began as a program on a single day in November has grown into a year-round service which has screened more than 5 million people to date.
AFA also works with professional caregivers and dementia-care settings to provide them with additional training and continuing education to elevate the level of care they provide on a daily basis. AFA has trained and educated more than 19,000 individuals through its professional training and community education programs.