A Foundation of Compassionate Principles
Founded in 1980 by a group of family caregivers and other humanitarians, the Alzheimer's Association was created to unite support efforts and accelerate research. From the beginning, the organization understood that its mission, vision, and core values must work in concert to have the greatest possible impact. These values are not just statements on a page but the bedrock for its global efforts in research, support, and advocacy. The Association's commitment is to provide and enhance care and support for all affected by Alzheimer's and dementia, grounded in its unwavering principles.
The Five Core Values
The Alzheimer's Association identifies five core values that shape its culture and guide its employees, volunteers, and overall direction.
1. Inclusivity
Inclusivity is a fundamental principle for the Alzheimer's Association. It means seeking out different and diverse viewpoints through collaboration. The organization is committed to reaching all communities with resources and education, acknowledging that dementia disproportionately affects some populations. This value drives the Association to engage with underrepresented and underserved communities to address health inequities and ensure all individuals have fair and just access to diagnosis and quality care. By actively fostering diversity in its research and programming, the Association ensures its work is relevant and accessible to everyone affected by the disease.
2. Community
The Association is dedicated to building a passionate and supportive community around the cause. It inspires individuals and organizations to join the fight to end Alzheimer's and other dementias. This value is manifested in large-scale events like the Walk to End Alzheimer's, which mobilizes volunteers and fundraisers nationwide. It also extends to creating local chapters that provide localized programs and support groups for families and caregivers. The focus on community ensures that no family has to face the journey of a dementia diagnosis alone.
3. Accountability
Accountability means taking responsibility to achieve goals and expecting results from both themselves and others. The Association demonstrates this by transparently reporting its finances and impact. As the largest nonprofit funder of Alzheimer's and dementia research, the Association holds itself accountable for strategically investing its funds to advance the field. Its advocacy efforts also hold government officials accountable for increasing research funding and improving policy. This commitment to accountability ensures that every dollar and every action contributes meaningfully to the cause.
4. Agility
Agility is the value of leading and embracing change with courage. The field of Alzheimer's research and care is constantly evolving, with new discoveries and challenges emerging regularly. The Alzheimer's Association must remain nimble to adapt its strategies and priorities accordingly. This includes being at the forefront of clinical trials, quickly identifying and funding promising new research areas, and adapting care and support services to meet the changing needs of those affected. The organization’s ability to respond to and lead change is critical to its long-term success.
5. Integrity
Integrity is upheld by acting ethically, with honesty, transparency, and compassion. This value applies to all aspects of the organization, from its research funding and financial management to its interactions with families and caregivers. The Association ensures its research processes are peer-reviewed and vetted by a medical and scientific advisory group, maintaining high standards of integrity in science. By operating with transparency, the Association builds trust with the public and the scientific community.
Putting Values into Action: Mission and Impact
The core values are not abstract concepts but are woven into the fabric of the Alzheimer's Association's mission. Its mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research, provide and enhance care and support for all affected, and reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.
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Accelerating Research: The value of accountability drives the Association to strategically fund groundbreaking research, leading to over $450 million invested globally across more than 1,200 active projects. This funding has been instrumental in numerous scientific advances, including the development of brain-imaging radiotracers.
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Enhancing Care and Support: The values of inclusivity and community guide the Association's comprehensive support services. They provide education programs, a 24/7 Helpline, and a network of local chapters offering support groups and personalized care navigation,. This ensures that people from all backgrounds can access the support they need.
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Advocating for Change: The value of agility allows the Association to effectively advocate for public policy change at both the federal and state levels. Through the Alzheimer's Impact Movement (AIM), it has championed legislation like the National Alzheimer's Project Act (NAPA) to secure critical research funding and improve care access.
Comparing Approaches: Alzheimer's Association vs. Other Organizations
While many organizations support dementia causes, the Alzheimer's Association's specific values differentiate its approach.
| Feature | Alzheimer's Association | Other Organizations (e.g., AFA) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Comprehensive approach encompassing research, care, support, and advocacy. | May focus more heavily on specific areas like caregiving support or research funding exclusively. |
| Values | Inclusivity, Community, Accountability, Agility, Integrity. | Varies by organization; often includes dedication, innovation, and collaboration. |
| Global Reach | Acts as the global leader in Alzheimer's care, support, and research, with a presence in many countries. | Some may be more localized or national in scope,. |
| Funding Strategy | A strategic, peer-reviewed international grant program, including early-stage translational research (Part the Cloud). | Funding mechanisms and priorities can differ significantly based on focus. |
| Advocacy Efforts | Strong emphasis on public policy, including championing landmark legislation like NAPA and the BOLD Act through AIM. | Advocacy efforts and scale may differ; some may be less involved in lobbying. |
Conclusion: The Unifying Force of Values
The core values of the Alzheimer's Association—inclusivity, community, accountability, agility, and integrity—form the robust framework upon which the organization's powerful mission stands. These principles are not simply ideals but practical commitments that have shaped its history, defined its culture, and driven its significant achievements in research funding, care provision, and public policy advocacy,,. For families affected by dementia, these values translate into a reliable and compassionate partner in their journey, working tirelessly towards a future free of this devastating disease.
To learn more about the organization's work and to get involved, you can visit the official Alzheimer's Association website.
