Who is the founder of the Alzheimer's Foundation of America?

Founded in 2002, the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) was established to address the critical need for information, education, and support for families impacted by the disease. This national non-profit was created by Bert E. Brodsky, a caregiver who experienced firsthand the challenges of navigating Alzheimer's with his mother, Anne, and wanted to ensure no other family would have to face it alone.

Quick Summary

Entrepreneur Bert E. Brodsky founded the Alzheimer's Foundation of America in 2002, driven by his personal experience as a caregiver for his mother who had Alzheimer's disease.

Key Points

• Founder's Identity: The founder of the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) is Bert E. Brodsky.

• Inspiration from Caregiving: Brodsky was inspired to create the AFA after caring for his mother, Anne, who had Alzheimer's disease for over a decade.

• Founding Year: Brodsky founded the organization in 2002 with the goal of providing resources and support to families.

• Mission and Vision: His vision was to ensure no family would face the journey of Alzheimer's alone, establishing the AFA as a source for information, education, and support.

• Core Services: Key offerings include a national toll-free helpline staffed by licensed social workers and a memory screening program.

• Distinction from other groups: The AFA should not be confused with the Alzheimer's Association, which was founded earlier in 1980 by Jerome H. Stone.

Bert E. Brodsky: The Founder of the Alzheimer's Foundation of America

Bert E. Brodsky, an entrepreneur and philanthropist, founded the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA), a national non-profit organization established in 2002. His personal experience as a caregiver for his mother, Anne, who had Alzheimer's for over a decade, highlighted the significant lack of resources and support available to families. This led Brodsky to create the AFA with the aim of providing comprehensive information, education, and support to ensure families wouldn't face the disease alone.

The Caregiver's Story: The Motivation Behind AFA

Brodsky's motivation stemmed from the isolation and challenges he faced while caring for his mother in the 1980s and 90s, when public awareness and resources for Alzheimer's were limited. His experience underscored the need for a central organization to guide and support families. He transformed his personal struggle into a mission to help others by founding the AFA.

Core Programs and Services Inspired by a Caregiver's Needs

The AFA's programs are designed to meet the needs Brodsky identified during his time as a caregiver, focusing on care, education, and support. Key services include:

• National Toll-Free Helpline: Provides support and resources through licensed social workers, available seven days a week.
• National Memory Screening Program: Offers free, confidential memory screenings year-round.
• Education and Training: Offers programs for professional caregivers to improve dementia care standards.
• Informational Resources: Publishes various materials to help families understand dementia and improve communication.

Comparison: Alzheimer's Foundation of America vs. Alzheimer's Association

Both organizations support the Alzheimer's community but have different origins and focus areas:

Feature	Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA)	Alzheimer's Association
Founder	Bert E. Brodsky	Jerome H. Stone and a group of family caregivers
Founded	2002	1980
Origin	A caregiver's experience and the need for resources	A group of caregivers, researchers, and physicians
Mission	Focuses on support, services, and education for families and caregivers	Leads the fight for care, support, and research
Key Activities	Operates a helpline, memory screening, and professional training	Runs fundraising events and publishes a journal

A Legacy of Compassion and Action

Brodsky's philanthropic efforts, combining his business skills and caregiving experience, have made the AFA a significant national resource. The foundation has expanded its network to over 2,000 member organizations, reaching families across the U.S. and providing hope to those affected by dementia. The AFA's story highlights how personal experience can lead to impactful change and create a lasting legacy of support and care.

Conclusion

Bert E. Brodsky founded the Alzheimer's Foundation of America in 2002, inspired by his personal journey as a caregiver for his mother. Recognizing the lack of support available at the time, he established the AFA to provide crucial services, education, and advocacy for families navigating Alzheimer's and related dementias. His dedication ensures that families receive the support they need, embodying a commitment to turn personal challenge into widespread positive change in dementia care.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the Alzheimer's Foundation of America established?

The Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) was established in 2002 by Bert E. Brodsky.

What motivated Bert E. Brodsky to create the AFA?

Bert E. Brodsky was motivated to create the AFA after personally experiencing the challenges of being a caregiver for his mother, who had Alzheimer's disease. He realized there was a lack of support and resources for families and wanted to ensure others did not have to go through the experience alone.

What services does the Alzheimer's Foundation of America provide?

The AFA provides a national toll-free helpline, a memory screening program, educational resources, and professional training programs to support individuals, families, and caregivers affected by Alzheimer's and related dementias.

Is the Alzheimer's Foundation of America the same as the Alzheimer's Association?

No, the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) is a different organization from the Alzheimer's Association. The Alzheimer's Association was founded earlier, in 1980, by Jerome H. Stone.

How did Brodsky's personal experience shape the AFA's mission?

Brodsky's mission was directly shaped by his firsthand experience as a caregiver. He established the AFA to be the resource he and his family didn't have—a place where families could receive guidance, education, and support.

Who was the first CEO of the Alzheimer's Foundation of America?

While Bert E. Brodsky is the founder and chairman, Eric J. Hall was the founding CEO of the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, responsible for establishing the organization's infrastructure.

What was the landscape of Alzheimer's care like when Brodsky founded the AFA?

At the time of the AFA's founding in 2002, there was significantly less information and public awareness about Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Resources for caregivers were scarce, and many families felt isolated and unprepared to cope.