Since its founding in 1980, the Alzheimer’s Association has been the leader in making the fight against Alzheimer’s a national priority, a call that resonates during November, which is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month.

After designating a National Alzheimer’s Disease Week in 1982, President Reagan helped to launch a national campaign against Alzheimer’s disease in 1983, calling members of the Alzheimer’s Association to the White House for the signing of a proclamation declaring National Alzheimer’s Disease Month.

“The emotional, financial and social consequences of Alzheimer’s disease are so devastating that it deserves special attention,” Reagan said. Taking lead of the issue, he went on to advocate research as “the only hope for victims and families.”

Reagan announced his Alzheimer’s diagnosis to the public in November 1994 and died in 2004.

Alzheimer’s Association founder Jerome Stone led a group of family caregivers, Association volunteers and staff in the effort to bring attention to the cause on Capitol Hill. That advocacy effort continues today with Association public policy staff and volunteers leading the call for increased government funding for critical Alzheimer research and support programs.

In 1983, fewer than 2 million Americans had the disease; today, the number of individuals with Alzheimer’s has soared to as many as 5 million and is expected to grow to 16 million by 2050, unless something is done to slow or stop this devastating disease.

The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Its mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.

For more information, visit www.alz.org or call the 24/7 help line at 1-800-272-3900.