By Kate Flannery, Executive Director

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, In the U.S., an estimated 6.7 million people are living with Alzheimer’s disease. This number is expected to increase significantly, with projections suggesting that nearly 14 million adults could have Alzheimer’s disease by 2060. Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia, accounting for 60% to 80% of cases.

The Western New York Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association (Association) serves all eight counties of WNY — Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans, and Wyoming — providing education programs, support groups, and other resources for those living with dementia and their care partners. Diversity, equity, and inclusion is vital to our mission, and we are dedicated to assisting underserved and underrepresented populations who are disproportionately affected by Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Supporting the Association can help impact the lives of those affected by the disease and advance the fight against it. Here is why this is important.

  1. Accelerating Research: Donations fuel research efforts focused on preventing, treating, and curing Alzheimer’s disease. This includes funding for brain donation studies, clinical trials, and grants for young investigators. The goal is to understand the disease better, develop new treatments, and find ways to slow or stop its progression.
  2. Providing Care and Support: Donations enable vital support to individuals living with Alzheimer’s, as well as their families and caregivers through education programs, support groups, and access to resources for navigating the challenges of the disease.
  3. Advocating for Change: The Association advocates for policies that support people living with Alzheimer’s, including funding for research and improved access to care, and raising awareness of the disease and its impact, urging for greater attention and action.
  4. Making a Tangible Difference: Your support provides vital resources and services to individuals and families coping with the emotional, financial, and practical challenges of Alzheimer’s.

From face-to-face support and online education programs to promising worldwide research initiatives, your donation makes a difference. However, other ways to support the Association include volunteering your time; helping with fundraising events; collaborating through corporate partnerships; donating through planned giving; and donating goods and services.

The Alzheimer’s Association leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. As the Alzheimer’s Association of Western New York continues to give vital support to people facing the most frightening times of their lives, we hope you consider directing donations to the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of your loved one.

To help, visit https://www.alz.org/wny. For more information, call 716-626-0600 ext. 312 or email program.wny@alz.org.