The Alzheimer's Aid Society is a health organization founded in 1981. At that time very little was known about the disease - it had not yet become the "household word" it is today. The Society began as a single support group for caregivers in a Sacramento living room. We existed at that time to provide support and education for the caregiver. Today we provide more than forty support group meetings throughout Northern California every month.

Our first Caregiver Conference was held at American River College in the early 80's, and our partnership with the Gerontology Program at ARC continues to this day. Annual conferences are now held in both Sacramento and Modesto. Mini Seminars are offered in many of our outlying counties.

Beginning in the mid 80's, The Alzheimer's Aid Society began providing training to professional caregivers, medical personnel, law enforcement, and first responders. This paved the way in our communities for better understanding and fair treatment of persons with dementia.

As the 90's arrived, advancements in diagnostics and public awareness made it possible for patients to be diagnosed much earlier in the course of the disease. The Alzheimer's Aid Society expanded its mission to include patient support. Today our patient groups meet every week in Sacramento and Modesto. In 2011 we added Brain Exercise and Reminiscence groups, called "The Forget Me Not Club." Caregivers also belong to the "Forget Me Not Club" and they meet in an adjacent classroom. The facilitators of the patient groups are also available to meet one-on-one with patients to answer questions and assist with their issues and concerns.

Much has changed today as far as our understanding of the disease. There are now medications, which can be helpful in improving or delaying the symptoms. There are programs and classes for the patient and the caregiver.

What has not changed is the devastating challenge patients and caregivers face with Alzheimer's disease. It is a journey of level paths, perilous twists and turns, and ever-changing climates. We continue our focus of education and support to assist those on this journey to navigate the unfamiliar terrain and, hopefully, to find some meaning and joy along the way.

See also other local services & organizations.

Mission Statement/Objectives

Support, education and compassion throughout this journey of alheimers disease and to support medical research and promote public awareness

Free services

• Offering mini conferences that provide information about the disease
• Providing guidance and support for individuals with Alzheimer's disease, their families and caregivers
• Advocating for the medical, social, psychological and financial needs of those with the disease, their families, and caregivers.

Qualifications

Families, individuals, and any caregivers who have, or know of anyone with the disease

Fundraisers

Alzheimers Aid Society holds fundraisers throughout the year. They recently held a golf tournament and all the proceeds go to the organizations. Since this is a non-profit organization all proceeds go to the organization and to events like the the mini conferences. They also just held their 29th Annual Caregiver Conference on November 5, 2011, which is a huge conference for people who are taking care of someone with the disease. This events has special speakers such as doctors who specialize with this disease, personal stories from people who have lost someone with Alzheimers and people with Alzheimers.

Donations

Go to their website donate $5 or $10.

This report was written for Cynthia Linville’s English 20 class at CSU Sacramento Fall 2011.