The U.S. Alzheimer’s Association is a valuable resource providing essential support services, education, programs, and referrals for individuals living with dementia, their families, and care professionals. However, there have been concerns about some of the association’s practices that have gone unchecked. This article aims to shed light on approximately 30 activities that have not aligned with the association’s mission.
Some of these activities include misleading fundraising tactics promising imminent cures for Alzheimer’s disease, focusing solely on Alzheimer’s while neglecting other forms of dementia, and using fear-based messaging that exacerbates stigma. The association has also been criticized for advocating for Alzheimer’s drugs with insufficient evidence and disregarding the opinions of experts.
Additionally, there are concerns about the association’s ties to the pharmaceutical industry, its limited advocacy efforts in the assisted living sector, and its resistance to innovative approaches at the local chapter level. Some individuals living with dementia have expressed feeling silenced and marginalized by the association.
Moving forward, there is a call for the association to operate in a more transparent, balanced, and ethical manner. By addressing these concerns and making necessary changes, the association can better serve its constituents and fulfill its mission more effectively.
