Ranked as the 6th leading cause of death among New Jersey and U.S. residents, unfortunately, those living in the Garden State are no strangers to the devastating impact of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. In fact, 68% of New Jersey residents know someone who has or had Alzheimer’s or other dementias. At Alzheimer’s New Jersey, our mission is: To respond to the needs of people in New Jersey who are affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, by providing programs and community partnerships that increase awareness and access to services.

But we can’t do it alone.

“Even though the world is large, one person can still make a world of difference.”

~ Frank Sonnenberg

Below are ways big and small you can help us make a difference this Alzheimer’s Awareness Month.

1. Volunteer

We offer many opportunities for you to contribute your time and talent in ways that are both fun and meaningful. You can assist us at events such as conferences and educational sessions, become a Support Group Facilitator, join a fundraising committee or help us with office based projects, just to name a few. Submit your areas of interest, expertise, and availability HERE and we’ll work with you to find the perfect fit!

2. Advocate

Advocates are the local community soldiers in the fight against Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Through our advocacy program, you can help by:

  • Contacting and talking with state and federal policy makers
  • Attending local and national advocacy forums
  • Sharing your caregiving experience with the media
  • Receiving and Responding to “Call to Action Alerts.”
  • So much more. Signup HERE!!

3. Are You One of #The68Percent? Share Your Story

As we mentioned at the top of this article, 68% of New Jersey residents know someone impacted by Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias. How has Alzheimer’s disease changed your life – your family relationships – your friendships  – the financial and emotional stress?  Let the Garden State know how Alzheimer’s disease impacts the person diagnosed and those they know and love.  Storytelling is a powerful way to enact change, so we invite you to share your story using this submission form. Or, share your story and photos directly to Instagram, Facebook or Twitter using the hashtag #The68Percent.

4. Attend a Free Alzheimer’s New Jersey Family Support Group and or Education Program

Support and education are so important in helping caregivers face the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease.  In addition to being a positive outlet by offering caregivers the opportunity to connect with others impacted by Alzheimer’s, our programs offer a safe space where feelings about caregiving can be expressed and validated and where caregivers can learn practical information about how to better manage the care of a loved one. See our full Family Support Group Schedule and find a location near you HERE.

5. Donate

Your donation, large and small, makes a huge difference in the New Jersey Fight Against Alzheimer’s disease.  There are so many ways to give including: monthly giving, memorial and tribute gifts, supporting our fundraising events, gifts through your estate plan and having your gifts matched through your employer.

Your gift can be very specific for example,  Funding a Respite Care Scholarship.

Our Respite Care and Wellness program is designed to provide family caregivers with information and education about the importance of regular time-off from caregiving and help link them to available community-based respite care resources. Your gift of $1,000 or more can be designated to fund a respite care scholarship and directly assist family caregivers who often experience an overwhelming amount of emotional and financial stress due to the demands of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

You can also, Host Your Own Fundraising Event.  Have a favorite restaurant, lounge, bowling alley, car wash, etc.? Throw on your event planning cap and we’ll work with you to organize a fundraising event at that venue, where proceeds are donated back to Alzheimer’s New Jersey. This is a GREAT way to meet new people in your community, enjoy a night or day out, and support Alzheimer’s awareness in our state.

For more information on ways to give call our office at 973-586-4300 or email development@alznj.org or simply donate now.

There’s no better time than now to join the fight against Alzheimer’s. Together we can decrease the stigma, accelerate research, and increase local resources and support for our state’s caregivers.