Over 600,000 New Jersey residents are affected by Alzheimer’s disease. This includes individuals living with the disease and their  friends and family members who care for them.

According to an Alzheimer’s New Jersey® survey conducted by Fairleigh Dickinson University’s PublicMind, 68% of New Jersey residents know someone who has been impacted by Alzheimer’s disease.

For more than 40 years, Alzheimer’s New Jersey has provided compassionate support, education, and advocacy for local families facing this devastating illness. But we can’t do it alone.

Here are some ways you can make a difference during Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month – and during the year. Remember, our Impact is Your Impact!!

Learn About the Disease

When you understand Alzheimer’s disease — its warning signs, progression, and impact — you can make informed decisions about your own health and advocate effectively for yourself and others.

Learning about Alzheimer’s includes:

  • Recognizing the difference between dementia and normal age-related changes that can impact memory and thinking skills.

  • Identifying the early warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease.

  • Knowing when to talk to your doctor about memory or thinking concerns for yourself or a loved one.

  • Taking steps to reduce your risk — through healthy eating, regular physical activity, social engagement, quality sleep, and mentally stimulating activities.

  • Providing support for persons with the disease and their caregivers in your community and throughout our state.

  • Understanding where you can turn to for help and support.

You can start by attending an Alzheimer’s New Jersey Education Program, by exploring our Alzheimer’s Disease Reference Guide, or by calling our Helpline at 888-280-6055.

Share Your Story

Are you one of the #The68Percent of New Jersey residents who know someone affected by Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia?

How has Alzheimer’s impacted your life, family, or friendships? How has it affected your physical, emotional, or financial well-being?

Storytelling is a powerful way to enact change. We invite you to share your experience by emailing development@alznj.org.

You can also share your story and photos on Instagram or Facebook using #ALZNJ #Alzheimer’sNewJersey #SupportNJFamilies.

Advocate 

Advocates are the local community soldiers who play a key role in raising public awareness about the needs of New Jersey families.

As an advocate you can:

  • Share your caregiving experience with local media.

  • Spread the word about Alzheimer’s New Jersey programs, services, and events through social media.

  • Contact your state and federal policymakers to promote awareness and support as needed.

Donate

Your donation — large or small — fuels the fight against Alzheimer’s in New Jersey. There are many ways to give, including monthly giving, through your donor advised fund, making a Qualified Charitable Distribution through your IRA (if you are over 70 1/2), hosting your own fundraiser and supporting events like Walk to Fight Alzheimer’s® Learn about the many ways to give here

Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month is also a meaningful time to honor a loved one or celebrate a special occasion by creating a personal tribute page to share with family and friends. Read about our Tribute pages here

As an independent New Jersey-based nonprofit, Alzheimer’s New Jersey® is locally focused – 100% of your gifts stay in New Jersey – directly supporting local families through our programs and services.

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

There is no better time than now to join the New Jersey fight again Alzheimer’s disease. Together we can decrease the stigma and increase local resources and support so every caregiver, family member and individual living with the impact of the disease feels supported and not alone.