"If we could have had a correct diagnosis even two years earlier, it would have given us more time to plan, to do the things that can result in a good quality of life and to accomplish things we always wanted to do that got put off for this reason or that." Jay Smith

Thanks to winning the American Express Members Project, the Alzheimer’s Association received $1.5 million to begin an education campaign highlighting the importance of early detection among the general public and physicians.

This is a positive step toward helping those who go undiagnosed for many years, losing valuable time that could be spent planning for the future and starting treatment.

Funds from the American Express Members Project will enable us to:

• Collaborate with other health leaders to get the word out and combine resources.
• Engage people with Alzheimer's to be advocates, allowing them to spread awareness about the importance of early detection.
• Increase public education about early detection via paid advertising, public relations and other forms of proactive communications.
• Promote participation in clinical trials of groundbreaking treatments.
• Empower those who suspect they may have Alzheimer's to find the help and hope they need.
• Educate physicians about the 10 warning signs and patient support services.

The passion of one Cardmember

We are extremely grateful to Jay Smith, the American Express Cardmember who submitted the project to American Express and named the Alzheimer’s Association as the fulfilling organization. Jay’s passion for fighting Alzheimer’s is fueled by the experiences of his wife, Patty, who was diagnosed at the age of 51, two years after she first exhibited the signs and symptoms of the disease. Patty is a past member of the Association’s Early-Stage Advisory Group.