Tough times only make us fight harder.

Dear John, Around this time last year, I sent an update on the COVID-19 crisis and our response. Because of the generosity of our supporters, we were able to maintain support services to those impacted by Alzheimer's disease and advance research despite the challenges of COVID-19. COVID-19 has taken more than half a million lives in the United States and has greatly impacted those living with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers. The death rate for those living with Alzheimer's and dementia in America has risen a startling 16% since COVID-19 began. These stark facts have caused each of us to pause and recognize the terrible impact of this pandemic. Early into the pandemic, it became clear that people living with Alzheimer's and all other dementia were especially vulnerable. We needed to move quickly, so that our community of caregivers and their loved ones would have access to the support, information and resources they needed. Within days, we moved all meetings, including support groups, online. We set up a COVID-19 webpage with a focus on how to help those living with Alzheimer's and their caregivers with different tactics, including putting safety practices into place, like washing hands and social distancing. And we immediately expanded our advocacy efforts to push for stronger protections from COVID-19 in long-term care settings. We transformed entire programs and services almost overnight to ensure no coverage gaps occurred despite the pandemic. A year later, thanks to our supporters, our efforts continue: Research. We are co-leading a new international study to understand how COVID-19 may increase the risk, severity, pace and progression of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and brain diseases, including depression. The Alzheimer's Association's Vice President of Medical and Scientific Relations, Heather Snyder, Ph.D., says the study could also show how COVID-19 treatments and vaccines might affect those outcomes. Care and Support. We provide around-the-clock access via our 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900), our website, alz.org and access to online support groups. We are devoting resources specifically to helping Alzheimer's caregivers as they face COVID-19-related hardships.  Advocacy. We successfully advocated for the inclusion of policies to protect those in long-term care communities, many of whom are living with Alzheimer's or another dementia, in the federal COVID-19 relief bill. The bill, which was recently signed in to law, includes provisions that will provide funding to address social isolation, establish strike teams, promote infection control, and increase rapid testing. We have long advocated for these provisions, which are consistent with our long-term care policy recommendations on Improving the State and Federal Response to COVID-19 in Long-Term Care Settings. As the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines is happening — especially important to those affected by Alzheimer's — we have dedicated a portion of alz.org to resources for people living with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. As we look ahead, there are many more developments on the horizon that we are monitoring closely. We'll continue to share any updates we have on all these issues as new information arises and provide you with information at alz.org. Your support makes it possible for us to further our mission to lead the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. With your help, we're able to support our community and make an impact on behalf of those affected by Alzheimer's and dementia everywhere. It means so much to me to know there are caring people like you supporting our vision of a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia. From the bottom of my heart — thank you. Sincerely, Donna McCullough Chief Field and Development Officer P.S. We're so grateful to have you as part of our community. Please consider making a special gift today and join us in the fight to end Alzheimer's.

Your donation will strengthen our efforts to advance Alzheimer's care, support and research. From face-to-face support to online education programs and promising global research initiatives, your gift makes a difference in the lives of all those affected by Alzheimer's and other dementias in your community and across the world. Thank you for your continued support. Alzheimer's Association Home Office, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601 © 2021 Alzheimer's Association. All rights reserved. 800.272.3900 | alz.org® | Donate Please add [email protected] to your address book to ensure you receive all future emails.   Having trouble reading this email? View it in your browser   View your email preferences or unsubscribe.