There are few more compelling or complex issues confronting our aging society than Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders. These diseases impose enormous costs to our nation’s health and prosperity, costs that are skyrocketing. 

Today, more than seven million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, resulting in an annual cost to our economy exceeding $800 billion. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. The disease contributes to the deaths of approximately 500,000 Americans each year. If the current trajectory persists, at least 13 million Americans will have dementia in 2050 and total costs of care are projected to exceed $1 trillion annually.

Leaders Engaged on Alzheimer’s Disease (LEAD Coalition) is a diverse and growing national policy coalition committed to overcoming Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders (AD/ADRD), including vascular contributions to dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal degeneration. The Coalition serves as the uniting voice of more than 260 member and allied organizations and over 500 researchers to focus the nation’s attention on accelerating transformational progress to reduce risk, enhance detection and diagnosis, improve care and support, and develop increasingly effective treatments and eventual cures. 

LEAD Coalition members include patient advocacy organizations and health non-profits, philanthropies and foundations, trade and professional associations, academic research and clinical institutions, home and residential care providers, and biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. Co-convened by UsAgainstAlzheimer’s and Volunteers of America, member organizations and other experts guide our work by providing critical input into the issues that affect individuals and families who are at risk for or living with AD/ADRD.