Alzheimer's Los Angeles - 40th Anniversary seal

Serving Our Community for 40 Years

Founded by concerned community members in 1980, Alzheimer’s Los Angeles officially incorporated in February 1981. In 2021 we proudly marked our 40th anniversary of steadfast commitment to the aging community of greater Los Angeles and we are grateful for the continued support and partnership of so many.

The Alzheimer’s Los Angeles Story

Alzheimer's Los Angeles heart logo on gradient purple-blue background

  • 1979
    Members of USC support group identify need for an organization to support caregivers
  • 1980
    Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Association, Inc. (ADRDA) is founded; we later change our name to Alzheimer’s Los Angeles
  • 1981
    Alzheimer’s Los Angeles incorporates as California nonprofit
The beginning: 1979-1981

Alzheimer's Los Angeles heart logo on gradient purple-blue background

  • 1983
    Congress declares November as National Alzheimer’s Disease Month for the first time
  • 1984
    Alzheimer’s LA becomes a chapter of the national Alzheimer’s Association while also maintaining our independent status as a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit
1982-1986
headshot of María P. Aranda - associate professor at USC

María P. Aranda, now with USC, chaired the MOAB in 1990

  • 1988
    • Congress approves $120 million for research, family support, and training: five new Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers are formed bringing total to 15
  • 1989
    • “Just for the Summer,” a film about teens and Alzheimer’s, is produced by Alzheimer’s LA
    • Alzheimer’s LA offers 1st fall education series for caregivers
    • The Journal of the American Medical Association publishes report stating Alzheimer’s is more prevalent than previously thought.
  • 1990
    • Alzheimer’s LA starts Multicultural Outreach Advisory Board (MOAB)
1987 - 1990
El Portal logo - archway with vines

The El Portal project logo

  • 1991
    • Alzheimer’s LA initiates Home Care Assistance Program to offset financial burden of care at home
    • “Tournament” event is created with involvement from the entertainment industry
    • Alzheimer’s LA holds the first conference on Alzheimer’s disease
  • 1992
    • Alzheimer’s LA leads the effort to develop El Portal: Latino Alzheimer’s Project, funded by the California State Dept of Health and Aging with funding from the federal Alzheimer’s Demonstration Grants to States. Implementation takes place in East and South LA leading to the creation of Spanish language support groups, adult day care centers, care management sites, and more.
    • Alzheimer’s LA establishes Night at Sardis gala
1991 & 1992
walkers at Memory Walk in 2001

Walkers at Memory Walk in 2001

  • 1993
    • 1st Los Angeles Memory Walk takes place with 1000 walkers
    • Alzheimer’s LA develops a partnership with Kaiser Permanente ─the first healthcare system to improve quality of healthcare for people with dementia in managed care organizations
  • 1997
    • Alzheimer’s LA, in partnership with USC and the California Endowment, develops materials tailored to African Americans on risk reduction for dementia
1993 - 1998
man kissing wife on cheek with family photos hanging on wall in background

Alzheimer’s LA program participants in 2004

1999
  • West Central Dementia Care Network is founded to support African American caregivers
  • Alzheimer’s LA, in partnership with the State Dept of Health Services & UCLA, provides leadership for the development of the California Alzheimer’s Disease Management Guideline, an evidence-based guideline for primary care physicians
  • Alzheimer’s LA receives a grant from the Archstone Foundation to develop a Long-Distance Caregiver Program and establishes relationships with care consultants across the country to facilitate long-distance caregiving
  • Alzheimer’s LA sponsors Statewide Healthcare Summit to promote quality in dementia care. Maureen Reagan serves as spokesperson
1999
woman at senior center making crafts with dried flowers

Woman at an Asian Dementia Care Network partner site

2000
  • Alzheimer’s LA takes the lead on Partnering with your Doctor, funded by the State Department, with David Hyde Pierce as spokesperson
  • Alzheimer’s LA leads development of four Asian Dementia Care Networks, including two in LA for Chinese and Japanese families, in partnership with State Department on Aging, Federal Administration on Aging, and the Alzheimer’s Association of Northern California
  • A regional office of Alzheimer’s LA opens in the San Fernando Valley
  • Alzheimer’s LA establishes its first website offering educational materials and information in English and Spanish
2000
image of checklist for California Guidelines for Alzheimer's Disease Management 2002

2002 California Guidelines for Alzheimer’s Disease Management checklist

  • 2001
    • American Society on Aging presents the Award for Quality and Innovation in Managed Care and Aging to the Kaiser Permanente Dementia Care Project
    • Memory Club, an Early Stage Program, is offered in the San Fernando Valley office
  • 2002
    • Alzheimer’s LA opens a regional office in East LA
    • The Alzheimer’s Association adopts Partnering with Your Doctor program developed by Alzheimer’s LA
    • The 2nd Edition of the California Alzheimer’s Disease Management Guideline is distributed, an effort lead by Alzheimer’s LA in partnership with the State of California
    • Alzheimer’s LA merges with the Inland Empire Chapter
2001 & 2002
support group participants seated in a circle

A support group in Riverside in 2002

  • 2003
    • A Latino Services coordinator is funded by the California Wellness Foundation to serve Riverside & San Bernardino Counties
    • Partnering with Your Doctor receives the American Public Health Association Archstone Foundation Award for Excellence in Program Innovation
  • 2004
    • In partnership with State of California, Alzheimer’s LA expands work with Chinese and Vietnamese families and starts new dementia care network for Korean families
    • Alzheimer’s LA develops an online training program for long-term care administrators which is adopted state-wide
2003 & 2004
Alzheimer's Los Angeles - 2005 Activity Booklet for Children

Alzheimer’s Activity Booklet for Children

  • 2005
    • The first Many Faces of Dementia Conference is held in conjunction with the USC Alzheimer’s Disease Consortium. Over 200 professionals attend.
  • 2006
    • The Asian Dementia Care Network wins the Family Caregiving Award from the National Alliance for Caregiving and the Metlife Foundation
    • The Bilingual Activity Booklet for Children is selected by the National Alzheimer’s Association for a Model Program Award
2005 - 2006
audience at the Early Memory Loss Forum in 2007

The audience at the Early Memory Loss Forum in 2007

  • 2007
    • Alzheimer’s LA hosts the nation’s first educational program planned by and for people with memory loss. The Early Memory Loss Forum draws a full house of 380 participants and garners substantial media publicity
  • 2008
    • The Early Memory Loss Forum wins the American Society on Aging’s Award for Innovation in Healthcare and Aging
  • 2009
    • Alzheimer’s LA hosts the second Early Memory Loss Forum at the SkirballCultural Center
2007 - 2009
man with his painting at Memories in the Making exhibition 2015

Memories in the Making exhibition

  • 2010
    • Alzheimer’s LA implements an art program at LACMA, called The Heart of Looking at Art, for people in early stage, which includes training docents
  • 2011
    • The Asian Pacific Islander Dementia Care Network receives the national Rosalinde Gilbert Innovations in Alzheimer’s Disease Caregiving Legacy Award from the Family Caregiver Alliance for efforts to improve access to care by diverse, underserved populations
    • With funding from the Disney Family, Alzheimer’s LA launches Memories in the Making art program
  • 2012
    • Young Professionals Committee is created and organizes tackleALZ for first time
2010 - 2012
Dementia Cal MediConnect toolkit cover 2013

Cover of the Dementia Cal MediConnect toolkit 2013

2013
  • Alzheimer’s LA hosts the third Early Memory Loss Forum
  • In partnership with California Department of Aging and the Alzheimer’s Association Northern California chapter, Alzheimer’s LA initiates the Dementia Cal MediConnect Project ─an effort to improve care in health plans serving people who are dually eligible for Medicare and MediCal
  • The 1st An Unforgettable Evening® fundraiser is held and features a performance by Placido Domingo
2013
Darlene Love singing at An Unforgettable Evening 2014

Darlene Love singing at An Unforgettable Evening 2014

2014
  • Alzheimer’s LA’s work with the State Dept of Aging to bring the evidence-based The Savvy Caregiver program and its Spanish-language Cuidando con Respeto to ethnically diverse families receives the Rosalynn Carter Leadership in Caregiving Award from the Rosalynn Carter Caregiving Institute
  • The 2nd Annual An Unforgettable Evening with Darlene Love raises $500,000
2014
cartoon person holding sign that reads Caregiver Tip Sheets

2015
  • Memories in the Making is available in all Alzheimer’s LA offices
  • Alzheimer’s LA develops low literacy education materials and program including caregiver tip sheets focused on challenging care situations and the IDEA! Behavior Management Strategy
2015
Alzheimer's Los Angeles logo - heart insignia plus type

2016 – part one
  • On January 7th, the organization disaffiliates from national Alzheimer’s Association. 100% of all funds raised stay local
  • Alzheimer’s LA receives the Rosalinde Gilbert Caregiving Legacy Award from the Family Caregiver Alliance for its impact on public policy efforts to improve care for people who are dually eligible for Medicare and MediCal through the Dementia Cal MediConnect Program
  • Alzheimer’s LA holds the 4thEarly Memory Loss Forum
  • The 4th annual An Unforgettable Evening featuring Herb Albert and Lani Hall raises $550,000
2016 - part one
Susan Carr holds her Caring Heart Award 2016

Susan Carr holds her Caring Heart Award at Visionary Women’s Luncheon 2016

2016 – part two
  • Alzheimer’s LA hosts the first Visionary Women’s Luncheon on October 6thand raises $113,000
  • Alzheimer’s LA attends the Us Against Alzheimer’s Summit in Washington, DC and joins Leaders Engaged in Alzheimer’s Disease (LEAD), an advocacy coalition in Washington, DC
  • The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issues an Informational Bulletin on Dementia at the urging of and based on policy work done by Alzheimer’s LA
2016 - part two
Lost Memories telenovela poster

2017 – part one
  • The 5th Annual An Unforgettable Evening featuring Broadway Legend Jennifer Holliday raises $635,000
  • In partnership with BrightFocus Foundation, Alzheimer’s LA provides first research grant for $100,000 to two local researchers
  • Through a grant from the Rupe Foundation, Alzheimer’s LA develops and produces a telenovela, “Lost Memories,” in both English and Spanish, a four-part series detailing one family’s struggle to fight the stigma of Alzheimer’s
  • 5th Annual Memories in the Making Art Exhibit is held at Bergamot Station with over 200 people in attendance and a performance by LA Opera
  • The Los Angeles Aging Advocacy Coalition awards its 2017 Champion Award to Debra Cherry for advocating on behalf of seniors and their caregivers
2017 - part one
Sergio Ochoa on stage performing his monologue El Cuidador

Sergio Ochoa on stage performing his monologue El Cuidador

2017 – part two
  • Dr. Debra Cherry is elected to the NAPA Advisory Council, providing advice on Alzheimer’s and other dementias research, care, and services to federal agencies
  • Alzheimer’s LA sponsors the monologue, El Cuidador, a moving tribute from Sergio Ochoa, Jr. to his actress mother Leonorilda Ochoa, held at El Camino College
  • Alzheimer’s LA’s programs and efforts receive visibility in several national publications in the aging world, including Generations, and through several webinars that reached over 1,100 participants
  • 2nd Annual Visionary Women’s Luncheon raises $157,000
2017 - part two
Debra Cherry speaking at podium - SCAN award ceremony 2018

Debra Cherry at the SCAN awards ceremony

2018 – part one
  • The SCAN Foundation selects the Dementia Cal MediConnect program for its 2018 Innovations in Healthcare Award
  • Bring Our Loved Ones Home taskforce is created; launches Project Lifesaver –a radio frequency bracelet that can be used to find individuals who have wandered
  • Alzheimer’s LA hosts the Statewide California Dementia Healthcare Summit assembled to stimulate improvements in dementia care and attended by over 170 healthcare champions
  • Alzheimer’s LA leads a coalition of aging organizations opposed to legislation that would add barriers to the provision of mental health services for older adults
  • The 5th annual Memories in the Making Exhibition & Auction is held with over 200 guests and 16 artists in attendance
2018 - part one
men playing percussion instruments

The band playing at Caregiver Wellness Day

2018 – part two
  • The 12th annual East LA Caregiver Wellness Day is held at the Alhambra Campus of the Keck School of Medicine with over 100 caregivers in attendance
  • Caregiver Wellness Day is held in the San Fernando Valley with 75 caregivers in attendance and hundreds more stopping by the resource fair vendor booths
  • Alzheimer’s LA public policy staff lead efforts that save state mental health funding for services that benefit people with dementia
  • In Fiscal Year 2018, AlzDirect Connect generates 720 referrals, an increase of 25% from the previous year
  • The 3rd Annual Visionary Women’s Award Luncheon raises $176,000
2018 - part two
Nani from LA Opera singing at Memories in the Making Exhibition 2019

Nani from LA Opera singing at Memories in the Making Exhibition 2019

2019 – part one
  • The annual An Unforgettable Evening with Leslie Odom Jr raises more than $720,000
  • 6th annual Memories in the Making Art Exhibit is held at Bergamot Station with 40 pieces on auction, an LA Opera performance, and over 130 guests
  • 13th annual East LA Caregiver Wellness Day with 182 family caregivers (20% increase over prior year)
  • San Fernando Valley Caregiver Wellness Day with 90 caregivers plus several hundred additional connections through the senior health fair held simultaneously
  • AlzLA launches a train-the-trainer program for Health Talent 2, an agency that employs more than 1,500 low-income family caregivers, for people who are enrolled in AltaMed’s PACE Program
2019 - part one
Ed Chau speaking at podium

Alzheimer’s LA’s CEO & President Heather Cooper Ortner(left) with Assemblymember Ed Chau at press conference celebrating the passing of AB 453

2019 – part two
  • Alzheimer’s LA sponsored bill, AB 453 (Chau), is signed into law by Gov. Newsom, requiring all EMTs have dementia training on how to effectively interact with people with the disease and their caregivers
  • Alzheimer’s LA is awarded the Grantmakers in Aging award for our diversity programs and in recognition of Faces of Caregiving, a Japanese American video program
  • CEO Heather Cooper Ortner appears with advocate Tara Hicks on Olympic & Bundy ─a FOX11 podcast with anchor Christine Devine
  • Bill Plaschke, preeminent sportswriter for the LA Times, writes an article about our basebALZgroup that appears in the Sunday edition garnering widespread attention for the program and Alzheimer’s LAy
2019 - part two

40 Reasons to Support Alzheimer’s Los Angeles

Throughout our 40th Anniversary year of 2021, we featured 40 people who have made an impact on or benefited from our programs and services.

Click on photo to view caption:

Cinthie
Monica
Jackie
Linda
Susan
Donna
Amy
Representative Maxine Waters
Soo
Alice
Randi
Jim and Ana
Laura T.
Toba and Earl Greinetz
Winston: Advocate, Board Member & Support Group Member After Pansy’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis 11 years ago, our journey started and still continues by attending various support groups. Along the way, we were given the opportunity to advocate for the cause in Sacramento & Washington DC as we spoke to legislators about Alzheimer’s funding. We are also members of the board as a liaison for patients and caregivers. We give back by sharing our story and supporting others affected by Alzheimer’s. AlzLA has been a godsend as we navigate our daily lives with this disease. The support provided by AlzLA during our journey has given us hope! The organization makes the disease manageable and reduces my stress level tremendously.
June: Collaborator and Facilitator I have referred a number of people facing dementias in their families and have seen the distinctive and wonderfully powerful, effective services the Alzheimer’s LA team provides. In addition, AlzLA is very responsive – responds immediately to referrals and works with a very comprehensive understanding of the full array of needs of the people they serve. If you know someone facing these kinds of conditions, refer them immediately. It is crucial to have a place to talk issues through with knowledgeable and very supportive people – pretty hard to find anywhere else. Those I have referred are so grateful for the connection and the knowledge and support they have received.
Sherri: Helpline and (pre-COVID) Front Desk Volunteer About 10 years ago, before My husband, who had Alzheimer’s, and I moved from Pennsylvania to Los Angeles, I called the Helpline to find a support group in West LA. I was sent a packet of useful information including a list of support groups. I joined the Westwood group, stayed in it until my husband's death, and remain in regular touch with some former members. After my husband died, I decided my acquired knowledge and experience should be put to some use, so I contacted AlzLA. As a volunteer, I've witnessed the valuable work and much-needed services the organization provides, so I plan to continue to help out as long as I can. AlzLA continuously makes a concerted effort to reach out to diverse clients and to plan new services as it identifies a need.
Alayna : Support Group Facilitator The education, resources and services I received from Alzheimer's Los Angeles (ALZLA) were invaluable when God took my family on our caregiving journey for a person with dementia. As a support group facilitator I continue to support ALZLA. I pray that they will remain as a presence in the community so many families will be able to benefit from their services for decades to come.
Terry Terriquez: ADCRC Coordinator, Supporter, Past Caregiver I support Alzheimer’s Los Angeles because they provided me with information and guidance when my father was first diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease at an early age and I had no idea what Alzheimer’s disease was. Eight years later I was hired as the ADCRC Coordinator at Human Services Association (HSA), which was part of the El Portal project. Today, I am ecstatic to share that years later, Alzheimer’s LA and Human Services Association continue to collaborate together in order to provide clients and their caregivers with the necessary services and support they need and I am a part of that collaboration. It is reassuring to know that, as a caregiver, you are not alone. Together, Alzheimer’s LA and HSA provide clients and caregivers a myriad of resources to assist in the navigation of this disease.
L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn smiling and hugging caregiver. "I want LA County to be a dependable resource for families impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and that is why I worked so hard to create L.A. Found, the system of trackable bracelets that can help locate someone with Alzheimer’s if they go missing. Alzheimer’s Los Angeles has been an incredible partner in this effort. Together we have been able to reach families across Los Angeles who are caring for loved ones with dementia at their homes and get them the information they need to keep their family member safe." Learn more about how L.A. Found can give your family peace of mind at LAFound.LACounty.gov.
Kirk: Board Member, Advocate, Donor, walk4ALZ Team Captain Alzheimer’s Los Angeles provides remarkable resources for caregivers of people experiencing dementia. They were an invaluable resource to me when I was caring for my wife – pointing me to programs and resources that were a big help. Alzheimer’s LA is devoted to helping people in our area thrive even in the face of debilitating life changes.
Megan: Healthcare System Partner Alzheimer’s Los Angeles provides Molina Healthcare of California’s Case Management team with great tools, trainings, and recommendations to use when supporting our members and their caregivers. They have been an excellent resource in providing tips on how Molina can identify members who may need additional assistance. I wish everyone knew about all the wonderful support and information that Alzheimer’s LA provides.
Yasuko: Retired Social Worker, Community Partner for Little Tokyo Service Center, Former Board Member “In order to bring culturally sensitive and/or linguistically appropriate services to underserved populations, in particular Asian & Pacific Islander communities, Alzheimer’s Los Angeles and Little Tokyo Service Center have partnered together on many occasions. Given the increasing needs among families and caregivers of people affected by Alzheimer’s/dementia, Alzheimer’s Los Angeles, by providing compassionate support and advocating for quality care and a cure, serves a critical role.”
Sheila Callaghan & Carol Stasio: Person living with the disease & Care Partner, Active members of Memory Club & Grad Club, Donors, Development Volunteers “Memory Club & Grad Club have greatly supported us: in our relationship, emotionally, and in our acceptance of our situation. We appreciate Alzheimer’s LA’s outreach to folks with a diagnosis and their care partners. Alzheimer’s LA is a “lifeline” that impacts the lives of those with a diagnosis and their care partner, in a positive, healthy, and practical way. It helps families navigate what can be an overwhelming situation, with the help of a caring and knowledgeable staff.”
Nandani Sinha: Volunteer, Music to Remember & Memory morning singer/facilitator, Facing Alzheimer’s Together Campaign Participant, Donor “I support Alzheimer’s Los Angeles because of the incredible supportive work they do for those suffering from Alzheimer’s, their families, and caregivers. My father passed several years ago from Alzheimer’s, in a different state, that did not have this avenue of support. What a difference it would have made for my family if we had this organization available to us with all the programs and support groups. I am proud to be affiliated with Alzheimer’s LA. The entire organization is made up of people who are hands-on involved and passionate about Alzheimer’s care and support. This is a community I am so proud to be a part of.”
Freddi Segal-Gidan: Long-time collaborator USC-Rancho CADC and USC ADRC, Former Board member, Medical Scientific Advisory Council member, and Public Policy committee member “Alzheimer’s LA has been a key resource of support and education for patients who I see and care for and their families, care partners, and caregivers. Alzheimer’s LS is the only organization focused on Alzheimer’s and related dementias that is locally based and focused on meeting the needs of the diverse communities in the greater LA area. It is vital that patients, families, care partners, and those who work with them have a local organization that can raise funds that remain in the community to meet the needs of people in this area Alzheimer’s LA is indispensable and vital. They bring together the community of individuals and organizations in the greater LA area working in dementia care – health care professionals and other professionals, academics, patients, family members, and businesses – with a single purpose and voice to provide education, support, and improve the lives of those affected by and touched by Alzheimer’s and other dementias.”
Martha Diaz: Caregiver, walk4ALZ Team Captain, Visionary Women’s Caring Hearts Award Recipient "My mother, who once had a mind as sharp as a tack, was starting to experience gradual symptoms of Alzheimer's. What started out as a gradual cognitive impairment for my mother, turned into the inability to feed and bathe herself. Alzheimer’s Los Angeles provided me with a wealth of information and made me feel like I was no longer alone in this journey. I'm now in a much better place and hope that others going through the same thing know there is help out there as long as they seek it out. Alzheimer’s Los Angeles has supported me, so I give back by participating in walk4ALZ with my team, Team Heart. Education is key and yes, some days will be harder than others, but we are all in this together. Don't allow this disease to take another victim, take care of yourself and know that Alzheimer’s Los Angeles is waiting to help you."
Debra Cherry
Janet
Judy
Alzheimer's Los Angeles 40-years!