In the midst of this holiday season and the end of the year in sight, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of you – our supporters, volunteers, researchers and partners. The year has brought even more hope and progress in the fight to end Alzheimer’s and other dementia and we owe that to your support!
Together, we are accelerating global research, promoting risk reduction and early detection, and enhancing quality care and support for families across our state.
Here are just a few highlights from 2025 that show the power of our collective impact:
- Research: The Alzheimer’s Association now funds more than $450 million in over 1,200 active research projects across 56 countries, including 33 active projects happening in North Carolina. Important highlights from this year include:
- Blood tests & biomarkers: The Alzheimer’s Association is setting global standards and accelerating adoption of blood-based biomarkers, ensuring the new tools offer guidance for earlier, more accurate detection.
- Treatment impact growth: By funding pivotal studies and disseminating this year’s Facts and Figures Special Report, the Association is shaping clinical practice and public awareness, reinforcing the value of early detection in maximizing treatment benefits.
- Brain health: We are at a turning point in what we know about brain health. The results from the Alzheimer’s Association U.S. POINTER – a two-year, randomized controlled clinical trial – provides the rigorous data needed to say with confidence that engaging in a structured lifestyle program targeting multiple risk factors protects brain health across diverse populations at risk for dementia in the U.S. One of the first clinical trial sites for this study was right here in North Carolina!
- Blood tests & biomarkers: The Alzheimer’s Association is setting global standards and accelerating adoption of blood-based biomarkers, ensuring the new tools offer guidance for earlier, more accurate detection.
- Care and Support: More than 1,700 North Carolinians turned to our 24/7 Helpline for guidance, referrals, and care consultations. And over 20,000 individuals participated in education programs and support groups — both in-person and virtual — ensuring families never face this journey alone.
- We also launched a new free app called My ALZ Journey for people newly diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or other dementias – and their care partners – to access tailored information and local support. To date, the app has more than 13,000 downloads and is nominated for two Anthem Awards, a recognition that honors the purpose and mission driven work of people, companies and organizations worldwide.
- With the knowledge that a healthy lifestyle can improve brain health, we launched the Brain Health Habit Builder, a free web-based tool designed to empower individuals to assess their current habits and take proactive steps to improve their brain health.
- We also launched a new free app called My ALZ Journey for people newly diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or other dementias – and their care partners – to access tailored information and local support. To date, the app has more than 13,000 downloads and is nominated for two Anthem Awards, a recognition that honors the purpose and mission driven work of people, companies and organizations worldwide.
- Advocacy wins: We led the charge on House Bill 567, which would ensure access to biomarker testing in North Carolina, which passed through the NC House. Our advocacy efforts engaged volunteers from the mountains to the coast with over 80 advocates joining our 2025 Alzheimer’s Advocacy Day in Raleigh and more than 100 advocates participating in our Cards for Congress advocacy series.
- Volunteer power: More than 1,100 volunteers spent time serving on event planning committees, and volunteering as educators, advocates, event-day and office support. These volunteers brought energy and compassion to our mission.
- Record-breaking fundraising: Over 12,000 participants joined Walk to End Alzheimer’s, Do What You Love to End ALZ (formerly The Longest Day), and our Charlotte Memory Gala, raising an incredible $4.5 million — a new record for North Carolina!
These achievements are possible because of YOU. Your generosity, advocacy, and dedication bring hope to families and accelerate the path toward a world without Alzheimer’s. As we look ahead to 2026, we invite you to continue this journey with us through volunteering, advocacy, year-end giving, or any of the other ways to get involved. Every action brings us closer to the day when Alzheimer’s is no longer a threat to us or our loved ones.
From all of us at the Alzheimer’s Association North Carolina Chapters, we wish you peace, joy, and cherished moments this holiday season.
With gratitude,
Katherine Lambert
CEO, Western Carolina Chapter
Christine John-Fuller
Executive Director, Eastern North Carolina Chapter
Need holiday tips for families living with dementia? Visit alz.org/holidays for resources to help you navigate the season. Our dementia care experts are available 24/7 at 800.272.3900.
Happy holidays from all our Eastern North Carolina & Western Carolina Chapter Staff
Alzheimer's Association North Carolina Blog 