Alzheimer
Society Milestones
1977:
The Alzheimer Society is established when researchers at
the University of Toronto and Surrey Place Centre who
are investigating Alzheimer's disease become deeply concerned
about the lack of support available to families affected
by the disease. A Steering Group, composed of researchers,
family members, professional staff and a resource person,
is formed.
1978:
It becomes clear to the Steering Group that some form of
an organization is needed and it identifies three major
goals: family support, education and research. The
Steering Group expands and becomes an Interim Board
of Directors. The organization is incorporated federally
under the name Société Alzheimer Society, the
first organization of its kind in the world. Forty-five
people attend the founding meeting of the Alzheimer
Society. A bank account for the Alzheimer Society is
opened with an initial deposit of $100.
1979:
The Society receives charitable status as a non-profit
organization. Working committees are established in
each of the three identified areas of focus. Local
chapters are formed in Toronto, Hamilton, London and
Guelph, Ontario and regional representatives are identified
in every province.
1980:
In addition to three standing committees (Education, Research
and Family Support), the Board activates a Finance/Fundraising
Committee to generate funds for Society programs.
In
these early years, the Alzheimer Society (known to many
as the Alzheimer Movement) works:
- to
provide support to people with Alzheimer's disease and
related conditions, their relatives and/or care providers
- to
represent people with Alzheimer's disease and
other concerned individuals and groups before all levels
of government
- to
promote public and professional awareness of the disease
and the fact that help is available
- to
support and encourage research into Alzheimer's disease
and related conditions
1984:
The Alzheimer Society of Canada joins the Alzheimer's Disease
and Related Disorders Association in the U.S. (known
now as the Alzheimer's Association) and representatives
from seven other countries to form Alzheimer's Disease
International.
1985:
The Society creates a Research Policy Committee to advise
the Board and give policy direction in research and
a Research Review Panel of academic researchers to
review submissions for research grants.
1986:
The Society's Executive Director, Vince Gillis, begins
a two-year term as Acting Secretary-General of Alzheimer's
Disease International.
The
general membership approves the establishment of a three-tier
system with:
- a national
office (known as the Alzheimer Society of Canada)
to co-ordinate Canadian and international activities
- provincial
organizations to liaise with local chapters and
support groups
- chapters
and support groups to offer direct services to
people with Alzheimer's disease and their families
1987:
The Society enters into an affiliation agreement with the
Nova Scotia provincial association.
The
Society adopts a new Mission Statement:
"To
alleviate the personal and social consequences of Alzheimer's disease and to promote the search for a cause and cure."
1988:
The Board ratifies affiliation agreements with the British
Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Alberta provincial
associations.
1990:
The Alzheimer Society convenes a strategic planning session
to develop Vision Statements for the future, identify
priorities for action and build a framework to allocate
resources of the national Society. The Society enters
into affiliation agreements with the New Brunswick
and Prince Edward Island provincial associations.
1991:
The Society enters into an affiliation agreement with the
Newfoundland provincial association.
1993:
The Alzheimer Society goes nationwide, with the signing
of formal affiliation agreements with the Quebec and
Ontario provincial associations.
1994:
The Society develops a Unified Research Program to fund
Alzheimer research across the country. The Board expands
and approves vision statements for the future direction
of the Society.
1998:
All provincial Alzheimer organizations now begin using
the name Alzheimer Society and all accept a
set of society-wide graphics standards to create "one
look" for the organization nationwide. A Unity
Task Force is struck to address issues of roles and
responsibilities at the various levels of the organization
and to develop a sound financial framework for raising
and distributing revenues.
2001:
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), developed over the
previous three years, is signed by the Alzheimer Society
of Canada and its partner members (provincial Alzheimer
Societies). The MOU establishes a common understanding
and direction for future activities of the Society.
This document marks an important milestone in the growth
of the organization. A Planning Assembly builds on
the momentum of the signing of the MOU to agree on
strategic priorities and launch the Society's Strategic
Planning Process.
2003:
A person with dementia joins the Alzheimer Society's national Board of Directors
to provide a key perspective and help direct the Society's work.
2004:
The Alzheimer Society of Canada and the National Advisory Council on Aging join forces in calling for a National Strategy on Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias. While provincial Alzheimer strategies currently exist, a co-ordinated and comprehensive approach is required at the national level involving government, agencies and people affected by Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia. The two organizations continue to work towards making the National Strategy a reality.
2004-2005:
People with early stage Alzheimer's disease and dementia are contributing on
Provincial and Chapter boards and in other volunteer capacities across
the country.
2006:
The Alzheimer Society recognizes the 100th anniversary of the identification of Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Alois Alzheimer identified the disease in 1906.
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