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BrightFocus Foundation Joins Montgomery County MD on Alzheimer’s Campaign

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National Initiative to Strengthen Community Support

Clarksburg MD - BrightFocus Foundation today joined with Montgomery County, MD Executive Isiah Leggett to announce the County’s commitment to Dementia Friendly America, a rapidly growing, national initiative to create communities that better recognize and help those affected with dementia, their families and care partners. 

“This is a big step forward for how America addresses brain health,” said Stacy Pagos Haller, BrightFocus president and CEO.  “I salute Montgomery County for their leadership in this groundbreaking effort to leverage resources from government, non-profits, and the business community to help families impacted by these diseases.” 

Dementia Friendly America builds on a successful Minnesota model where 36 communities in the state have brought local public and private sectors together to create positive ways to help people affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias.  Brain health has become an urgent national priority with more than five million Americans now living with Alzheimer's, the most common form of dementia.  By 2050, that number may grow to nearly 14 million.

Montgomery County joins seven other communities across the nation in this movement, including Boston, Denver and Prince George’s County, MD.  With dozens of states and communities beginning to explore the campaign, in 2016 Montgomery County will be at the forefront of a growing national effort.

BrightFocus, headquartered in Montgomery County, is a Dementia Friendly America (www.dfamerica.org) initiator organization along with other national leaders including AARP, National Alliance of Area Agencies on Aging, Bank of America and the National Caregiver Alliance.

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BrightFocus Foundation drives innovative research worldwide and promotes public awareness to end Alzheimer’s disease, macular degeneration, and glaucoma.  BrightFocus, which earlier this year announced a record $11 million in new research grants, is currently managing a global portfolio of over 150 research projects.  For more information, see www.brightfocus.org.