Mission

To unite with Alaskans affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders to ensure quality of life until a cure is found.

History

Two sisters, Rebecca Clement and Beverly Tallman, were caring for their mother with dementia, and upon realizing that little information and few services were available for individuals in similar circumstances, they began a grassroots outreach effort to find others who needed support. Becky and Beverly placed classified ads in papers throughout Alaska asking those in the same situation to contact them. They also both happened to be married to bush pilots so they flew to communities throughout the state spreading the word in person. By 1982 Becky and Beverly formed the first Caregiver Support Group.

In 1984 the group incorporated under the name “Alzheimer’s Disease Family Support Group”. From its inception, the organization served the entire state. The founders traveled throughout Alaska providing education and support to individuals and families. It was in this year that the organization also received its first grant from the State of Alaska, the ADRD Education and Outreach Grant for $28,000. With this money the organization was able to provide information, referrals, education, consultations, trainings, support groups and other resources.

Over the years the organization has grown to have offices in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau and Palmer. Its name has changed but the mission has remained the same. Currently Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska provides education, in-home services and care coordination to Alaska’s elders. We employ workers in cities and villages throughout the state from Akiachak to Unalakleet.