Alzheimer Society of Durham Region is a non-profit, charitable organization that was initially founded in 1979 by a group of family caregivers under the direction of Joy Mack. In 1986, it was incorporated and received charitable status. At that time funding for family support and educational programming was received from the Ministry of Health. That funding continues to be a source of revenue for the Society and is augmented with other Ministry funding, grants, fundraising activities and donations.

Alzheimer Society of Durham Region is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors of community professionals and caregivers. The Society is part of a network of 39 Alzheimer Society chapters that are members of the provincial Alzheimer Society of Ontario, which in turn is a member of Alzheimer Society of Canada. Each Alzheimer Society chapter gears its programming and services to the needs of its community.

Alzheimer Society of Durham Region provides help for today by working with local agencies to meet the needs of people with dementia. We also provide support and education programs for people with Alzheimer Disease and related dementia and their family and professional caregivers.

To be a leader in the Alzheimer movement and recognized by our community as an essential provider of dementia-related services and supports

To improve the quality of life of people with Alzheimer Disease or related dementia and their care partners.

The Society is guided and commited to these values:

Client-centred
Service focuses on the needs of people we serve in the least intrusive manner.

Self-Determined
The people we serve have the right to make their own decisions.

Partnerships
Partnerships with people with Alzheimer Disease or related dementia, their families and other caregivers, volunteers, community and government agencies, organizations, businesses and professionals are essential to ensure a comprehensive and coordinated range of services to meet the needs of the people we serve.

Caregiving
People we serve will be treated with dignity, empathy, compassion and respect.

Excellence
Providing confidential, professional, knowledgeable, accessible and quality services, which are sensitive to ethnicity and culture, gender, age, abilities, religion and other beliefs.

Welcoming and Supportive Environment
An environment in which individuals feel welcomed and where the commitment and contributions of staff, clients, volunteers and Board members are valued and respected.

Best Practices
Programs and services will be designed based on the needs of people we serve and delivered in the most effective, efficient and innovative ways.

Accountability
The Society will be accountable to our clients, members, funding organizations and donors.

Research
Through research, advances will be made into the cause, treatment and cure of Alzheimer Disease and related dementia.

Advocacy
Advocacy will help ensure that the appropriate support and resources are made available for those impacted by Alzheimer Disease and related dementia.