Alzheimer's Disease Research Fund

Since 1985, the California Department of Health Services Alzheimer's Disease Program has awarded over $15 million to scientists engaged in the study of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders.  This research, which has encompassed the areas of basic science, diagnosis, treatment, epidemiology, behavioral management, and caregiving, has been supported by both the State General Fund and by the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Research Fund.

The Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Research Fund was created in 1987 through legislation which authorized a tax check-off option permitting Californians to make contributions to the fund through their State Income Tax Return.  In accordance with the enabling legislation, the Secretary of the Health and Human Services Agency (then the Health and Welfare Agency) gave the responsibility of administering the fund to the California Department of Health Services.  Since 1988, when funds were first collected, contributions from taxpayers for Alzheimer's disease related research have totaled over $7.5 million. Voluntary contributions in any amount can be made to this fund on Line 51 of the State Income Tax Return form.

The 112 research projects which have been funded since the inception of the Alzheimer’s Disease Program have contributed significantly to our understanding of the disease and the impact of the disease on patients and their caregivers.

California public or private nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply for funding.  Applicants must be California-based and all relevant project activities must take place in California.  To be placed on the mailing list to receive the next Request for
Applications (RFA) anticipated to be released in August, 2006, with funded projects beginning in July, 2007, please contact the Alzheimer's Disease Program office.