Edward Jones commits $4.7 million to support mission of Alzheimer's Association

The Alzheimer's Association today announced an historic partnership with St. Louis-based financial services firm Edward Jones. Edward Jones has committed $4.7 million over two years to support the mission of the Alzheimer's Association. Funding through the partnership will enhance the Association's care and support programs, including the 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900) and provide educational materials on brain health as well as funds for critical Alzheimer's disease research and grassroots awareness activities. In addition, the Alzheimer's Association will provide services, support and education on brain health and Alzheimer's disease to Edward Jones' associates and clients.

"With more than 12,000 branch office locations in the United States, this commitment from Edward Jones will move the Alzheimer' s cause forward, said Donna McCullough, chief development officer, Alzheimer's Association. "Together we will reach more families who need information, resources and guidance as they face an Alzheimer's diagnosis and caregiving challenges. In addition, funding will support critical research exploring the causes of, and treatments for Alzheimer's disease."

The partnership has several facets. The Alzheimer's Association will work with Edward Jones to create the Edward Jones Alzheimer's Research Fund, a targeted effort to advance research toward methods of treatment, prevention and, ultimately, a cure at a quicker pace. Edward Jones will also serve as the nationwide presenting sponsor of the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's, an event that raised more than $77 million in 2015 to support Alzheimer's Association care and education programs, fuel research and advance public policy. The Alzheimer's Association will provide education programs to associates at Edward Jones, and will work to ensure their associates are equipped to share the resources of the Alzheimer's Association with their clients.

"We're thrilled to be teaming up with the Alzheimer's Association to help find a cure for one of the greatest threats to the health and wealth of families, including the millions of families that we serve in North America," said John Beuerlein, Edward Jones general partner with responsibility for the firm's newly-created Senior Investor Council. "We are proud to make this commitment to the mission of the Alzheimer's Association and its critical fight to end Alzheimer's disease."

The Edward Jones Alzheimer's Research Fund will make grants to research projects chosen by the Edward Jones Senior Investor Council from peer reviewed and best-in-class research projects presented by the Association. The Senior Investor Council will be looking to fund the most impactful research possible to move the cause forward.