Volunteer activities, such as supporting educational, religious, health-related or other charitable organizations, can help older adults be more physically active, social and provide stimulation that may protect the brain. Volunteering contains elements of activity, altruism, socialization and overall positivity about personal contributions that could lead to better overall health and mental health. Find something you like to do, and will continue to do on a regular and ongoing basis. The Alzheimer’s Association has a wide variety of volunteer opportunities. One option is volunteering to participate in Alzheimer’s research. Individuals with dementia and those who are at risk, caregivers and healthy volunteers with no cognitive issues are all needed today to help advance Alzheimer's research. To address the growing need for clinical trial participants, the Alzheimer’s Association launched Alzheimer’s Association TrialMatch® – a clinical studies matching service. For people with Alzheimer’s and caregivers, participating in research enables them to: • Play a more active role in their treatment. • Gain access to potential treatments before they are widely available. • Receive expert medical care at leading health care facilities, often free of cost. • Contribute to changing the course of the disease, and benefitting future generations OTHER LOCAL VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES INCLUDE: Walk to End Alzheimer’s Committee Member: Join your local volunteer committee to help reach the annual fundraising goal, plan the day of the Walk, recruit new Walk teams and spread awareness. The Longest Day Committee Member: Join this volunteer committee to help recruit new participants and local businesses, spread awareness and plan the kick-off and celebration parties. Gala Committee Member: Join one of the Iowa Chapter gala committees to help plan the event, secure sponsors and spread awareness. The Wine & Chocolate Festival is held in the Siouxland area, Memories in the Making is in the Quad Cities, and the Purple Soirée is in Des Moines. Community Educator: Deliver Alzheimer’s Association education programs on care and support topics, recruit new community partners and schedule presentations. Support Group Facilitators: Lead a monthly caregiver support group and spread awareness to reach new caregivers. Alzheimer’s Impact Movement (AIM) Advocate: Help pass state and federal legislative priorities to overcome Alzheimer's disease through increased investment in research, enhanced care and improved support. Outreach Volunteer: Help reach and spread awareness in underrepresented and high risk populations and assist with health equity work. The Alzheimer’s Association Iowa Chapter has local care and support resources to help Iowa families facing the disease. Find education programs, support groups, events and volunteer opportunities at alz.org/Iowa or call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900. 29
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