About Us
A Movement That Matters
Dementia is Personal to Our Founder & Millions of Families
Shifting From Crisis To Comfort
Lori La Bey launched Alzheimer’s Speaks in 2009, due to her frustration caring for her mother who lived with dementia for 30 years. La Bey found she wasn't willing to accept the lack of efforts to develop and disseminate deeply needed resources and support. Lori also saw many professionals lacking a true understanding of the effect of dementia on the person diagnosed, as well as their family and friends.
Stepping Up To Make A Difference
La Bey decided to step up and do something to change dementia care, but not alone. Alzheimer's Speaks believes we can’t make sustainable change unless we hear from all people at all levels and integrate them into the solution-making process.
Lori felt it was critical to include the true experts: those diagnosed, their families, and friends who support them. They are the ones in the trenches living with the disease. They are the ones adapting to new norms trying to figure out how to maintain their relationships and live graciously alongside those they love diagnosed with a form of dementia. They are the ones trying to ensure the quality of life for all is not pushed aside.
Honoring A Family Journey
As the founder, La Bey was driven to create a company to honor her family’s journey and the millions of people affected by dementia worldwide.
Alzheimer's Speaks is a Minnesota-based advocacy group and media outlet making an international impact by providing education and support for those dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
Understanding Dementia To The Core
Foundational Concepts of Alzheimer’s Speaks
- Shift dementia care from crisis to comfort around the world
- Accept and embrace the concept there is always more to learn, and a better way to do everything
- See a need and improve it!
- Improve how dementia resources are disseminated
- Be inclusive and collaborative supporting those diagnosed, families, and professionals
- Look and listen deeply to others
- Listen to my intuition and believe in my ideas; push forward, make plans, and implement change
- Always believe in my own power of one, and that of others
- Kick the word “failure” to the curb and replace it with the word "opportunity"
- Remove the word “perfect” and replace it with “PROGRESS!”
- Remember no matter what happens, life is filled with goodness; so, look for it and be guided by it
Wonderful Resources!
Recognitions and Awards
Lori La Bey is a change agent shifting dementia care around the world. Just ask Oprah, Maria Shriver, AARP MN, or The National Institute for Dementia Education who have all recognized Lori for her cutting-edge approach to shifting global dementia care. Lori's mother lived with dementia for thirty years, so you can be comforted knowing she truly understands the needs of those diagnosed, their families, and the professionals who care for them.
Oprah Winfrey
Lori La Bey was named "Health Hero & Alzheimer's Empath" by O Magzine.
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Maria Shriver
Lori La Bey was named "Architect of Change for Humanity" by Maria Shriver.
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