Who Are We?
EMDA - the Alzheimer's Association of Israel - is a non-profit organization founded in 1988 by family members of people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
In Israel, the number of people suffering from dementia is estimated at 100,000.
Most of the people with dementia are cared for by their families within the community. The unique nature of the disease puts a physical, mental, and financial burden on the whole family. EMDA was founded to bring together families of people with dementia and to support their needs. The association is a member of ADI (Alzheimer Disease International), and maintains close contact with it.
About EMDA
With the increase in life expectancy and the aging of the population, dementia has become a modern-age epidemic. Dementia is characterized by a decline in intellectual functioning and memory abilities, changes in behavior, and difficulty in performing daily activities.
Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia. It is incurable and terminal.
The number of people suffering from Alzheimer's and similar diseases in Israel (together referred to as dementia) is currently estimated at 100,000, and is expected to reach 120,000 by 2020, afflicting men and women alike. The burden upon the families caring for people with dementia is heavy, and has physical, financial, and emotional aspects. The whole family network can be part of the support system, and even so, coping with the disease is extremely difficult, often leading to a feeling of hopelessness and helplessness.
EMDA was founded with patients and families in mind. The association supports families and helps them through this stressful time.
The association was founded in 1988 by relatives of people with dementia, and was legally registered in 1990 (registration number 58-013-071-4).
EMDA is run on a voluntary basis and has 38 branches nationwide. Funding is from annual membership fees, donations from friends and supporters, trusts and local authorities. EMDA is managed by a Board of Directors elected by the General Assembly. Alongside the Board is the Scientific Committee whose members are leading medical, legal, and nursing professionals in Israel.
The Association is a member of ADI – Alzheimer's Disease International, and maintains close contact with it and other similar organizations worldwide.
EMDA Aims:
¨ Creating a network offering information and emotional support for families of people with dementia
¨ Developing a system of support services for people with dementia and their families
¨ Raising public awareness and public knowledge about the illness and its problems, and the rights of the person with dementia and his or her family
¨ Influencing decision makers to develop a wider range of services and promote the rights of people with dementia and their families
¨ Promoting research about the illness
EMDA activities:
¨ Self-help and support groups nationwide
¨ Support groups for people in the early stages of dementia and their families
¨ Hotline service – advice and guidance *8999 (in Israel)
¨ Information centre
¨ Publication of written information for the general public, and for members and professionals
¨ Journal – EMDA publishes a quarterly journal, in Hebrew and in English, which is sent to members. The journal contains articles and reports as well as responses from professionals and family members in Israel and around the world.
¨ Conferences and study days for supportive therapeutic guidance and increasing awareness of the disease
¨ "Activities for Health" - a unique project for therapeutic support at home for patients and their families
Expansion of existing EMDA programs:
¨ Setting up additional support groups and self-help groups in new locations nationwide
¨ Expansion of "Activities for Health," a program for improving the quality of life of patients and their families at home
¨ Formation of additional support groups for people in early stages of the disease, in cooperation with their families
¨ Promoting a public campaign concerning medications and the rights of people with Alzheimer and their families
¨ Developing groups for people with dementia combining art and cultural activities
Work in progress:
¨ Developing activities in the Arab sector and for new immigrant populations
¨ Working with people with dementia through art and cultural activities
¨ Developing a treatment center for individual care of people with dementia and their families
As part of our activities, EMDA also produces and distributes material and information on Alzheimer and similar diseases. Topics include an explanation of the disease and care of people with dementia. To purchase, please contact EMDA.