#USA #Chicago #Alzheimer's #Dementia Care #Joint Accreditation

Alzheimer's Association Achieves Joint Accreditation for Health Care Training

On January 6, 2026, the Alzheimer's Association announced a remarkable milestone in its mission to enhance dementia care. The organization has been awarded Joint Accreditation status from Joint Accreditation for Interprofessional Continuing Education™, allowing it to train entire healthcare teams—physicians, nurses, social workers, and pharmacists—through a well-integrated accreditation process.

This new designation significantly boosts the Association's capacity to deliver top-notch education focused on brain health, early illness detection, and dementia care. It stands as a beacon for preparing healthcare professionals for emerging treatment options and practices in dementia care. Katie Evans, Chief Programs and Mission Engagement Officer at the Alzheimer's Association, stated, "Joint Accreditation is a major step forward for our mission. Brain health and dementia care require a team approach — and now, we can train those teams together using the highest national standards."

Joint Accreditation was founded in 2009 by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). The standards set by this body ensure that continuing education activities are developed specifically for healthcare teams, emphasizing integrity and independence while achieving measurable improvements in healthcare quality and patient safety.

With this designation, healthcare organizations can better plan and execute educational programs that foster collaboration among various health professionals. This collaborative approach is essential, as it mirrors the real-world experience of care delivery and leads to improved patient outcomes and clinical decision-making.

Evans further noted, "Interprofessional education is critical because brain health and dementia care require a team approach. This designation significantly expands our reach. We can now support busy frontline professionals with practical, case-based education that helps them work together more effectively in dementia care and brain health."

In light of this new accreditation, the Alzheimer's Association is eager to broaden its educational offerings. This includes live conferences, virtual sessions, online training, and quality-focused educational programs. This expanded portfolio is designed to assist health systems, plans, and community partners in building workforce capacity in brain health, early detection, diagnosis, care coordination, and treatment navigation.

"The Alzheimer's Association is thrilled to earn this Joint Accreditation and to share our expertise with health professionals," Evans added. "This recognition fortifies our ability to support professionals who care for millions of Americans and fosters a future in which everyone can access high-quality dementia care and protect their brain health. We are excited to commence this new journey."

The Alzheimer's Association joins a growing network of organizations that offer jointly accredited continuing education, including various medical associations, healthcare systems, and educational institutions. This collaborative system aims to improve patient care significantly across the healthcare landscape.

To sum up, this Joint Accreditation stands as a testament to the Alzheimer's Association's commitment to quality education in the field of brain health and dementia, which is critical in addressing the needs of patients and families affected by these conditions. As the healthcare community adapts to new challenges, this achievement positions the Association as a leader in shaping the future of dementia care education.

For more information about the Alzheimer's Association and its initiative to improve education in brain health and dementia care, visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.