The James M. Dixon Foundation for Alzheimer’s Research and Support is transforming how Alzheimer’s care is approached, delivered, and understood—especially in communities that have historically been left behind. Founded by Dr. Lori-Renee Dixon James in memory of her father, James M. Dixon, Sr. The Foundation leads with a deeply personal mission to uplift caregivers, advocate for equity, and honor those living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). Through grassroots programming, culturally responsive outreach, and bold innovation, The Foundation is reshaping the dementia care landscape in underserved communities across the country.
From its inception, The Foundation has operated on a guiding belief: that caregivers need care too—and that every person living with dementia deserves to be treated with dignity, compassion, and understanding. Alzheimer’s disease impacts millions, and caregiving often comes with isolation, emotional exhaustion, and financial strain. The Foundation responds by delivering practical resources, emotional support, and education to help caregivers feel seen, equipped, and empowered.
The war we are not able to win, says Dr. Lori, is the only war worth fighting. That’s what dementia caregiving often feels like—but we show up anyway, because love demands it.
One of its most impactful initiatives, Daddy’s Closet, provides essential care items—such as hygiene products, incontinence supplies, nutritional drinks, paper products, and cleaning supplies—at no cost to caregivers and families. Initially serving communities in Georgia, Daddy’s Closet currently operates out of churches and senior living facilities and will expand in 2025 to support home-based care recipients. The Foundation also plans to launch Daddy’s Closet locations in California, North Carolina, and South Carolina, extending its impact to communities across the country, with the possibility of moving internationally in 2026..
The Foundation’s holistic approach is evident in the Intentional Caregiver Initiative, which offers workshops, podcasts, and wellness-based guidebooks designed to help caregivers preserve their emotional, physical, and spiritual health, while providing much needed information and resources. This initiative is grounded in lived experience and practical wisdom, reflected in publications authored by Dr. Lori, including The 1000 Minute Rule, a structured guide to reclaiming time and balance as a caregiver; The Intentional Caregiver’s Notebook, a daily tool for organizing care responsibilities and packed with information for new and seasoned caregivers; My Father Has Dementia, My Mother Has Denial, a candid look at the emotional complexity of caregiving within families; and The Pause, a 104-day journal of prompts and reflection to help caregivers reconnect with themselves during the journey. Also worth noting, in 2025, The Foundation will host its first caregiver retreat.
Additionally, the Brain Health and Care Symposium provides a platform for education, medical collaboration, and community engagement. Designed to connect caregivers with health professionals, researchers, as well as elder care attorneys and those in other support areas, the symposium brings together experts and families for interactive discussions, resources, and support. While it began in Georgia, plans are underway to expand the Symposium to additional states, ensuring broader access to this much-needed information and dialogue.
The Foundation’s work also addresses the systemic gaps in dementia care, particularly for Black, Brown, and underrepresented communities. In 2025, it will officially launch the Black ADRD Collective, a national collaborative uniting organizations committed to culturally competent care for Black and Brown individuals living with dementia. This effort will amplify shared resources, strengthen partnerships, and bring focused attention to a population too often neglected in research, funding, and public awareness.
Also launching in 2025 is the Youth Caregiver Project, a groundbreaking initiative that recognizes and supports the unique needs of young people providing care at home. Through peer connections, workshops, and education, the project aims to build confidence, reduce isolation, provide information and resources, and validate the role of youth caregivers—whose voices are frequently missing from national conversations.
The Foundation’s future-facing focus also includes investments in education and healthcare leadership. By offering scholarships to students pursuing careers in neurology and primary care, The Foundation is committed to supporting a diverse and culturally responsive medical workforce—one that understands the lived experiences of caregivers and persons living with dementia, and is prepared to address the disparities that continue to affect their care.
Events like the Purple Affair, The Foundation’s signature annual gala, provide space for community, celebration, and commitment. In 2024, nearly 400 guests gathered to honor caregivers, community leaders, and advocates who exemplify compassionate care and tireless service. The event not only raises awareness and funds—it also reinforces the importance of seeing, valuing, and supporting those who are often overlooked. On August 17, 2025, The Foundation will host a powerful evening of recognition at the beautiful Georgia Aquarium, where seven exceptional individuals and organizations will be honored for their service, leadership, and impact across healthcare, advocacy, caregiving, and community support. In 2023, The Purple Affair celebrated the life and legacy of the late Louis Gossett, Jr., and in that same spirit, will continue to recognize those whose work uplifts others and strengthens the communities The Foundation serves. For more information, please visit The Foundation’s website.
From shifting the national conversation through storytelling and publications, to meeting families where they are with tangible resources and support, the Foundation continues to deepen its impact. Its upcoming Dental Day initiative and continued collaborations with health professionals reflect a growing commitment to holistic, human-centered care.
Dr. Lori, alongside an exceptional Advisory Board, has provided the leadership and vision that have positioned The Foundation as a trusted voice in Alzheimer’s advocacy. Her personal journey as a caregiver shapes every initiative and her late father’s memory remains woven into the very fabric of The Foundation’s work. His legacy will not be in vain, she says. He would be proud to know that his story—and our story—is helping to make the world a more compassionate place for others, especially caregivers and those living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
At its core, The James M. Dixon Foundation is more than an organization—it is a movement grounded in love, built through action, and guided by a singular mission: to ensure that caregivers are supported, communities are informed, and every person living with dementia is treated with honor and humanity.
For more information about the Foundation’s work, please visit www.thejamesmdixonfoundationinc.com.
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For press inquiries or speaking engagements, contact Dr. Lori-Renee Dixon James at 404-263-6380 or by email @ [email protected] or [email protected].