Local Chapter Of Alzheimer's Association Leaves National Organization Saying They Don't Put Patients First

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com)—   The local chapter of the Alzheimer's Association says it has left the national organization.

CBS2's Kristine Lazar says the local group charges their national counterparts are not putting patients or caregivers first.

Karen Patterson's husband Bob, a former rocket scientist, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's nine years ago. She says he is now in the late stages of the disease.

"At this stage my husband is in a facility," Patterson says, "our son comes every day with Haagen-Dazs in hand. And feeds him his Haagen-Dazs and that's how they are together now."

She comes once a week to a caregiver's support group at Alzheimer's Greater Los Angeles.  The non-profit group recently cut ties with former parent group The Alzheimer's Association.

The new group questions how the money is being spent and charges a lack of support for local programs.

"Our board had concerns that in any large organization, priorities sometimes shift and change,and our board is very committed about local care and support," says Susan Galeas of Alzheimer's Greater Los Angeles.

Six local chapters -- including Los Angeles, NY and San Diego -- chose to break away from the Alzheimer's Assosication after they decided to consolidate all 81 independent chapters into one large non-profit.

"The change we made," says Stewart Putnam of the Alzheimer's Association, "brings all of those organizations together -- as a a single, unified, nationwide organization. We feel very strongly that we can be a lot more effective in fighting Alzheimer's disease."

Putnam wouldn't discuss the organization's finances, but the L.A. group says they increased payroll 143 percent, rent by 178 percent and travel expenses by 347 percent.

"There were concerns about spending," said Galeas, "and not necessarily good answers to why that has taken place."

In a letter to constituents, the Alzheimer's Association said the increase in spending was due to absorbing 27 new chapters.

The local chapter has officially changed their logo and their name, but will remain in the same office. They also told Lazar none of the services they previously provided will go away.