Alzheimer's research is being tackled from many sides. Pharmaceutical companies, the U.S. federal government and the Alzheimer’s Association are funding research to learn more about the disease process and to find compounds that will alleviate symptoms and prevent or cure the disease. In 2007 alone, awarded more than $21 million for 109 research projects. Since the grants program began in 1982, it has provided more than $220 million for Alzheimer's research.