The number of people in the U.S. with Alzheimer's disease is expected to increase by 40% in the next decade. To support the legal needs and the families of the country's growing Alzheimer's population, the Alzheimer's Association today announced the formation of the Legal Industry Leadership Council with partner law firms Reed Smith and Michael Best.

The LILC aims to increase attorneys' awareness of legal issues such as guardianship, succession planning, powers of attorney and health care proxies. It also looks to provide resources for families and businesses affected by an Alzheimer's diagnosis—the association already fields more than 300,000 such calls every year. Participating law firms also are invited to engage their employees and communities to raise funds for Alzheimer's research through galas, walks, bike rides and other initiatives.