Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter seeking new Board members

The Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter, one of the largest of the Association’s chapters in the country, is currently seeking candidates to fill volunteer positions on its Board of Directors. Board candidates must have a strong commitment to the Alzheimer’s Association’s mission, objectives, values and strategic direction. From February 1 to May 1, candidates may apply online, download a print version of the application, call 847.324.0366 or email cmarsden@alz.org.

The Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter, one of the largest of the Association’s chapters in the country, seeks candidates to fill volunteer positions on its Board of Directors.

Positions are for three-year terms beginning July 1, 2014. The Board of Directors is responsible for setting Chapter strategic implementation plans in accordance with the national Association nationwide strategic plan and overseeing a multi-million dollar Chapter budget that supports programs and services for over 210,000 people in Illinois with Alzheimer’s disease, as well as the hundreds of thousands of family, friends, and professionals who are caring for them.

The Board governs on behalf of those affected by Alzheimer’s and our donors and assures appropriate organizational performance, which includes fulfilling the nussion for the organization, determining the Chapter’s future direction in compliancew ith national policies, and ensuring the Chapter’s fiscal health.

Board candidates must have a strong commitment to the Alzheimer’s Association’s mission, objectives, values and strategic direction. They should be generalists who have a blend of knowledge, skills and relevant experiences in such areas as finance, law, business adnunistration, public policy, fund raising, comnunications, and volunteerism. Board members must be willing to reach out to their personal contacts with the goal of securing significant monetary and other support for the work of the Chapter and the Association. Board members must reside in the territory served by the Greater Illinois Chapter.

We are specifically seeking individuals with professional experience in the following disciplines: public relations, public policy/advocacy (not currently employed by state or federal government), audit/accounting, and financial investments.

The Greater Illinois Chapter’s Governance & Nonunating Committee is inviting individuals who meet the qualifications to apply from February 1 to May 1, 2014. All candidates will be evaluated by the Committee and the selected finalists will be interviewed in May or early June, 2014. The final slate will be presented to the Board for election at its June meeting.

Included in this application are details of the position as well as application instructions and timelines. Candidates may apply online at www.alzheimers-illinois.org/application, may download a print version of the application linked above, contact the Office of the President at 847-324-0366 or email cmarsden@alz.org. Please share these materials with someone you feel may be both interested and appropriate for consideration.

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African-Americans are at a higher risk for Alzheimer’s

February is Black History Month. African-Americans are two times more likely to develop late-onset Alzheimer’s disease than whites and less likely to receive an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, which results in less time for treatment and planning. Visit our African-Americans and Alzheimer’s portal for information on warning signs, research and care, as well as stories of African-Americans who’ve furthered efforts in the fight against Alzheimer’s.

Many Americans dismiss the warning signs of Alzheimer’s, believing that these symptoms are a normal part of aging. This is of even greater concern for African-Americans, who aretwo times more likely to develop late-onset Alzheimer’s disease than whites and less likely to have a diagnosis of their condition, resulting in less time for treatment and planning. By working together, we hope to reduce the risk factors and reverse the growing trend of Alzheimer’s disease among African-Americans. Sign up for our e-newsletter and get the latest info on treatments, research and care.

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Dunk Alzheimer’s: Students raise money, awareness for Alzheimer’s cause

Jonathan Segal knows first-hand how hard it is to see someone you love battle Alzheimer’s. The North Shore Country Day School junior’s grandmother, Lisa Cohen, was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s at 60. At present, Cohen is 72 and in the advanced stages of the disease.
“She lived in the house with us for six months and my family cared for her. It was extremely difficult,” Segal said.

Jonathan Segal knows first-hand how hard it is to see someone you love battle Alzheimer’s. The North Shore Country Day School junior’s grandmother, Lisa Cohen, was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s at 60. At present, Cohen is 72 and in the advanced stages of the disease.

“She lived in the house with us for six months and my family cared for her. It was extremely difficult,” Segal said.
Looking to bring greater awareness and funds to the cause, Segal recently hosted the second Dunk Alzheimer’s basketball event at his Winnetka school. The January 25 tournament included school teams from throughout the area, and students had the opportunity to purchase and don purple Dunk Alzheimer’s shirts. Proceeds from the $20 shirts as well as individual contributions led a fundraising total of $6,300, tripling last year’s total.
“When I started doing this, I learned that half my friends have a connection to the disease,” Segal said. “People would say, ‘My uncle has it or my grandfather or my friend’s dad.’”

Student body president and senior Josie Santi, who lent a hand with the event, agreed about the importance of the cause.
“I feel like a lot of people aren’t educated about Alzheimer’s disease,” she said.

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Drug companies join NIH in study of Alzheimer’s and other diseases

Under a five-year collaboration, 10 drug companies and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have agreed to share scientists, tissue and blood samples, and data. The Accelerating Medicines Project (AMP) aims to decipher the biology behind Alzheimer’s disease, Type 2 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, and to identify targets for new drugs. The Alzheimer’s Association is involved in AMP as a steering committee member.

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In honor of Black History Month, a generous donor has stepped forward with an exciting opportunity. They will give $25,000 to the Alzheimer’s Association if we raise the same amount by Feb. 28!
We still don’t know what causes Alzheimer’s and why African-Americans are twice as likely to develop the disease as whites. To help address this, the donor’s generosity will support a novel research project called, African- American Genome Sequencing project, to understand genes that may be responsible for this increased risk. Importantly, this study could have major implications for developing targets for genetic testing, prevention and treatment, not only for African- American individuals, but for other races as well.

When you make your gift to this special challenge match today, it can have twice the impact and support our mission to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.
Your tax-deductible donation of $50 can become $100, or a gift of $100 can become $200. Any amount you give by Feb. 28 can help us continue to work toward our vision of a world without Alzheimer’s.

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