Get ready for a Reason to Hope

The Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter Reason to Hope is a powerful 60-minute fundraising luncheon/breakfast and program on Alzheimer’s disease. The goal for the event is to spread our message into the communities we serve and raise funds for the critical work we do nationwide. Please consider becoming a Table Host for this important event. Reason to Hope will take place in Oak Brook on Tuesday, April 14, Chicago Tuesday, April 21, and North Shore Thursday, April 30.

The Alzheimer’s Association, Reason to Hope is a powerful 60-minute fundraising luncheon/breakfast and program on Alzheimer’s disease. Though there is no cost to attend, all Table Hosts and their guests will be asked at the conclusion to support the Alzheimer’s community by making a One-Time gift or Multi-Year pledge to the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter. The goal for the event is to spread our message into the communities we serve and raise funds for the critical work we do nationwide. As a Reason to Hope Table Host this is your opportunity to share your passion for the Alzheimer’s Association with your friends, work colleagues, clients and family.
In 2015, our Chapter will be hosting three Reason to Hope events on the following dates:

4th Annual Oak Brook Reason to Hope Breakfast
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
Hyatt Lodge McDonald’s Campus
Oak Brook, Illinois

6th Annual Chicago Reason to Hope Luncheon
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
Noon – 1:00 p.m.
Mid-America Club
200 East Randolph Drive, 80th Floor, Aon Center, Aon Corporation
Chicago, IL 60601
Inaugural North Shore Reason to Hope Luncheon
Thursday, April 30, 2015
Noon – 1:00 p.m.
Highland Park Country Club
1201 Park Avenue West
Highland Park, Illinois 60035
For more information about Reason to Hope, please contact Sam Provenzano, Sr. Manager, Intermediate and Corporate Giving at 847.324.0382 or via email at sprovenzano@alz.org.

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Honor Association founder Jerome Stone with a tribute message

Jerome H. Stone, businessman, philanthropist, founding president and honorary chair of the Alzheimer’s Association, died on Jan. 1 at 101 years of age. The Association mourns the loss of Mr. Stone, who so deeply shaped the Association’s mission with his character and commitment. You can pay tribute to Mr. Stone on our special tribute page.

Jerome H. Stone

Founding President and Honorary Chair of the Alzheimer’s Association
1913 – 2015

The Alzheimer’s Association has lost our Founding President and Honorary Chair, Jerome H. Stone. He was not only a longtime board member, volunteer and advocate, but also a philanthropist who led by example and believed deeply in giving to transform our cause.

Mr. Stone was a true visionary in the Alzheimer’s movement. When his wife, Evelyn, was diagnosed with the disease in 1970, he recognized the need for a leader in the field that would unite caregivers, provide support to those facing Alzheimer’s, and advance research toward treatment, prevention and, ultimately, a cure. His drive and determination led to the creation of the Alzheimer’s Association in 1979.

Mr. Stone is responsible for where we are today in the fight against Alzheimer’s. He took a disease that was cloaked in silence and helped to create a national — and global — conversation. He meant so much to the many who are invested in this cause. We honor his memory and continue his legacy by moving forward to achieve our vision of a world without Alzheimer’s.

Read the Alzheimer’s Association statement

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Five New Awards from Alzheimer’s Association Part the Cloud Research Grants

Alzheimer’s Association’s Part the Cloud Translational Research for Alzheimer’s Disease Grant Program Makes Five New Awards

Translational research is an important branch of science that aims to make findings from basic research useful for practical applications that enhance human health and well-being. Many academic researchers, pharmaceutical and biotech companies have identified potential new drug therapy candidates for Alzheimer’s disease, but lack the funding to move them into human testing. At the same time, few funding sources support early-phase clinical trials. The Alzheimer’s Association Part the Cloud grants are specifically intended to fill that research gap.

Part the Cloud funding supports (1) early phase studies of potential Alzheimer’s therapies and (2) projects designed to validate methods and/or markers for measuring presence or severity of disease that are needed to develop and evaluate possible treatments.

Five new grants through the Alzheimer’s Association Part the Cloud program totaling nearly $4 million have just recently been announced. They are:

• A clinical trial, in middle-aged African Americans with a family history of Alzheimer’s, of a drug used to treat high blood pressure (perindopril). This study will help determine if the drug is useful to reduce Alzheimer’s risk in African-Americans.

• A clinical trial to determine safe doses of an antibody to abnormal tau protein, which forms the hallmark tangles found in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s. Studies in mice have shown the antibody to be effective at reducing tau tangles and improving cognitive function.

• A pilot study in individuals who have both mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and prediabetes to assess the safety, side effects and optimal dosing of a dietary supplement called Biologically Active Dietary Polyphenol Preparation. Polyphenols are found in vegetables, fruits, tea, red wine, coffee, chocolate and olives.

• A clinical trial of a possible substitute energy source (oxaloacetate) for the brain in individuals with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s. The primary goal is to determine which doses are safe, and which doses are required to have an effect on energy production in the brain. In Alzheimer’s, the brain’s ability to use blood sugars for energy is impaired, and may contribute to decline in brain function.

• A study of the effects of specific fats called medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) that are efficiently converted into ketones in the body. In people with Alzheimer’s, the brain may retain its ability to use ketones as an alternative energy source. The researchers will test MCTs in older individuals who have early memory changes, and determine whether improvements in brain functions also improve memory.

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Alzheimer’s caregiving is taxing, but you may be eligible for savings

As a caregiver, you likely pay for some care costs out-of-pocket. Because of this, you may qualify for tax benefits from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Tax rules are complex, so be sure to get advice from your tax adviser or accountant before filing your returns.

As a caregiver, you likely pay for some care costs out-of-pocket. Because of this, you may qualify for tax benefits from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Tax rules are complex and can change. Be sure to get advice from your tax adviser or accountant before filing your returns.

• Medical expenses
• Child and Dependent Care Credit
• Flexible spending account
• State tax credits

Medical expenses

The person with dementia may be considered your dependent for tax purposes. If so, you may be allowed to itemize his or her medical costs. Currently, you may deduct only the amount by which your total medical expenses exceed 7.5 percent of your adjusted gross income. Beginning in 2013, you may deduct only the amount by which your total medical expenses exceed 10 percent of your adjusted gross income. Only expenses that have not been reimbursed by insurance can be counted toward the medical expense deduction.

See IRS Publication 502: Medical and Dental Expenses, for a complete list of allowable expenses.
Here’s a brief list:

• Medical fees from doctors, laboratories, assisted living residences, home health care and hospitals
• Cost of prescription drugs
• Cost of transportation to receive medical care
• Home modifications costs such as grab bars and handrails
• Personal care items, such as disposable briefs and food

See IRS Publication 501: Exemptions, Standard Deductions and Filing Information to learn more about claiming the person with dementia as a dependent.

Child and Dependent Care Credit

If you paid someone to care for the person with dementia so you could work or look for work, you may be able to claim the “Child and Dependent Care Credit” on your federal income tax return. If eligible, you would be allowed a credit of up to 35 percent of your qualifying expenses, depending upon your adjusted gross income.

To qualify:

• You must have earned income
• The person with dementia must be unable to physically or mentally care for him or herself
• The person with dementia must be claimed as a dependent on your tax return

See IRS Publication 503: Child and Dependent Care Expenses for more information.  

TIP: If you pay someone to come to your home and care for the person with dementia, you may be a household employer and may have to withhold and pay Social Security and Medicare tax and pay federal unemployment tax. See IRS Publication 926: Household Employer’s Tax Guide.

Flexible spending account

If the person with dementia is a dependent under the tax rules, you might be able to use your own workplace flexible spending account (FSA). A flexible spending account allows payment for out-of-pocket medical expenses and dependent care expenses with pretax dollars, for a potential savings of about 20 to 30 percent.

State tax credits

Many states have additional tax deductions or tax credits to provide financial relief to caregivers. These tax programs build on the federal tax credit, which reduces the amount of income taxes a family owes. Each state program differs by name and eligibility requirements.

Help Is Available

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers free tax forms and publications explaining various tax deductions and credits.

AARP’s Tax-Aide program provides free tax preparation and counseling information to all low and middle-income taxpayers, even if you are not an AARP member.

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Team Up Against Alzheimer’s

Team Up Against Alzheimer’s® is a student-focused fundraiser designed to promote brain health, spread awareness and raise funds through athletic events or class projects. It is flexible enough to be an ongoing effort or a one-time occurrence, and aims to motivate young people to get involved in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease! Gather your team today and help us reach our goal!

The Alzheimer’s Association®, Greater Illinois Chapter invites you to Team Up Against Alzheimer’s! This is a student-focused fundraiser designed to promote brain health, spread awareness and raise funds through athletic events or class projects. It is flexible enough to be an on-going effort or a one-time occurrence and aims to motivate young people to get involved in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease!
Who can participate?

Anyone can form a team! Whether it’s a sports team, a club, a class or a group of friends–everyone can help in the fight against Alzheimer’s Disease!
When does this event take place?

“Team Up” fundraisers can occur anytime during the school year. Depending on the group hosting, the fundraisers can coincide with athletic events, school functions, holidays, etc.
What is the level of involvement?

The type and number of activities your team hosts, are completely up to you! You can even create your own!
Click here for a list of activities to help you get started!

Why it’s important for younger generations to act now!

The earlier we educate people about this disease, the better chance we have at preventing it, fighting it, and even curing it. Teaching students to recognize symptoms helps increase the number of early diagnoses and become better prepared for the emotional and financial burdens as the disease progresses. As this issue becomes more prominent throughout people’s lives, it may encourage them to donate or participate in studies to help advance research. It can inspire young people to take a vested interest in a global issue, partake in community service or pursue careers in science, medicine, healthcare, or public policy to help the cause. The cure for this disease may even lie in one of the minds of today’s youth!
If your team or school is interested in participating in this program, please contact Erin Doherty at edoherty@alz.org or 847.779.6956.
Whether you’re an athlete or a fan, you are the MVP in the fight against Alzheimer’s!

Whether you’re an athlete or a fan, you are the MVP in the fight against Alzheimer’s!

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