Memantine may not be covered through Medicare Part D

Memantine may not be covered through Medicare Part D

Memantine, a medication for the treatment of Alzheimer’s symptoms that recently became available as a generic drug, may not be covered through Medicare Part D. As open enrollment for Medicare Part D ends on Dec. 7, 2015, now is the time to explore your coverage. If you or someone you know is taking memantine, check with your plan, or contact your State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) through Medicare and ask to speak to a counselor. You may also want to consult with your physician about medication options.

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Your gift can be matched if you give right now – Alzheimer’s Association

Your gift can be matched if you give right now – Alzheimer’s Association

Last week, I wrote to you about a critical giving opportunity. Our generous supporter, Vicky Patel, has agreed to give the Alzheimer’s Association an astonishing $1 million if we raise that same amount by December 15.
This matching gift challenge is a unique chance for your donation to have twice the impact. Your tax-deductible year-end donation of $35 can become $70, or a gift of $60 can become $120.
Vicky’s father recently passed away. He inspired her to do everything she can to help fight Alzheimer’s disease: “Alzheimer’s is heartbreaking. It robbed him of knowing the names of his children, his address, the ability to have a conversation.”


Your donation can go twice as far!
$35 can become $70
$60 can become $120
$120 can become $240

But there were some bright moments. Before he passed, she told her father about this million-dollar gift and her passionate involvement with the Association. “I know treatments and a cure will come too late for my dad. I’m OK with that. I have to be. But I made him proud, and I know that because he told me. As I hugged him goodbye after a visit, he pulled me close and whispered, ‘Don’t give up.’ And then he kissed me.”
We urgently need you to give today to help families who depend on our support services and programs, and to advance research that offers the hope of treatment, prevention and, ultimately, a cure. But we only have until December 15 to meet this exceptional matching gift. Your gift can have twice the impact on our care and support, research and advocacy efforts.
So please give generously today, and help us put an end to the Alzheimer’s epidemic.

P.S. We wish you and your family a happy Thanksgiving and encourage you to give today while your donation can have twice the impact. During this season of gratitude, please know how much we appreciate your support.

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Greater Illinois Chapter launches Foundation Relations’ web page

Greater Illinois Chapter launches Foundation Relations’ web page

We are excited to share a new web page that honors and recognizes another very important group of donors to the Greater Illinois Chapter–foundations! Independent, family, community and corporate foundations provide valuable financial support, mostly through grants, to help fund Chapter programs and services.
Click below to learn more and to see who we partnered with in the fiscal year 2015.

The Greater Illinois Chapter values all of the donors who make its work possible. Our donors include foundations that provide grants to support programs and services, research, and general operating expenses.

The Greater Illinois Chapter is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) nonprofit, donor-supported organization. We allocate our funds in an ethical and responsible manner, exceeding the rigorous standards of America’s most experienced charity evaluator—the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance.
Click here to view Audited Financial Statements and our Annual Report.
We welcome opportunities to partner with foundations—independent, family, community and corporate.
Please contact the Grants Office at 847.324.0369 or mdiverde@alz.org to learn more.

We honor the impact Foundations make.

The Greater Illinois Chapter is proud to recognize the following foundations* for their commitment to 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.

Thank you for your support!

Abt Family Charitable Foundation
Adreani Foundation
Alex W. Nielsen Foundation
AmazonSmile Foundation
AMG Charitable Gift Foundation
Apple Lane Foundation
Ayco Charitable Foundation
Bank of America Foundation
Barbara and Frank Lieber Family Charitable Trust
Barbara J Timmer Family Foundation
Ben Harding Family Foundation
Braidwood Goodwill Committee
Burton W. Ruder Foundation
Catherine McKeever Denten Foundation
Charity Partners Foundation, Inc.
Charles H. & Bertha L. Boothroyd Foundation
Chicago Community Trust
Circle of Service Foundation
Cisco Foundation
Community Foundation of Northern Illinois
Crown Family Philanthropies
Dallas Jewish Community Foundation
Elaine and Donald Levinson Foundation
Ernsteen Family Foundation
ExxonMobil Foundation
Francis Field Youth Foundation
Francis L. Lederer Foundation
Frank W. Holas Foundation
FT Cares Foundation
Frederika Meyer Charitable Trust
Gassin Family Foundation
GE Foundation
George and June Block Family Foundation
Gerald J. & Carolyn C. Kostelny Charitable….Foundation
Gertrude B. Nielsen Charitable Trust
Gilford-Atkins Families Foundation
GlaxoSmithKline Foundation
Glen and Wendy Miller Family Foundation
Hansen-Furnas Foundation, Inc.
Hildner Foundation
Itw Foundation
Jacobson Jewish Community Foundation
James H. & Helen S. Knippen Foundation
James & Minerva Weiss Foundation
JEMP-D Foundation
Joachim & Vicki Peters Foundation
Korth Family Foundation
Lake Family Foundation
LeadingAge Illinois Foundation
Lloyd A. Fry Foundation

LPL Financial Charitable Foundation
MacQuarie Group Foundation
Mankwitz Family Foundation
Margot & Thomas Pritzker Family….Foundation
Maurie & Ethel Meltzer Family Foundation
Mead Johnson Foundation
MeadWestvaco Foundation
Mondelez International Foundation
Napleton Family Foundation
National Christian Foundation
Oberheide Family Foundation
Orange Krush Foundation
Parker Kemp Foundation
Pepsico Foundation
PricewaterhouseCoopers Charitable….Foundation
Renaissance Charitable Foundation, Inc.
Robert R. McCormick Foundation
Samuel Weinstein Family Foundation
Shell Oil Company Foundation
Silicon Valley Community Foundation
Silicon Valley Foundation Pepsico
Special Leisure Services Foundation
Stockton Charitable Foundation
Subaru of America Foundation
Sumitomo Corporation of America Foundation
The Arthur J. Gallagher Foundation
The Community Foundation of Sarasota….County
The Curtis L Carlson Family Foundation
The Elizabeth Levine Foundation, Inc.
The Horner Family Foundation
The John A. Hartford Foundation, Inc.
The John and Kathleen Schreiber Foundation
The John Buck Company Foundation
The John E. and Jeanne T. Hughes….Foundation
The Prudential Foundation
The Reichert Foundation
The Rossman Family Foundation
The Sidley Austin Foundation
The Siragusa Foundation
The Wagner Foundation
Thomas & Christina Grusecki Foundation
U.S. Bank Foundation
Vern & Bunny Thelen Family Foundation
Warren County Foundation
Wells Fargo Foundation

*Foundations listed include those who donated in the fiscal year 2015; respecting the decision of those who wish to keep their gifts anonymous. We apologize for any oversights. Please contact mdiverde@alz.org with needed updates.

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Learn about the myths and realities of Alzheimer’s disease

Learn about the myths and realities of Alzheimer’s disease

Memory loss is a natural part of aging. True. Alzheimer’s disease isn’t fatal. False. Common myths surround Alzheimer’s disease — learn what’s true and what’s false.

Myth 1: Memory loss is a natural part of aging.

Reality: As people age, it’s normal to have occasional memory problems, such as forgetting the name of a person you’ve recently met. However, Alzheimer’s is more than occasional memory loss. It’s a disease that causes brain cells to malfunction and ultimately die. When this happens, an individual may forget the name of a longtime friend or what roads to take to return to a home they’ve lived in for decades.

It can be difficult to tell normal memory problems from memory problems that should be a cause for concern. The Alzheimer’s Association has developed information to help you tell the difference. If you or a loved one has memory problems or other problems with thinking and learning that concern you, contact a physician. Sometimes the problems are caused by medication side effects, vitamin deficiencies or other conditions and can be reversed with treatment. The memory and thinking problems may also be caused by another type of dementia.

Myth 2: Alzheimer’s disease is not fatal.

Reality: Alzheimer’s disease has no survivors. It destroys brain cells and causes memory changes, erratic behaviors and loss of body functions. It slowly and painfully takes away a person’s identity, ability to connect with others, think, eat, talk, walk and find his or her way home.

Myth 3: Only older people can get Alzheimer’s

Reality: Alzheimer’s can strike people in their 30s, 40s and even 50s. This is called younger-onset Alzheimer’s. It is estimated that there are more than 5 million people living with Alzheimer’s disease in the United States. This includes 5.2 million people age 65 and older and 200,000 people younger than age 65 with younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease.

Myth 4: Drinking out of aluminum cans or cooking in aluminum pots and pans can lead to Alzheimer’s disease.

Reality: During the 1960s and 1970s, aluminum emerged as a possible suspect in Alzheimer’s. This suspicion led to concern about exposure to aluminum through everyday sources such as pots and pans, beverage cans, antacids and antiperspirants. Since then, studies have failed to confirm any role for aluminum in causing Alzheimer’s. Experts today focus on other areas of research, and few believe that everyday sources of aluminum pose any threat.

Myth 5: Aspartame causes memory loss.

Reality: This artificial sweetener, marketed under such brand names as Nutrasweet and Equal, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in all foods and beverages in 1996. Since approval, concerns about aspartame’s health effects have been raised.

According to the FDA, as of May 2006, the agency had not been presented with any scientific evidence that would lead to change its conclusions on the safety of aspartame for most people. The agency says its conclusions are based on more than 100 laboratory and clinical studies.Read the May 2006 FDA statement about aspartame.

Myth 6: Flu shots increase risk of Alzheimer’s disease

Reality: A theory linking flu shots to a greatly increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease has been proposed by a U.S. doctor whose license was suspended by the South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners. Several mainstream studies link flu shots and other vaccinations to a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease and overall better health.

Myth 7: Silver dental fillings increase risk of Alzheimer’s disease

Reality: According to the best available scientific evidence, there is no relationship between silver dental fillings and Alzheimer’s. The concern that there could be a link arose because “silver” fillings are made of an amalgam (mixture) that typically contains about 50 percent mercury, 35 percent silver and 15 percent tin. Mercury is a heavy metal that, in certain forms, is known to be toxic to the brain and other organs.

Many scientists consider the studies below compelling evidence that dental amalgam is not a major risk factor for Alzheimer’s. Public health agencies, including the FDA, the U.S. Public Health Service and the World Health Organization, endorse the continued use of amalgam as safe, strong, inexpensive material for dental restorations.

Myth 8: There are treatments available to stop the progression of Alzheimer’s disease

Reality: At this time, there is no treatment to cure, delay or stop the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. FDA-approved drugs temporarily slow worsening of symptoms for about 6 to 12 months, on average, for about half of the individuals who take them.

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Local company hopes to raise $50,000 to #ENDALZ

Local company hopes to raise $50,000 to #ENDALZ

Chicagobased Everywhere Wireless is partnering with the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter to raise money to help end Alzheimer’s. Everywhere Wireless will donate $250 for every new property it connects to its network with the goal of raising $50,000 by year’s end.

Chicago based Everywhere Wireless is partnering with the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter to raise money to help end Alzheimer’s. Everywhere Wireless will donate $250 for every new property it connects to its network with the goal of raising $50,000 by year’s end.
“Just about everyone knows someone whose life has been touched by Alzheimer’s or some form of dementia,” said Keegan Bonebrake, executive vice president of Everywhere Wireless.”Three of my four grandparents were affected by Alzheimer’s and this program has created a way to bring faster Internet to Chicago, while serving a public good. It’s a winwin for everyone.”
“We greatly appreciate Everywhere Wireless’ commitment to raising awareness and funds to combat Alzheimer’s disease, the 6th leading cause of death in the United States. Our partnership with them is exciting and together we’re looking forward to raising $50,000 to benefit Alzheimer’s research, care, and support,” said Steve Schapiro, Vice President of Corporate Engagement of the Greater Illinois Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.
Everywhere Wireless provides contract free Internet to multifamily properties of approximately 30 units or more and to businesses such as Cisco, CBS, Nike and Google, starting at $19/month.
For complete details and information, visit the company’s program page or call 866.923.0982.
Everywhere Wireless is just one example of a company teaming up to help end this epidemic. Ask your company to team up with the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter today,
How your company can help
It’s likely that many members of your corporate community your employees, customers and key stakeholders are already connected to the disease. But are they finding the help they need? Are they engaged with the Alzheimer’s cause and empowered to take action? By partnering with the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter, your company can stand with the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research as we confront a crisis that devastates millions of families and a significant portion of our nation’s workforce. The Greater Illinois Chapter offers corporate partners a variety of ways to engage in meaningful collaboration.
– Educate and empower your employees on a variety of Alzheimer’s topics. Both in person and web based education available. Register your company for one of our upcomingwebinars.
– Strengthen your team and drive increased levels of employee engagement:
…..- Go Purple during Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month in June
…..- Go Casual for a Cause and raise funds to support our mission (aka Jeans Days)
…..- Include the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter in your workplace giving program, offering your employees an easy way to support the cause.
…..- Promote gift matching opportunities, if available
…..- Encourage participation in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s, the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research
…..- Encourage participation in the Longest Day, a growing event to honor the strength, heart and endurance of those facing the disease
…..- Promote group and individual volunteer opportunities
…..- Publicly display your good corporate citizenship and extend brand awareness
…..- Become a corporate sponsor for one or more of the following events?
………- Walk to End Alzheimer’s (SeptemberOctober), The Longest Day (June 21 Summer Solstice), Research Symposium (October), Reason To Hope (April)
………- Make a corporate donation
………- Reinforce your brand and drive sales through a strategic cause marketing (percentage of sales) promotion
Click here to learn more about corporate engagement with the Greater Illinois Chapter or contact Steve Schapiro, Vice President Corporate Engagement at sschapiro@alz.org, 847.779.6953 –

 

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