Do we lose memories with Alzheimer’s or the ability to access them?

Until now, scientists have assumed that Alzheimer’s disease destroys the ability to make memories. New research on mice suggests memory abilities may not be gone but that access to the memories may be blocked by the disease. This is exciting news for possible future treatments; however, experts caution that these results are very preliminary, and additional research is necessary to confirm the findings.

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Alzheimer’s Association License Plates

Alzheimer’s Association license plates are coming to Illinois. This is a incredible opportunity to raise funds as well as the profile of this critical cause and, in turn, mobilize our leaders in government and citizens to prioritize Alzheimer’s.

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Husband writes poetry to make sense of his wife’s Alzheimer’s disease

Brad Anderson started writing poetry as a way to process his wife LuAnne’s early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. LuAnne was diagnosed in 2010 and was able to remain home for four years. When not writing poems, Brad visits LuAnne several times a week at a care facility.

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Illinois Action Summit Spotlight – Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter invites you to become an Alzheimer’s Advocate, and to draw critical attention to the advancement of Alzheimer’s public policies at the 2016 Illinois Action Summit. Be a catalyst for change in Illinois and ensure that the needs of Alzheimer’s patients, family members, and caregivers are addressed. In this article, we feature one of our Illinois Action Summit participants, Terron Edmonds.

The Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter invites you to become an Alzheimer’s Advocate, and to draw critical attention to the advancement of Alzheimer’s public policies at the 2016 Illinois Action Summit. Be a catalyst for change in Illinois and ensure that the needs of Alzheimer’s patients, family members, and caregivers are addressed. In this article, we feature one of our Illinois Action Summit participants, Terron Edmonds.

What led to your involvement with the Alzheimer’s Association?
My grandmother, MaeBell Ward, had a case of early onset and rapidly declined after her diagnosis at the age of 47. She passed away December of 2001 at the age of 56. In 2011 we started a Non-Profit organization in my grandmother’s name, looked up ways to help at alz.org, and signed up for our first Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

How long have you been participating in the Illinois Action Summit? What are some of your accomplishments as a participant?
This will be my fifth Action Summit, and honestly, the growth of advocates participating is just as valuable as the money raised and the meetings with Congressional members. I enjoy being someone who can offer advice to nervous or new advocates, as well as someone who can tell a story of heartbreak watching my grandmother decline and subsequently passing from this dreadful disease.

Why do you choose to participate in the Action Summit?
If we can’t fight Alzheimer’s on the statewide front, we have no chance in the fight on the federal front.

Why is being an Alzheimer’s Advocate important to you?
My grandmother was a giant factor in the man I’ve become today, from music tastes to overall demeanor, and I’d do just about anything to honor her memory and make her proud.

Why should others become Alzheimer’s Association Advocates?
Seeing the vast strides that have been accomplished by this family of advocates in my little time around, I can’t imagine a reason why anyone wouldn’t advocate and get out for a disease without a cure, that takes away our motor skills and memory. Because in the end what else do we have?

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Country music legend Campbell can no longer play guitar

Glen Campbell’s wife, Kim Campbell, said the country music legend’s Alzheimer’s disease has progressed to the point that he can’t play guitar and has lost most of his language skills. Glen Campbell announced his Alzheimer’s diagnosis in 2011.

NASHVILLE — Glen Campbell’s wife, Kim Campbell, told the Tampa Bay Times on Monday that her husband’s Alzheimer’s disease has progressed to the point that he can’t play guitar and has lost most of his language skills.

“I don’t even know if he knows what (the guitar) is for,” she said. “But our children come and play for him. It’s hard to tell if he’s responding to it much. Sometimes he’ll listen and sometimes he’s distracted. He’s in his own world right now.”

Glen Campbell, who is known for songs including “Rhinestone Cowboy,” “Gentle on My Mind” and “Wichita Lineman,” was diagnosed with the degenerative brain disorder in summer 2011. He’s currently living in a Nashville memory care unit.

“Glen’s getting great care; he’s happy, he’s cheerful,” Kim Campbell said. “He’s healthy but … he doesn’t understand anything anyone is saying to him.”

USA TODAY

Glen Campbell releases emotional last song, video

Country group Restless Heart recently recorded Campbell’s “Wichita Lineman” as a tribute to the ailing singer. Restless Heart’s version of the song is available at digital retailers, and the group will perform “Wichita Lineman” on the Grand Ole Opry stage Tuesday.

“I hope it’s a fitting tribute to the one and only Glen Campbell,” said the group’s Dave Innis. “Glen has always been kind, supportive and encouraging to Restless Heart throughout our career. It’s positive influences like his that have inspired us and kept us going for 30-plus years.”

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