Register today for RivALZ: Blondes vs. Brunettes, where two teams of women divided to reflect rivalries come together to compete in a flag football game to inspire fundraising, awareness and action in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. We need dedicated players, coaches and spectators. It’s time to pick a side and help tackle Alzheimer’s!
The Alzheimer’s Store recommits its support to help end Alzheimer’s
The Alzheimer’s Store, a subsidiary of Healthcare Products, LLC, has once again committed to support the Alzheimer’s Association. The Alzheimer’s Store, which supplies products designed for people with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia and their caregivers, will donate $30 per MX-LOCare™ GPS Watch sold through this link only until March 14, 2018, with a minimum donation of $25,000 to the Association.
The Alzheimer’s Store, a subsidiary of Healthcare Products, LLC, provides products designed for people with Alzheimer’s, dementia, memory loss and for their caregivers. The Alzheimer’s Store joins in the fight to end Alzheimer’s by donating $30 per MX-LOCare™ GPS Watch sold through this link only through March 14, 2018. The MX-LOCare™ GPS Watch has location device technology with GPS tracking which has introduced a new way for caregivers and families to prevent wandering emergencies.
For more information, please visit this link.
*The Alzheimer’s Store will donate $30 per MX-LOCare™ GPS Watch sold through this link only from March 15, 2017 to March 14, 2018, with a minimum donation of $25,000 to the Alzheimer’s Association. This contribution is not tax deductible. The Alzheimer’s Association does not endorse any of The Alzheimer’s Store products.The Alzheimer’s Store will not receive any compensation from the Alzheimer’s Association for or relating to this promotion.
Advocate Spotlight: Samantha Rapp
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 2017 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 advocates, Samantha Rapp.
Advocate Spotlight: Samantha Rapp
Samantha Rapp (center), 33, is an equipment contacts manager for a Chicago construction company. She is an Alzheimer’s Association Advocate to Congressman Dan Lipinski (D-IL 3rd District) on the federal level and a constituent of State Senator Jackie Collins and State Representative Mary Flowers.
What is your personal experience with Alzheimer’s disease?
My grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in his 70’s. I was about to be fresh out of college, and all I wanted was for my grandpa to be able to see me graduate, as he had never missed any of my life milestones. It was hard, but we were able to get him there, and that meant everything to me. It was a short time later we had to admit him to a nursing home because it became too hard for my grandma to be his caregiver around the clock.
Are you a caregiver? What impact has Alzheimer’s had on your family?
I’m not a caregiver, but Alzheimer’s disease took over the lives of everyone in my family for quite some years. My grandfather never spent one day alone in his new home, and because of that we saw his decline at each and every step. We all now have a very intimate knowledge of how horrible this disease is and what it takes from your loved one.
What has been the most difficult aspect of the experience?
Realizing there was nothing I could do. I couldn’t stop the disease. I couldn’t find specialists who could miraculously return my grandpa’s memories to him. I couldn’t take the burden of this disease away from my family. The hardest of all was I couldn’t explain to his great-grandchildren that “Gramps” still loves you but doesn’t know who you are anymore.
What’s been the most positive aspect of it?
It was after this difficult and helpless time in my life that I realized what I could do – I could fight.
What are some of the activities you’ve taken part in as an advocate?
I’ve attended three Advocacy Forums and State Lobby Days, with my fourth in 2017, and each has been more rewarding than the last. I’ve participated in town hall meetings with legislators and have built great relationships with them. My favorite thing we do is hold two Alzheimer’s Backyard BBQs a year; we have a great time with family and friends while fundraising for Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
What’s it like to be an Advocate?
It has absolutely been one of the most amazing and rewarding experiences so far. Being the voice for those without one is such an important aspect of being an advocate, and it keeps me going and motivated. I started this fight because of my grandfather, and somewhere along the way it became so much bigger than that. I’m proud to tell people about the work I’m doing and love getting others motivated to be a part of a world without Alzheimer’s.
You’ve attended three Advocacy Forums and State Lobby Days – what’s the experience been like?
I walked in the first year wondering how in the world a simple volunteer could impact the outlook of such a deadly disease like Alzheimer’s. By the time I left, I was so empowered and wondered how I could’ve ever doubted a community of advocates with one very loud and powerful voice. And trust me, we were loud!
What’s been your favorite aspect of attending the Illinois Action Summit?
Being surrounded by so many inspiring advocates. Some of us have personal experiences, and some of us just want to make a difference. Regardless, we’re all there for one reason, and it makes you feel so proud and honored to be part of this family.
What would you say to someone who was considering attending the Summit but was unsure?
You will not regret it. It is a bit scary and nerve-wracking the first time, but after day one you realize you wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
How do you feel your advocacy efforts have helped the cause?
I’m constantly posting on social media and speaking to my family and friends about Alzheimer’s. If anything, I know I’ve spread awareness of this disease and its effects and have received that extra support from them to continue this fight.
In what ways do you think we can continue to increase the number of advocates and engage them in the fight?
Continue making your presence known with online posts, billboards advertising the local Walks, blast emails, etc. All it takes is someone to go through this disease or know of someone that has experienced it to get them involved. We just need to give them the avenue to find us when they do.
What more do you think needs to be done to fight the disease? What role will our advocates play?
We need more research and clinical trials, which ultimately means more funding. As advocates, we need to continue pushing our congressmen and senators to let them know Alzheimer’s isn’t going anywhere, and neither are we.
Let’s work to make Illinois a dementia-capable state!
Register today for the 2017 Illinois Action Summit.
Alzheimer’s affects kids and teens who know adults living with the disease
When a friend or family member is living with Alzheimer’s disease, kids and teens may feel upset, confused or scared. We have resources to help them learn about Alzheimer’s and understand how it affects them — and to understand that it’s important to know they’re not alone.
When a friend or family member has Alzheimer’s disease, you may feel upset, confused or scared. Alzheimer’s can be puzzling because a person who has it often doesn’t look sick.
Some people with early stage Alzheimer’s may forget words or not remember your name sometimes. Otherwise you may not notice too many changes. But, when you spend time with people with later stage Alzheimer’s, it is easy to see that something serious is going on. Some people with Alzheimer’s may cry, become angry very easily or behave in ways that embarrass you. Sometimes the person may not remember who you are, even if it is someone like a grandparent who knows you very well.
People with Alzheimer’s disease are not acting like this because they don’t care about you anymore. Changes deep inside their brains are destroying the centers that control remembering, thinking and feeling. They are losing their ability to make sense out of the world.
This page provides resources to help you learn about Alzheimer’s disease and understand how it affects you. It’s important to know that you are not alone. Alzheimer’s changes the lives of everyone it touches.
Kids Look at Alzheimer’s Disease
Does someone in your family have Alzheimer’s disease? Spend a few moments watching the videos below to learn about the disease and how kids like you are dealing with it.
Part 1: What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Maybe someone you know has Alzheimer’s disease but you don’t even know what it is! Watch this video to get the facts.
Part 2: What Can I Expect and How Can I Deal With It?
You may wonder about what the changes are that will come because of Alzheimer’s disease. Will things be different for you or your family? Watch this video to learn how you can keep talking and having fun with the person with Alzheimer’s.
Part 3: Is it Me or Is It the Disease?
Does it seem like the person you know with Alzheimer’s is changing? You’re right! Watch this video to find out more about those changes and how to talk about them with friends and family.
Part 4: How Can I Help and What’s Out There to Help Me?
There are lots of ways for kids to make a difference in the lives of those with Alzheimer’s disease and their families. Watch this video to find out what you can do to help.
Teens Look at Alzheimer’s Disease
If you are on this site, you probably know someone – or know of someone – with Alzheimer’s. Take a look at the videos below to learn about the disease and hear about how other teens are coping with it.
Part 1: What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Confused about the symptoms of Alzheimer’s and how it differs from dementia? Want to know more about the progression of the disease? Watch this video to get the facts.
Part 2: What Can I Expect and How Can I Deal With It?
You may have a family member with Alzheimer’s disease and wonder what the changes that come with the disease will mean for you and your family. Watch this video to learn how to make communication and connection with someone with Alzheimer’s disease easier for everyone.
Part 3: If the Person with Alzheimer’s Lives with Us, What Can I Expect?
It may seem like the person with Alzheimer’s is changing in ways that make your relationship different, but why? The answer is almost always that the disease is responsible for the changes, and keeping that in mind will allow you to cope with the situation more easily. Watch this video to learn more, and to explore making some changes of your own.
Part 4: How Can I Help and What’s Out There to Help Me?
There are lots of ways for people your age to make a difference in the lives of those with Alzheimer’s disease and their families. Start by talking openly about it and informing your peers. Watch this video to find out how you can help move us toward a world without Alzheimer’s.
Purple Week Project
Purple Week for Alzheimer’s
Watch the video and see what three young girls can do with an idea about teaching kids about Alzheimer’s disease and raising money for the cause. “Go Purple Week!!”
The Process and Working with Student Council
Julie’s three young daughters developed a “Purple Week” project with their school. Watch the video to get more information about the project and what it provided to the children and teachers.
Your Brain: More Powerful than a Wizard, More Complex than a Computer
Do you like Harry Potter? This article explores how your extraordinary brain power helps you read, understand and remember. It also explains how Alzheimer’s disease damages the brain.
Brain Tour
What happens in the brain of a person with Alzheimer’s disease? This interactive tour explains how the brain works and how Alzheimer’s affects it.
For parents and teachers
Resources for Parents and Teachers (2 pages)
This document provides additional resources to help kids and teens understand and cope with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
After a Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s: Gee’s Story
Gee’s father has Alzheimer’s disease. Watch Gee talk about helping her children deal with her father’s disease.
After a Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s: Libby’s Story
Libby has Alzheimer’s disease. See her talk about sharing the diagnosis with her grandson.
Talking with Kids and Teens
This web section provides parents with information on how to help kids and teens deal with the emotions and reactions that are common when a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
Printouts
Just for Children: Helping You Understand Alzheimer’s Disease (2 pages)
This fact sheet will help you understand what is happening to a person with Alzheimer’s disease. It also explores how challenging it is to take care of someone who has Alzheimer’s. It includes puzzles and activities.
Just for Teens: Helping You Understand Alzheimer’s Disease
This fact sheet will help you understand what is happening to a person with Alzheimer’s disease. It also explores how challenging it is to take care of someone who has Alzheimer’s.
About Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s: The Tangled Brain
A special feature about Alzheimer’s disease that explores causes, current treatments, new medicines on the horizon and prevention. Includes illustrations, photographs, and medical images. Hosted by the Why Files, a large collection of online science features for students hosted by the graduate school of the University of Wisconsin at Madison.
Alzheimer’s Disease
A feature from the “Health Problems of Grown-Ups” section of KidsHealth.org that explains what Alzheimer’s disease is, how people know they have it, what the doctor will do to help, and what life is like for a person who has Alzheimer’s. Hosted by the Nemours Foundation, with all content reviewed by medical experts.
The Whole Brain Atlas
Medical images of healthy and sick brains. To see the images for Alzheimer’s disease, scroll down to the Degenerative Diseases section. Hosted by Harvard Medical School.
Brain Basics
Neuroscience for Kids
A site for all students and teachers who would like to learn about the science of the brain, nerve cells, and other parts of the nervous system. Includes links to other Internet resources, experiments and activities, and lists of books and articles. Visitors can sign up to receive a free “Neuroscience for Kids” e-mail newsletter. Hosted by a scientist at the University of Washington in Seattle.
Brainy Kids
This site features a large collection of links that explore a variety of science topics. The “Lab Links” section takes kids on a journey inside the brain for a closer look at its structure and function. The “Lesson Plans” section is geared toward students and teachers alike and contains resources for classroom activities. The site is hosted by the Dana Brain Alliance.
Bats, Brains, and Burying Grounds
A virtual visit to a “brain bank” that accepts donations of brains for scientific study after people die. From the Why Files, a large collection of online science features geared to students hosted by the graduate school of the University of Wisconsin at Madison.
What’s Happening to Grandpa?
by Maria Shriver
Maria Shriver’s children’s book is about a
grandparent with Alzheimer’s. A great resource
for explaining the disease to kids. $9.99
Know the facts! – Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association 2017 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report revealed new findings related to individuals living with Alzheimer’s in Illinois. For instance, an estimated 5.5 million Americans have Alzheimer’s in 2017, including the 220,000 in Illinois. Without a treatment, the report projects an 18.2 percent increase in that number by 2025. In Illinois alone, there were 3,266 deaths from Alzheimer’s in 2014 nearly a 12 percent increase from 2013.