Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s: What’s the difference and why it matters – Alzheimer’s – Optimum Senior Care – Chicago In Home Care – www.OptimumSeniorCare.com

All people with memory loss do not have dementia, and all people with dementia do not have Alzheimer’s disease. Understanding the difference between memory loss, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia is important in getting the right treatment and follow-up care. Join us for a live webinar on July 19 at 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. to learn what to do when your doctor suspects Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.

What Is A Webinar?

“Webinar” is short for “web-based seminar.”

The Alzheimer’s Association now offers these live, interactive programs conducted through the Internet. Participation is easy and is a great solution if you cannot easily attend a program in person. Instead, you attend via your computer, smart phone* or tablet*.

If you can open an email and click a link, you can join our webinars – it’s that easy!

We offer a variety of topics, professional speakers, and an opportunity to ask questions if you desire. Webinars are convenient and designed to meet the needs of busy caregivers and family members.

*With the Adobe Connect app installed on your mobile device. Available at Google Play & App Store.

Equipment You Need

You will need an internet connection AND a computer (PC or Mac) OR a mobile device with Adobe Connect app (Android or iOS).

How to Register & Join

Register online below by selecting the program(s) you are interested in. After registering, you will receive an email with a link to the webinar. On the day of the webinar, click on the link and launch the webinar.

Expert Speakers

Best-in-class experts who have extensive knowledge of the topic. All speakers are curated for their expertise.

Program Schedule

All Upcoming Programs

Mike Bius
Multimedia Education Manager, Alzheimer’s Association IL Chapter

Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s: What’s the Difference & Why it Matters

THU JUL 19, 2018

All people with memory loss do not have dementia, and all people with dementia do not have Alzheimer’s disease. Understanding the difference between memory loss, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia is important in getting the right treatment and follow-up care. Learn what to do when your doctor suspects Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.

REGISTER » 10-11 AM CST / 11-NOON EST

REGISTER » 1-2 PM CST / 2-3 PM EST

Becky Doiron
Manager of Education & Outreach, Alzheimer’s Association IL Chapter

Over & Over: How to Deal with Repetitive Actions & Questions in People with Dementia

WED JUL 25, 2018

Whether you’ve answered the same question a dozen times or find yourself unnerved at watching your loved one’s pacing, it can be difficult to deal with repetitive behaviors of dementia. Join us to find out some of the causes behind these behaviors and learn some strategies for dealing with them effectively.

REGISTER » 10-11 AM CST / 11-NOON EST

REGISTER » 1-2 PM CST / 2-3 PM EST

Our panel has experienced family caregivers, representing spouses & adult children

Caregivers Speak: I Wish I Knew Then What I Know Now!

WED AUG 8, 2018

If you care for a person with dementia, you know that there is always something new to learn. Whether your concern is how to best interact with the person, managing medical decisions, or learning how to take better care of yourself, you could probably use a coach! Join us to listen to experienced caregivers share their stories and wisdom.

REGISTER » 10-11 AM CST / 11-NOON EST

REGISTER » 1-2 PM CST / 2-3 PM EST

Kristen Jenkins, MPH
Information & Referral Mgr, Alzheimer’s Association Greater IN Chapter

Caregiver SOS: How to Get the Help You Need

THU SEP 20, 2018

What do you do as a caregiver when you feel like you are just treading water? There are resources available that are tailor-made to your situation, but you must know about them. This webinar will feature a presentation of some of the best ways you can get help quickly.

REGISTER » 10-10:45 AM CST / 11-11:45 AM EST

REGISTER » 12-12:45 PM CST / 1-1:45 PM EST

Dr. Stephanie van Ulft
Medical Dir, Sr Behavioral Health Services, Decatur Memorial Hospital

Prescription Medications for Dementia: Pros, Cons & Watchouts

WED SEP 26, 2018

What medications are currently available to treat Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias? Are the benefits worth the side effects? Learn from a physician how these medications are prescribed, how they work and what you can expect from them.

REGISTER » 11 AM-12 PM CST / 12 – 1 PM EST

REGISTER » 1-2 PM CST / 2-3 PM EST

View Past Webinars

Reducing the Risk of Alzheimer’s: Separating Fact from Fiction » Jun 6, 2018

DARREN GITELMAN, MD, FAAN
Senior Medical Director, Advocate Memory Center

Today, one in three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia. Can anything be done to reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, or to delay its onset? Dr. Darren Gitelman, a board-certified neurologist, will share the latest research on the management of risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Read more »

PROGRAM NOTES

Legal & Financial Considerations for Alzheimer’s disease: What You Need to Know Right Now » May 16, 2018

CLAIRE LEWIS
Elder Law Attorney – Indianapolis, IN

Families caring for someone with dementia often deal with a host of unknowns. Planning ahead can help to reduce those unknowns. In this webinar, we will learn about proactive steps to take in legal and financial planning from an experienced elder law attorney. Read more »

PROGRAM NOTES

Managing Multiple Medications with Dementia: How to Get the Most from Your Medications » Apr 3, 2018

DEMETRA ANTIMISIARIS
Associate Professor of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Louisville – Louisville, KY

Polypharmacy, or the use of multiple medications and supplements at the same time, is a special concern for people with dementia. Join us as we learn about balancing the benefits with the side-effects of medications commonly prescribed for people with dementia. Read more »

PROGRAM NOTES

Coping with Difficult Behaviors in Dementia: Strategies You Can Use Today » Mar 28, 2018

MARGARET M. BAUMANN, MD
Chief of Geriatric Medicine, Jesse Brown VA Medical Center – Chicago, IL

When a person with dementia experiences agitation, the resulting behaviors can be difficult to manage. While medications can provide benefits, there are effective non-pharmacological strategies that can be employed. Geriatrician Margaret Baumann, MD, will show us how making simple changes in how we relate to a person with dementia can make a world of difference in mitigating difficult behaviors. Read more »

PROGRAM NOTES

Researching Alzheimer’s Treatments: Where are We Now? » Feb 21, 2018

RAJ C. SHAH, MD
Associate Professor, Family Medicine & Rush Alzheimer’s, Disease Center Rush University Medical Center – Chicago, IL

Join us for a discussion with Dr. Raj Shah about the latest in Alzheimer’s research. We will learn about some of the many clinical studies that are being conducted to identify ways to reduce one’s risk for Alzheimer’s disease, to identify the causes of Alzheimer’s disease, and to find better treatments. Information will be shared on the importance of involvement in clinical studies, and how you can get involved. Read more »

PROGRAM NOTES

The Caregiver Balance Beam: Burnouts, Breakdowns & Bustle » Jan 16, 2018

CHRISTINE TURO-SHIELDS, ACSW, LCSW, LCAC
Co-owner of Kenosis Counseling Center, Inc

Achieving balance between caregiving and self-care can be a difficult process, but learning how to manage caregiver stress doesn’t have to be! Discover ways to approach stressful situations and become a more balanced caregiver, both for your loved one with dementia and for yourself. Read more »

PROGRAM NOTES

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Advocates, actress Harden take fight against Alzheimer’s to Capitol Hill – Optimum Senior Care – Chicago In Home Care – www.OptimumSeniorCare.com

On June 19, advocates donning purple sashes stormed Capitol Hill, urging legislators to make Alzheimer’s a national priority by delivering a clear message: “Alzheimer’s is the most expensive disease in America.” At a hearing held by the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, advocates gathered as actress and Alzheimer’s Association Champion Marcia Gay Harden testified on behalf of the more than 5 million Americans living with the disease, including her mother.

Advocates, actress Marcia Gay Harden take fight against Alzheimer’s to Capitol Hill

On June 19, more than 1,200 advocates donning purple sashes stormed Capitol Hill, urging legislators to make Alzheimer’s a national priority. After two days of preparation during the 2018 Alzheimer’s Association AIM Advocacy Forum, the advocates were ready for Hill Day armed with a clear message for lawmakers: “Alzheimer’s is the most expensive disease in America.”

In 2018, Alzheimer’s and other dementias will cost the nation $277 billion, and one in every five Medicare dollars is spent caring for someone with Alzheimer’s. By 2050, these costs could rise as high as $1.1 trillion. Advocates came to Washington, D.C., from all 50 states, including a 20-person delegation from Michigan, to meet with elected officials. A mix of newcomers and veterans, the group was eager to use their personal stories to advance the fight against Alzheimer’s.

“Alzheimer’s is not a political issue, it’s a human issue,” said Lauren Kovach of Brighton, Michigan, who lost her grandmother to the disease last year. “For those who say, ‘This doesn’t matter to me, this doesn’t affect me,’ that’s where we come in and share our stories. And we tell our stories as many times as we have to until people form some sort of connection to us.”

Kovach arrived at the meeting with Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), a leading ally of the Alzheimer’s cause, with an established relationship with the lawmaker from previous meetings. After 15 years of caring for her grandmother, Kovach and her mother were disappointed to find that “Chupe,” as their family lovingly called her, needed professional care at the end of her life. However, the hospice staff wasn’t properly trained to care for a person living with Alzheimer’s. Kovach and her mother instead resumed providing care on their own.

Stabenow is a co-sponsor of both the BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act, which would create a nationwide Alzheimer’s public health infrastructure, and the Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act (PCHETA), which is designed to ensure an adequate, well-trained palliative care workforce. With Stabenow firmly behind the cause, Bertha Bullen of Okemos, Michigan, who’s lost several family members to the disease, asked the senator to encourage her colleagues on both sides of the aisle to go purple. Also a supporter of a $425 million increase in Alzheimer’s research funding at the National Institutes of Health, Stabenow agreed to connect with her fellow legislators.

“We’re very focused on getting additional dollars,” Stabenow said. “We’ve just got to keep it going.”

The Michigan group also visited the office of Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.). Margaret O’Dell of Whitmore Lake, Michigan, whose father died from Alzheimer’s, emphasized the importance of early diagnosis and how it could save $31.8 billion by 2025. She encouraged Peters to co-sponsor the BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act; Peters was open to learning more and agreed to look into the bill.

Across the Hill, Toby Ward of Kalamazoo, Michigan, entered his meeting with the legislative director of Rep. Fred Upton (R-Mich.) prepared to share his story of losing his grandfather — the father figure in his life — to Alzheimer’s. Ward ended up engaging in an impromptu discussion with Upton about Alzheimer’s prior to meeting with the staff member. In the meeting, Ward learned that Upton plans to co-sponsor PCHETA.

“It’s exciting and it’s empowering,” Ward said. “There’s so much work that goes into advocating for this cause, so to be listened to and to support something that I’m passionate about is an amazing feeling.”

Panelists encourage BOLD action at Senate hearing

A packed room of Alzheimer’s advocates were eager to hear testimony in front of the Senate Special Committee on Aging during a June 19 afternoon hearing titled “Changing the Trajectory of Alzheimer’s: Reducing Risk, Detecting Early Symptoms, and Improving Data.”

In her opening remarks, Chairwoman Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) introduced public health as a tool to help address the Alzheimer’s crisis.

“While we may all be familiar with the role of public health in protecting against communicable diseases, advancements in public health are beginning to change the story for certain chronic diseases, too. For breast cancer, early detection and screening save lives. The earlier cancer is caught, the better the prognosis,” Collins said. “We are here today to explore how we can tap into public health to rewrite the future of Alzheimer’s disease, just as we have done for so many diseases in the past.”

The Alzheimer’s community is working to leverage public health through the BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act. Co-sponsored by Collins and Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), who is also a member of the committee, the BOLD Act had 124 cosponsors in the House and 35 in the Senate prior to Hill Day, a point Collins mentioned during the hearing.

“The BOLD Act has 35 sponsors,” she said, “but I know by the time the members of this audience are done with their Hill visits, we will be up to 50! Or better yet, 60!”

Ranking Member Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) addressed the broad impact Alzheimer’s has on people across the country.

“We need to improve our ability to diagnose the disease early so we can slow its progression,” Casey said. “We need to also make sure individuals and families don’t just get a diagnosis, but also get the support they need to deal with the disease. And we need to make sure that no communities are left out of these efforts.”

After a brief recess, Collins and Casey were joined by Cortez Masto and Sens. Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Doug Jones (D-Ala.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.).

Academy and Tony Award-winning actress and Alzheimer’s Association Celebrity Champion Marcia Gay Harden testified about the struggles her family is facing as they lose her mother to Alzheimer’s.

“For my mother, there is only the present, with no connection to her past, without the rich tapestry of her life to tell her story,” Harden said. “No dimension, just dementia. I see her concentrate, I see her try to speak the right words, I see her try to connect the memory to words and through it all, I see her eyes smile, but it seems to me the smile is a little bit wounded these days. We don’t know what the future holds, and we are scared,”

Harden encouraged support of the BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act to help families like hers.

“It is imperative that we as a country invest in a nationwide Alzheimer’s public health response to achieve a higher quality of life for those living with the disease and their caregivers,” she said.

Panelists who joined Harden in sharing their experience and knowledge of the disease included Lisa McGuire, Ph.D., lead of the Alzheimer’s Disease and Healthy Aging Program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Teresa Osborne, secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Aging; Gareth Howell, Ph.D., associate professor at The Jackson Laboratory; and Cheryll Woods-Flowers, a family caregiver and Alzheimer’s Impact Movement advocate.

Woods-Flowers’ father passed away in February after living with the disease for 16 years. Despite the pain and hardship that her family faced, Woods-Flowers feels grateful her father was diagnosed early, and hopes other families can have the same experience with the help of the BOLD Act.

“When people are diagnosed early in the disease, they have time to work with their family and physician to engage in care planning, talk through financial decisions and discuss support services,” she said. “My dad’s early diagnosis gave us that time to talk through decisions, start interventions like medications to mitigate symptoms and gave him a better quality of life because we knew what we were up against. There needs to be a greater nationwide public health effort and infrastructure in order to increase early detection and diagnosis.”

Collins closed the hearing with an exciting announcement: After the efforts of advocates throughout the day, the total number of sponsors for BOLD had grown to 40 in the Senate and 133 in the House.

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Celebrating life this Longest Day – Alzheimer’s – Optimum Senior Care – Chicago In Home Care – www.OptimumSeniorCare.com

For those facing Alzheimer’s, every day can feel like the longest. The Longest Day honors those affected by this disease and allows participants to use their hobbies to raise critical funds and create awareness. Chicago native, Jodi Arndt, shares her story of what she is doing for The Longest Day and why raising funds is important to her.

Growing up, our pantry was always stocked with Lucky Charms, Cheetos, and Matt’s Chocolate Chip Cookies, that my friends, siblings and I would dive into while discussing the day with my mom, Rosie. The kitchen table was a game of musical chairs depending on which Arndt kid had friends coming over as Rosie would usher her six kids and their friends in and out, being the fiercest Memory-Maker we knew.

Our house on 1202 was a hub for neighborhood kids, our school friends, and Mom’s annual Arndt Holiday Open House. She spent months planning the annual holiday party, preparing for a packed house and sending out the invites. We would pitch in to get the house ready for the festivities – whether it was helping our Dad, Joe, vacuum up minuscule crumbs five minutes before the guests arrived or helping Mom pass around hot dog roll ups. We enjoyed inviting the people we love into our home to celebrate, to be together, to have some drinks, and to make memories. Mom was truly the maker of memories.

It’s ironic that Alzheimer’s has erased all the memories she so purposefully and diligently worked to cultivate and create for us all. As the plaque tangles invaded and reached further into her brain, our Dad became the chief “memory-maker” with help from all of us. Things change – with Alzheimer’s roles change, but the need to feel love, to celebrate life, and be amongst friends and family, was the basis of what we all needed.

Alzheimer’s does not only steal memories from those affected, but can also isolate and stress the caregiver too. The Arndt kids have lost not only our beloved Rosie to this disease, but our father, became one of the thousands of caregivers to die suddenly and unexpectedly just last year–likely due to the stress that comes with caregiving.

For the Longest Day this year, we kids are going to honor both our parents during Rosie Posies’ Longest Happy Hour. For the event, we want to invite all of those that we love to celebrate life and honor all those affected by Alzheimer’s. From selling Dad’s golf balls at a lemonade stand, to a photo booth and face painting-we are channeling our inner Rosie and are excited to make memories with everyone who attends.

As Rosie would say, “Everything in moderation, kids, one water for every beer!” We know, Mom. We know.

We hope you will celebrate The Longest Day with us.

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Advocates unite in our nation’s capital for 30th Advocacy Forum – Alzheimer’s – Optimum Senior Care – Chicago In Home CareAdvocates unite in our nation’s capital for 30th Advocacy Forum – Alzheimer’s – Optimum Senior Care – Chicago In Home Care – www.OptimumSeniorCare.com

More than 1,200 energized advocates converged on Washington, D.C., this week for the 2018 Alzheimer’s Association AIM Advocacy Forum. Keynote speaker Dr. Francis Collins, M.D., Ph.D., director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), provided an overview of research advancements and encouraged advocates as they prepared for meetings with lawmakers. At the National Alzheimer’s Dinner, advocates celebrated victories from the past year and honored outstanding Alzheimer’s heroes.

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Help us tackle Alzheimer’s – Alzheimer’s – Optimum Senior Care – Chicago In Home Care – www.OptimumSeniorCare.com

Join us for the 2018 RivALZ Blondes vs. Brunettes flag football game, which will take place on Saturday, July 14 at 2 p.m. In its 10th anniversary season, this event continues to thrive within the city of Chicago – uniting dedicated players and coaches as one in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. Team Captains Rachel Lutz and Courtney Wonneberg shared their stories and why participating in RivALZ is critical to raising awareness.

It is estimated that there are more than 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease. According to the Alzheimer’s Association 2018 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures, Alzheimer’s disease disproportionately affects females.

In 2005, in an effort to address these concerns, a group of dedicated women in Washington D.C. organized a flag football event to raise awareness and funds in hopes of finding a cure. Blondes vs. Brunettes^®, which eventually grew into RivALZ, was formed. Since its inception, Blondes vs. Brunettes has expanded to more than 50 cities across the country and has raised over $9 million for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.

In 2009, Blondes vs. Brunettes touched down at the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter, where passionate and spirited community leaders from around the state came together in support of the Association’s mission. In addition to the players, both men and women joined as coaches, fans, and even cheerleaders.

In its 10th Anniversary season, RivALZ Blondes vs. Brunettes continues to thrive within the city of Chicago. Last year alone, the event raised over $57,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association.

Join us for this year’s event, which will take place on Saturday July 14 at 2:00 p.m.

For more information contact Rebekah Marquez at 847.779.6973 or rmarquez@alz.org, or visit act.alz.org/bvbchicago18.

Team Captain
Quarterback
Blondes Team
Team Captain
Middle Linebacker / Wide Receiver
Brunette Team

RACHEL LUTZ
COURTNEY WONNEBERG

How many years have you been involved with RivALZ?
Three years in Columbus Ohio before moving to Chicago. Since I have been living in Chicago, this will be my fifth game.
How did you become involved with RivALZ?
My grandpa passed away from complications relating to dementia. Soon after I found the Alzheimer’s Association and began participating in an Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s fundraiser to raise critical awareness and funds. However, I wanted to find a slightly more active way of getting involved that’s when I found Blondes vs. Brunettes.
What do you do to prepare for the big game?
Practices are the best way to prepare, but the social events are vital for getting to know your teammates.
Why should others get involved in RivALZ?
It is a great way to meet people with similar interests – I have made some lifelong friends all while raising money for a great cause.
How many years have you been involved with RivALZ?
This upcoming year will be year 10. I take great pride in being one of the few remaining participants that have been with the organization from the inception in Chicago.
How did you become involved with RivALZ?
I actually found it on Facebook after one of my friends had clicked on the link – the power of social media. My grandmother suffered from Alzheimer’s and it was beyond devastating to witness. I knew I wanted to get more involved within the community/the cause.
What do you do to prepare for the big game?
Spend a ton of time on and off the field not only my with teammates, but the amazing support system we have in Chicago. Preparing physically and practicing as a team is crucial to our success, however, we also enjoy having fun off the field together.
Why should others get involved in RivALZ?
RivALZ is an amazing way to make new friends AND challenge yourself. I cannot imagine how different my life would be over these past 10 years without my involvement. I have lived with other players, attended weddings and even celebrated births with other participants. The bonds of friendship continue after the season ends and we are off the field. Those perks are just in addition to us having the opportunity to promote the Alzheimer’s Association’s’ mission of spreading education, resources and support to those families coping with the disease.

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