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.”

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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Unforgettable Art tickets on sale now

Join us Saturday, April 23 for a truly unique experience…Unforgettable Art. You’ll enjoy hors d’oeuvres, drinks and music while watching 50 talented artists convert blank canvases into works of art. The evening concludes with a live auction of all artwork.

About Unforgettable Art

During this unique event guest enjoy hors d’oeuvres, drinks and music while they watch 50 talented artists convert blank canvases into works of art. The evening concludes with a live auction of all artwork.

Unforgettable Art benefits the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter. Support from this event allows us to further our mission of funding research, proving programs, support services and education to Alzheimer’s patients, families and caregivers.

Please follow us on Facebook for additional event information.
Visit John Lambert’s photography to view pictures from past events.

About our Chapter

The Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter serves 68 counties in Illinois with offices in Bloomington, Carbondale, Chicago, Joliet, Rockford and Springfield. Since 1980, the Chapter has provided reliable information and care consultation; created supportive services for families; increased funding for dementia research; and influenced public policy changes. Learn more

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Alzheimer’s disease caregivers also have to take care of themselves

As a caregiver for a person living with Alzheimer’s, you may find yourself with so many responsibilities that you neglect taking good care of yourself. But the best thing you can do for the person you are caring for is stay physically and emotionally strong.

As a caregiver, you may find yourself with so many responsibilities that you neglect taking good care of yourself. But the best thing you can do for the person you are caring for is stay physically and emotionally strong. Here’s how:

• See the doctor
• Get moving
• Eat well
• Tips to help you cope

See the doctor

Trying to do everything by yourself will leave you exhausted. Don’t do it alone. Seek support from family, friends, your faith community and the Alzheimer’s Association.
Find your local chapter.

Be sure to visit your physician regularly (at least annually), and listen to what your body is telling you. Any exhaustion, stress, sleeplessness, or changes in appetite or behavior should be taken seriously. Ignoring these symptoms can cause your physical and mental health to decline.

If you are caring for someone in the late-stages of Alzheimer’s, talk to your health care provider about the seasonal flu shot. Being vaccinated protects both you and the person you are caring for.

LEARN MORE:
Caregiver DepressionStress ManagementLate-State Care: Infections

Get moving

No doubt you know that exercise is an important part of staying healthy — it can help relieve stress, prevent disease and make you feel good. But finding the time to exercise is another story.

Use these tips:

• Take friends and family members up on their offers to help.
  You can get in a good workout in a short amount of time — even a 30 minute break. Use our Care Team Calendar to help coordinate a schedule where you have breaks to exercise and take care of your health.
• Start small.
  While it is recommended that you get 30 minutes of physical activity at least five days a week, even 10 minutes a day can help. Fit in what you can, and work toward a goal.

• Use our Care Team Calendar.Our free online calendar helps coordinate friends, family and neighbors that offer to help with caregiving. Learn more.

  Exercise at home.
  When the person with dementia naps, pull out a yoga mat and stretch, set up a stationary bike, or try exercise tapes.

• Find something you love.
  If you enjoy the activity, it will be easier to make it a habit.

There also are many ways you can be active with the person with dementia. Here are a few ideas:

• Take a walk together outside to enjoy the fresh air
• Go to the mall and take a stroll indoors
• Do seated exercises at home
• Dance together to favorite music
• Garden or do other routine activities that you both enjoy

Eat well

Heart-healthy eating patterns, such as the Mediterranean diet, are good for overall health and may help protect the brain. A Mediterranean diet includes relatively little red meat and emphasizes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, olive oil and other healthy fats. Try new recipes and involve the person with dementia.

Need ideas on how to go healthy?
Try these resources:

• Nutrition: Tips for Improving Your Health (American Academy of Family Physicians)
• Eat Right Nutrition Tips (Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
• Healthy Breakfast: Quick, Flexible Options to Grab at Home (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)

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Five tips to help you cope

Caregiver Stress Check

Alzheimer caregivers frequently report high levels of stress. Take our quiz and get resources to help.

• Manage your level of stress.
  Consider how stress affects your body (stomach aches, high blood pressure) — and your emotions (overeating, irritability). Find ways to relax. Learn more.
• Be realistic.
  The care you give does make a difference, but many behaviors can’t be controlled. Grieve the losses, focus on positive times as they arise, and enjoy good memories.
• Give yourself credit, not guilt.
  It’s normal to lose patience or feel like your care may fall short sometimes. You’re doing the best you can. For support and encouragement, join ALZConnected, our online caregiver community.
• Take a break.
  It’s normal to need a break from caregiving duties. No one can do it all by themselves. Look into respite care to allow time to take care of yourself.
• Accept changes.
  Eventually your loved one will need more intensive kinds of care. Research care options now so you are ready for the changes as they occur.

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There are many factors to weigh when buying a computer, but the first one is to decide what kind of tasks you plan on doing with your computer.

If you’re buying a new computer (or even your first one), how do you decide? The first priority is to figure out what you need or want: a place to check email and your Facebook page or to play games? Or do you require something more serious, a place to write your blog or edit your photos? Your answer will dictate whether you need a more powerful desktop computer or a smaller and more portable laptop.

You may already know whether you prefer an Apple or Windows operating system (think of it as the mastermind behind your computer). Windows is available with various computer brands, while Apple uses its own system. Apple computers are generally more expensive, though most computer pros consider them to be the best.

Desktop or Laptop?

When deciding between a desktop or laptop, there are several factors to consider. Desktops are bigger and generally have more power and storage, so they are better for complex tasks, such as photo editing or playing games. The separate monitor (display screen) can be as big as you want because you don’t have to carry it around. Though larger, desktops are less expensive than laptops because it costs more to make smaller components. With a desktop, you can change out the parts when new technology comes along, which is not possible with laptops.

Because of its smaller size, a laptop computer is more portable, with a built-in keyboard, mouse and monitor, and its functions are more limited than with a desktop. If you don’t need much more than an Internet browser or word processor, a laptop would do the job. Keep in mind that a laptop uses built-in, rechargeable battery power when you are not plugged in to an electrical outlet. When choosing a laptop, consider the battery life, as different models boast varying battery power.

One popular type of laptop is the tablet, such as Apple’s iPad, which is smaller and even more portable than a traditional laptop. A tablet will let you check your email, get on the Internet, watch movies, listen to music, read e-books and take photos. Typically, instead of a keyboard, tablets use a touch screen, which allows only for simple tasks. They have less power than a laptop, so you can’t do all the things you would do on a laptop or desktop, such as data entry or photo and video editing. Tablets have a smaller storage space than laptops (16 to 128 gigabytes [GB] compared to 500 GB or more for a laptop). However, tablets are generally more affordable and have a longer battery life. Older adults, especially those who don’t use their computers for complex tasks, find the tablets more user-friendly and like the portable option.

Nuts and Bolts

When deciding between individual computers, check out the numbers:

Storage. All your data—photos, music, programs, documents—are stored on your computer’s hard drive, so the more data you have, the bigger the hard drive you’ll need. Average users need about 500 GB.

Memory/RAM. Temporary information is stored on your computer’s RAM, so if you have a lot of programs running, a sufficient amount of RAM will keep your computer humming along without crashing or slowing down. RAM is measured in GB, so the more storage you have, the faster your computer will be.

Processor. This is the brains of the computer and is measured in gigahertz (GHz). So, the bigger the number of GHz, the more data the computer can process in a shorter amount of time.

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