Free live webinars in September

We know you are busy and may not always be able to attend education programs in a classroom setting, so we are now offering webinars – live interactive programs conducted through the internet. These convenient programs are designed to meet the needs of the busy caregiver.

The Alzheimer’s Association is pleased to announce its schedule of free live webinars. Offered at various times throughout the day, the topics range from general awareness to specific caregiving strategies. Webinars are recorded and available to those who are unable to attend. Join us for one, or all!

Watch Past Webinars

? Upcoming Webinars (view description & register)

How to use simple physical activities to benefit people with dementia
Tuesday | September 13, 2016 | 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. or 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.

Improving cognition: How to use the senses for people with dementia
Wednesday | September 21, 2016 | 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. or 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.

Why are evenings so difficult? Sundowning & Alzheimer’s disease
Thursday | October 13, 2016 | 2:00 – 2:45 p.m. or 7:00 – 7:45 p.m.

Diagnosing Alzheimer’s: How to prepare for the appointment
Tuesday | October 25, 2016 | 10:00 – 10:30 a.m or 2:00 – 2:30 p.m.

Red wine, vitamins and Alzheimer’s: Do they work?
Wednesday | November 16, 2016 | 10:00 – 10:45 a.m.

Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s: What’s the difference & why it matters
Thursday | December 15, 2016 | 10:00 – 11:00 a.m or 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.

? Watch Past Webinars

Alzheimer’s in the African-American Community: What you need to know

Alzheimer’s medications: What they are and what they do

Brain workout

Caregiver burnout: What to do when you have nothing left to give

Caregivers speak: I wish I knew then what I know now

Gadgets, gizmos and technology to make Alzheimer’s care safer and less stressful

How anyone can use art to help a person with Alzheimer’s

How you can use music to help a person with Alzheimer’s

Learning to connect: Relating to the person with Alzheimer’s

Paying for Alzheimer’s care: Resources to provide relief

Veterans – Your Service, Your Health, Our Focus

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Comedy legend Wilder dies from Alzheimer’s disease

Gene Wilder, star of iconic films such as “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” and “Young Frankenstein,” has died at the age of 83 due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease. His family said Wilder had been ill for an undisclosed period of time but opted to keep his condition private.

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Illinois Representative on National Advisory Council

More than 5 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s and those in the early stages play an active role in the fight against the disease. The Alzheimer’s Association is pleased to welcome 10 new members, including Illinois resident Tom Oestreicher to this year’s National Early-Stage Advisory Group.

More than 5 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s and those in the early stages play an active role in the fight against the disease. The Alzheimer’s Association is pleased to welcome 10 new members, including Illinois resident Tom Oestreicher to this year’s National Early-Stage Advisory Group.

Tom has represented the GIC extensively, including at events like Reason to Hope and the Illinois Action Summit in Springfield. Tom was chosen from 56 applicants across the country to be a part of the group, whose primary goal is to raise awareness and help reduce the stigma associated with Alzheimer’s by sharing their personal stories and experiences. They also advocate for increased research funding and provide input to the Association about programs and materials designed to meet the growing needs of early-stage individuals. Congratulations Tom!

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Plan plenty of time when dressing or grooming someone with Alzheimer’s or another dementia

Helping a person with dementia maintain his or her appearance can promote positive self-esteem. While these tasks may become frustrating for a person with Alzheimer’s in the later stages of the disease, planning can help simplify the process.

Helping a person with dementia maintain his or her appearance can promote positive self-esteem.While these tasks may become frustrating for a person with Alzheimer’s in the later stages of the disease, the tips below can help simplify the process.Sign up for our e-newsletter to receive more tips on a variety of caregiving topics.

• Dressing
• Grooming

Dressing

Plan plenty of time when dressing or grooming someone with Alzheimer’s. Rushing the person can cause anxiety and frustration.

As the disease progresses beyond the early stages, choosing and putting on clothes can be frustrating for the person with dementia. The person may not remember how to dress or may be overwhelmed with the choices or the task itself.

To assist:

• Simplify choices.
  Keep the closets free of excess clothing. A person may panic if clothing choices become overwhelming. If appropriate, give the person an opportunity to select favorite outfits or colors, but try offering just two choices.
• Organize the process.
  Lay out clothing in the order that each item should be put on. Hand the person one item at a time while giving simple, direct instructions such as “Put on your shirt,” rather than “Get dressed.”
• Pick comfortable and simple clothing.
  Cardigans, shirts and blouses that button in front are easier to work than pullover tops. Substitute Velcro^® for buttons, snaps or zippers, which may be too difficult to handle. Make sure that clothing is loose fitting, especially at the waist and hips, and choose fabrics that are soft and stretchable.
• Choose comfortable shoes.
  Make sure the person has comfortable, non-slip shoes.
• Be flexible.
  If the individual wants to wear the same outfit repeatedly, buy duplicates or have similar options available. Keep in mind that it is important for the individual to maintain good personal hygiene, including wearing clean undergarments, as poor hygiene may lead to urinary tract or other infections that further complicate care.
  It’s all right if the person wants to wear several layers of clothing, just make sure he or she doesn’t get overheated. When outdoors, make sure the person is dressed for the weather. Offer praise, not criticism, if clothing is mismatched.

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Grooming

A person with dementia may forget how to comb hair, clip fingernails or shave. He or she may forget what the purpose is for items like nail clippers or a comb.

To assist:

• Maintain grooming routines.
  If the person has always gone to the beauty shop or a barber, continue this activity. If the experience becomes distressing, it may be possible to have the barber or hairstylist come to the person’s home.
• Use favorite toiletries.
  Allow the person to continue using his or her favorite toothpaste, shaving cream, cologne or makeup.
• Perform tasks alongside the person.
  Comb your hair, and encourage the person to copy your motions.
• Use safer, simpler grooming tools.
  Cardboard nail files and electric shavers can be less threatening than clippers and razors.

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2016 Annual Research Symposium – Early bird prices ending August 31

Join us on ?Tuesday, ?October 11 at the Chicago Botanic Garden? for our Annual Research Symposium. You will ??gain knowledge and insights on Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related research topics? plus? ?increase your ?awareness and enhance your skill sets?. A special focus ?will be given ?on translating research into care. Register now to take advantage of early bird prices.

Join us at Chicago Botanic Garden!

Gain knowledge and insights on Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related research topics designed to increase awareness and enhance skill sets, with a special focus on translating research into care.

Where is it?
This year’s Symposium is being held at the Chicago Botanic Garden, located in the heart of the North Shore and convenient to downtown Chicago. The Garden provides attendees a serene setting with peaceful lakes and native woodlands.

Who should attend?
Split into tracks, the symposium is designed for:

• Attendee with early dementia or MCI
• Family, friend, or care partner of person with dementia
• Professional I (caregiver, direct care staff, administrator, non CEU/CME/CCMC)
• Professional II (health and allied health professional with CEU/CME, or case manager (CCMC))

Continuing Medical Education (CME) and Continuing Education Units (CEU) will be provided for healthcare professionals.

Receive early bird prices by registering online or over the phone 847-933-2413 today!

Featured Family Session Speaker

Beverly Sanborn, MS, LCSW

Gerontologist
Vice President, Program Development Belmont Village Senior Living

Featured Keynote Speakers

Alireza Atri, M.D., Ph.D.

Ray Dolby Endowed Chair in Brain Health Research
California Pacific Medical Center

Dean Hartley, Ph.D.

Director of Science Initiatives
Medical and Scientific Relations
Alzheimer’s Association

New – Free Expo!

Attendees

New this year – visit the free public expo featuring vendors and consultants who provide dementia-related services and education.

Sponsors/Exhibitors

Directly engage with symposium attendees, healthcare providers, physicians, families and care partners to showcase your research, business, products or services. New this year – we are opening the Expo to the general public at no cost. View and sign up for available sponsorships and exhibiting opportunities.

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