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This Symposium is designed for clinicians, researchers, patients, families and caregivers and professionals in the areas of healthcare, wellness and aging.
World-class researchers have been invited to the conference as our keynote speakers to discuss local, national, and global research with a special focus on translating research into care. Topics include the latest advancements and best practices in genetics, diagnostics, nutrition, exercise and lifestyle, therapeutics, and much more.

The Alzheimer’s Association is committed to accelerating the global effort to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease. We are the largest, private nonprofit funder of Alzheimer’s research. We believe in the value of collaboration and are willing to imagine a time when we will have disease-modifying treatments, preventive strategies and gold-standard care for all people affected by Alzheimer’s disease.

The Greater Illinois Chapter is fortunate to have a number of the nation’s foremost Alzheimer’s research facilities within its territory. We have worked collaboratively with this talented and dedicated research community in order to plan and educate participants of the Symposium about the latest advances in Alzheimer research.

About the Symposium:
This full-day Symposium will focus on Alzheimer’s research, the leading role of the Alzheimer’s Association in dementia-related research, and the importance of participation in clinical studies. World-class researchers have been invited to the conference as our keynote speakers to discuss local, national, and global research with a special focus on translating research into care. The Greater Illinois Chapter’s Research Engagement Committee has developed topic specific educational sessions on the latest advancements and best practices in genetics, diagnostics, nutrition, exercise and lifestyle, therapeutics, and interventions in caring for an individual with Alzheimer’s. Four continuing education credits/clock hours will be provided for health care professionals.

For more information contact Terrianne Reynolds at 847.324.0371 email treynolds@alz.org or contact Heidi Johnson at 847.324.0393 email hjohnson@alz.org or Trinette Caldwell at 847.933.2413 email tcaldwell@alz.org

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Lawyer walks to end Alzheimer’s in honor of his wife

Of the more than 5 million people in the United States living with Alzheimer’s, about 200,000 have the younger-onset form of the disease. Some of the individuals are diagnosed in their 30s, 40s or 50s. Bruce Friedman’s wife, Melinda, was one of them, and he participates in Walk to End Alzheimer’s® to honor her.

Of the 5 million people in this country living with Alzheimer’s, about 200,000 have younger-onset/early-onset Alzheimer’s. It is not an “old person’s” disease. Some people are diagnosed in their 30s, 40s or 50s. One of them was my wife – my sweet Melinda.

Melinda is the reason I Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

Melinda was once a trial lawyer, a scratch baker, an excellent cook, needlepointer, crafter and seamstress. These talents, along with her incredible intellect, engaging smile, laughter and her love for her family made her a wonderful mother and wife.

In 2010, Melinda was diagnosed with younger-onset Alzheimer’s at the age of 54. We were shocked and frightened.  For whatever reason – which I cannot explain but am thankful for – Melinda did not seem to dwell on her diagnosis. She remained cheerful in the face of the disease.

Melinda was in an adult day center four days per week between April and August of 2014 so that I could continue to work to support our family and retain our health insurance coverage. On September 2, 2014, I made the hardest decision of my life, determining that she needed to be placed in a long-term memory care facility.

Younger-onset Alzheimer’s is life-shattering. Younger families have children who see the progression of the disease, and therefore experience the ongoing loss of a parent. Breadwinners in the prime of their careers struck with the disease become unable to work, and if they haven’t worked long enough, they won’t be entitled to disability benefits. Families in the prime of their lives are destroyed by a disease that never takes a day off.

I Walk with the hope that other families will not have this fate.

The impact on our sons Matt and Ben is impossible to measure. Despite the loss of the mother they once knew, they adapted, rallying to help both her and I deal with the day-to-day challenges we faced.  Thankfully, this has not impacted their education. Matt graduated with the highest honors and found employment with a Big Four CPA firm.  Ben is succeeding at the School of Engineering at Mizzou.  I hope they are able to take away from this journey the love, patience and devotion I have tried to give to their mom and that their experiences will make them better people, as I know mine has made me a better husband, father and person.

I Walk in memory of Melinda.

My sweet Melinda passed away on January 14, 2015. I miss her terribly. I believe she is free from this insidious disease that shows no mercy, and that she is now at peace.

Since Melinda’s diagnosis in 2010, I have immersed myself in Alzheimer’s science and research, attending symposia featuring eminent scientists and physicians whose mission is to find the cause and, ultimately, the cure for this dreaded disease.

Melinda’s Memory Warriors Walk to raise money for research and a cure.

There is an oncoming avalanche facing our society. Of the top 10 causes of death in this country, only Alzheimer’s cannot be prevented, cured or slowed. The thought of losing one’s memory and ultimately one’s dignity is frightening. By participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, we are letting the world know that now is the time to increase the awareness of a disease that will cost our government trillions of dollars in the coming decades if a treatment or cure is not found.

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Chapter receives grant to further program offerings

The Greater Illinois Chapter recently received a $10,000 grant from The Elizabeth Morse Charitable Trust to support its Cultural Partnership Program. The grant will provide general program support for the Chapter’s community engagement efforts in regard to work it is doing with Chicago-area organizations who serve diverse groups.

The Greater Illinois Chapter recently received a $10,000 grant from The Elizabeth Morse Charitable Trust to support its Cultural Partnership Program. The grant will provide general program support for the Chapter’s community engagement efforts in regard to work it is doing with Chicago-area organizations who serve diverse groups.
“The Trust’s grant will make it possible to assist diverse communities in becoming Alzheimer’s aware, Alzheimer’s prepared and Alzheimer’s competent in order to assist their own constituents in dealing with the growing numbers of those with the disease,” said Erna Colborn, CEO and President of the Greater Illinois Chapter.
The Chapter applies for and receives grants from a variety of foundations. Grant awards support Chapter programs or provide overall operating support. If you have questions/comments about Chapter grants, please contact Monica DiVerde at mdiverde@alz.org or 847.324.0369. –

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Man with younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease chooses to live in the present

Doctors diagnosed Sandy Halperin with younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease in 2010, though he traces his symptoms back to 2008. Five years after his diagnosis, Halperin, a former Alzheimer’s Association National Early-Stage Advisor, says he’s learning to live with whatever state his memory is in during a particular day.

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Get the emotional support you need – Alzheimer’s Association – Greater Illinois Chapter

A support group is a regularly scheduled in-person or virtual gathering of people with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia, family, friends or caregivers who interact around issues relating to dementia. Groups are facilitated by individuals who have received training from the Alzheimer’s Association.
We have over 90 support groups in the Greater Illinois Chapter area, at various times and locations. Check to see if there is a group close to you that fits your needs.

Get the emotional support you need

A support group is a regularly scheduled in-person or virtual gathering of people with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia, family, friends or caregivers who interact around issues relating to dementia. Groups can have social,
educational and/or support components and are facilitated by individuals who have received training from the Alzheimer’s Association. This information is provided as a resource but is
not intended as an endorsement of any one product or provider.
We have over 90 support groups in the Greater Illinois Chapter area, at various times and locations. Check to see if there is a group close to you that fits your needs. If you prefer, call our
24-hour Helpline – 800.272.3900

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