Join us for the 11th annual Unforgettable Art: An Affair for Alzheimer’s

The Alzheimer’s Association Greater, Illinois Chapter invites you to our 11th annual Unforgettable Art: An Affair for Alzheimer’s on May 3 at Lou Bachrodt Auto Mall in Rockford. During this unique event guests 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. Purchase your tickets today!

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Research shows that type 2 diabetes may shrink the brain

People with type 2 diabetes may lose more brain volume than is expected as they age, a new study suggests. Researchers said there may be two ways diabetes affects the brain: damage to blood vessels and brain-cell degeneration. The additional damage seen in the brains of study participants may be more like a disorder such as Alzheimer’s. The researchers cautioned that they don’t yet know if diabetes causes the brain shrinkage and if treating diabetes will prevent or slow it.

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Alzheimer’s Association seeks volunteers for
Forget Me Not Days
The Alzheimer’s Association® Greater Illinois Chapter is currently seeking volunteers to participate in the 12th annual Bankers Life and Casualty Company’s Forget Me Not Days Friday, May 16 and Saturday, May 17.
Established in 2003 by the national life and health insurer Bankers Life and Casualty Company, Forget Me Not Days benefits Alzheimer’s Association chapters nationwide. This fundraiser will bring volunteers as well as Bankers agents and employees to streets and storefronts as a way to raise awareness of and funds for Alzheimer’s disease. Bankers has helped raise more than $3.3 million for the Alzheimer’s Association through Forget Me Not Days as well as through corporate donations.
Volunteers will work with their local Alzheimer’s Association office to learn where they will be stationed, receiving gardening aprons and canisters to collect donations on the day of the event. In exchange for donations, volunteers will hand out specially marked packets of Forget-Me-Not flower seeds, courtesy of Bankers Life. Seed packets list the Association’s 24/7 toll-free Helpline, 800.272.3900, as well as its website. One hundred percent of donations will support Alzheimer’s care, support and research.
We need your help to fight Alzheimer’s, the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.
Click here to learn more or sign up as a volunteer.

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Reducing stress can help those caring for someone with Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s disease caregivers frequently report experiencing high levels of stress. It can be overwhelming to take care of a loved one with Alzheimer’s or other dementia, but too much stress can be harmful to both of you. Our resources can help you avoid burnout.

Alzheimer’s caregivers frequently report experiencing high levels of stress. It can be overwhelming to take care of a loved one with Alzheimer’s or other dementia, but too much stress can be harmful to both of you. Read on to learn symptoms and ways to avoid burnout.

• 10 symptoms of caregiver stress
• Tips to manage stress

10 symptoms of caregiver stress

Caregiver Stress Check

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

1. Denial about the disease and its effect on the person who has been diagnosed.
   I know Mom is going to get better.
2. Anger at the person with Alzheimer’s, anger that no cure exists or anger that people don’t understand what’s happening.
   If he asks me that one more time I’ll scream!
3. Social withdrawal from friends and activities that once brought pleasure.
   I don’t care about getting together with the neighbors anymore.
4. Anxiety about the future.
   What happens when he needs more care than I can provide?
5. Depression that begins to break your spirit and affects your ability to cope.
   I don’t care anymore.
6. Exhaustion that makes it nearly impossible to complete necessary daily tasks.
   I’m too tired for this.
7. Sleeplessness caused by a never-ending list of concerns.
   What if she wanders out of the house or falls and hurts herself?
8. Irritability that leads to moodiness and triggers negative responses and actions.
   Leave me alone!
9. Lack of concentration that makes it difficult to perform familiar tasks.
   I was so busy, I forgot we had an appointment.
10. Health problems that begin to take a mental and physical toll.
    I can’t remember the last time I felt good.

If you experience any of these signs of stress on a regular basis, make time to talk to your doctor.

We Can Help

If you are feeling stressed, get support from family, friends and the resources below:

• Call our 24/7 Helpline: 800.272.3900
• Locate a support group in your community
• Visit our message boards

Tips to manage stress

If you experience signs of stress on a regular basis, consult your doctor. Ignoring symptoms can cause your physical and mental health to decline.

• Know what resources are available.
  Adult day programs, in-home assistance, visiting nurses and meal delivery are just some of the services that can help you manage daily tasks. Use our online Community Resource Finder or contact your local Alzheimer’s Association chapter for assistance in finding Alzheimer’s care resources in your community. Use Alzheimer’s Navigator, our free online tool that helps evaluate your needs, identify action steps and connect with local programs and services.
• Get help.
  Trying to do everything by yourself will leave you exhausted. Seek the support of family, friends and caregivers going through similiar experiences. Tell others exactly what they can do to help. The Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900), online message boards and local support groups are good sources of comfort and reassurance.
• Use relaxation techniques.
  There are several simple relaxation techniques that can help relieve stress. Try more than one to find which works best for you. Techniques include:
  • Visualization (mentally picturing a place or situation that is peaceful and calm)
  • Meditation (which can be as simple as dedicating 15 minutes a day to letting go of all stressful thoughts)
  • Breathing exercises (slowing your breathing and focusing on taking deep breaths)
  • Progressive muscle relaxation (tightening and then relaxing each muscle group, starting at one end of your body and working your way to the other end)
    Learn more about relaxation techniques on the Mayo Clinic website.

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• Get moving.
  Physical activity — in any form — can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being. Even 10 minutes of exercise a day can help. Take a walk. Do an activity you love, such as gardening or dancing.
• Make time for yourself.
  As a caregiver, it’s hard to find time for yourself, but staying connected to friends, family and activities that you love is important for your well-being. Even if it’s only 30 minutes a week, carve out a pocket of time just for yourself.
• Become an educated caregiver.
  As the disease progresses, new caregiving skills may be necessary. The Alzheimer’s Association offers programs to help you better understand and cope with the behaviors and personality changes that often accompany Alzheimer’s.
• Take care of yourself.
  Visit your doctor regularly. Watch your diet, exercise and get plenty of rest. Making sure that you stay healthy will help you be a better caregiver.

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Family Learning Day: Coping with Memory Loss

The Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter will offer two events for friends, caregivers and entire families, age 12 and older, who are supporting someone with memory loss. The half-day educational offering will take place Saturday, March 22 in Marion. A second Learning Day will take place Saturday, March 29 in Bolingbrook. Featuring dynamic expert speakers, the event will offer practical strategies to address everyday challenges and share reasons for hope.

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