ALZ Stars needed for the Chicago Marathon

http://act.alz.org/site/TR?fr_id=3060&pg=entry

Challenge yourself to become an inspiration for those affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Go the distance by running in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon Sunday, October 13 through ALZ Stars, an endurance program to benefit the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association.
Those who register for the marathon by Friday, June 14 will be entered into a drawing for an ALZ Stars visor to wear while training this summer! Three winners will be chosen.
In the United States, more than 5 million people are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and someone develops the disease every 68 seconds. The end of Alzheimer’s starts with you! Join us today!

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Early Stage Support Groups now offered by phone

The Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter is now offering Early Stage Support Groups by phone. The next meeting with take place at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 11.
This support group is designed for individuals in the early stage of Alzheimer’s disease. It meets monthly at 11 a.m. every second Tuesday of the month. A call for supporters is also in the works.
“The telephone support group is a time for caring and encouraging one another,” said Richard Apple, Senior Manager, Care Navigation, who leads conversations.
Those interested in either group may contact Apple, Senior Manager, Care Navigation, at 815.484.1301 or rapple@alz.org to participate in a brief screening and receive call-in information.

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It’s hard to walk right past a kid.

http://www.alzheimers-illinois.org/enewsletter/june2013/tag_days.asp

That was what Susan Draddy of Hinsdale discovered when she involved several friends, neighbors and family members in the 11th annual Forget Me Not Days® fundraiser in May. Established by the national life and health insurer Bankers Life and Casualty Company, the event brings volunteers, equipped with canisters for donations, to streets and storefronts as a way to raise awareness of and funds for Alzheimer’s disease.
“Adults can walk past other adults (without donating) but with a kid…,” said Draddy, whose deceased father had Alzheimer’s. Her mother is currently living with dementia in an assisted living facility. “One woman said to me that it’s so nice to see kids out raising awareness of Alzheimer’s since it’s thought of as an older person’s disease. The kids really enjoyed the experience. It was a lot of fun.“
The 47 volunteers Draddy helped to organize brought in an impressive $3,300 to benefit Alzheimer’s programs, care and research.
The fundraiser, which took place in locations throughout the Greater Illinois Chapter’s service area, totaled more than $50,000 ($48,250).
We are so grateful to all those who volunteered and donated during the Forget Me Not Days campaign. Thank you for making this event such a great success!

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Survey: 1 in 8 Americans 60 and older report worsening confusion or memory loss

http://www.alzheimers-illinois.org/enewsletter/june2013/brfss.asp

Nearly 1 in 8 Americans aged 60 and older surveyed reported confusion or memory loss happening more frequently or worsening in the last year. This is according to the findings of the Cognitive Module in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 2011 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS).

The findings confirm the growing prevalence of cognitive decline and future implications of an aging America.

Nearly 1 in 8 Americans aged 60 and older surveyed reported confusion or memory loss happening more frequently or worsening in the last year. This is according to the findings of the Cognitive Module in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 2011 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS).
The findings confirm the growing prevalence of cognitive decline and future implications of an aging America. It also underscores the need for individuals to talk to their doctors about memory problems. This is the first data ever released through the BRFSS on cognitive decline and its impact.
According to survey results of 21 states, one-third of the nearly 13 percent who reported memory loss or confusion said it interfered with their work, social activities, or ability to do household chores. In Illinois, 11.4 percent of those aged 60 and older — and 20 percent of those aged 85 and older — report that they are experiencing confusion or memory loss that is happening more often or getting worse. Nearly 80 percent have NOT discussed their symptoms with a health care provider. For those with worsening memory problems, 4 in 10 say it has interfered with household activities and/or work or social activities.
While there are not currently treatments available to slow or stop the progression of the disease, early detections allows people to get the maximum benefit from available treatments, consider participating in a clinical trial, establish a support network and plan for the future. Additionally, studies have shown that the ability to educate oneself and plan for the future is a tremendous asset in anticipating challenges and reducing anxiety, depression and stress – and improves quality of care by allowing for better management of other chronic conditions.
There are 210,000 people living with Alzheimer’s and 584,000 unpaid caregivers in Illinois, according to the Alzheimer’s Association® 2013 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts & Figures. Alzheimer’s Association chapters nationwide facilitate more than 4,500 support groups and conduct 20,000 education programs annually.

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http://www.alzheimers-illinois.org/enewsletter/june2013/bvb.asp

It seems many women fall short of satisfaction when it comes to their hair. They want it longer with more body or thicker with more shine.
But there will be none of that wishful pining on Saturday, June 22, 2013. That’s the day several Chicago-area women will flaunt their tresses as they take their place on the North Avenue Turf Fields at Stockton Drive and LaSalle Street for Blondes vs. Brunettes®.
This spirited fundraiser, in which the two sides will compete in a flag football game to help raise awareness and funds in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease, will kick off at 1 p.m.
For a $35 donation, attendees will receive a ticket to the game and after-party at The Fireplace, 1448 N. Wells St., Chicago. Donations will include two drinks and an appetizer buffet, and all proceeds will benefit the Alzheimer’s Association® Greater Illinois Chapter.
Blondes vs. Brunettes planning committee member and participant Kristin Chin will line up alongside her other dark-haired competitors in recognition of her grandmother, who passed away in late 2011 from Alzheimer’s disease.
“Alzheimer’s is a degenerative disease and to see it run its course in someone you care about is heartbreaking,” Chin said. “It’s important that we do our part to raise money and awareness for friends and loved ones who are affected by the disease. Getting the opportunity to be active while raising money and awareness for Alzheimer’s is a great thing but what makes Blondes vs. Brunettes truly unique are the new relationships that come out of surrounding yourself with wonderful young women — and men — who care about the same cause.”
Fellow committee member and Brunettes player Courtney Wonneberg is also committed to the cause because of her grandmother.
“My grandmother and I were very close and her diagnosis was heartbreaking,” Wonneberg said.

“As her memory faded, I would grasp at any piece of her former self I could get to. I hope the funds we raise will save other families from the despair and give promise to those currently struggling with the disease.”

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