Helpful tips at the holidays

The holiday season can be busy with travel and visits from family and friends who might not often see one another. This time together may raise questions about a person’s physical and cognitive health. Although some change in cognitive ability can occur with age, memory problems that impact daily living are not a part of typical aging. Recognizing the difference between typical aging and potentially more serious problems can help identify when it may be time to see a doctor.
“While families are eager to celebrate and enjoy the holidays together, this can also be an opportune time to discuss concerns face-to-face,” said Danielle Dodson, a licensed clinical social worker who works one-on-one with families and individuals.

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The holiday season can be busy with travel and visits from family and friends who might not often see one another. This time together may raise questions about a person’s physical and cognitive health. Although some change in cognitive ability can occur with age, memory problems that impact daily living are not a part of typical aging. Recognizing the difference between typical aging and potentially more serious problems can help identify when it may be time to see a doctor.
“While families are eager to celebrate and enjoy the holidays together, this can also be an opportune time to discuss concerns face-to-face,” said Danielle Dodson, a licensed clinical social worker who works one-on-one with families and individuals. “ If you suspect that a loved one is experiencing changes that may need to be addressed, take some time in advance to think about an approach to discussing these changes. Consider when you might be able to find or create some quiet time during the holidays to have this discussion, who might be best-situated to initiate this conversation, and what message you want to convey.”
Early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias is an important step in getting appropriate treatment, care and support services. Following are additional benefits to receiving a diagnosis as early as possible:
Benefits of an early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease

• Benefit from treatments that may improve symptoms and help maintain a level of independence longer.
• Have more time to plan for the future.
• Sign up for and participate in a clinical trial through Alzheimer’s Association TrialMatch® – a free, easy-to-use clinical studies matching service that connects individuals with Alzheimer’s, caregivers, healthy volunteers and physicians with current studies.
• Participate in decisions about care, transportation, living options, financial and legal matters.
• Develop a relationship with doctors and care partners.
• Benefit from care and support services, making it easier to manage the disease.

Individuals may experience one or more of the 10 Warning Signs in different degrees. If you notice any of them, please see a doctor.

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Walk to End Alzheimer’s is over, but there’s still time left to fundraise!

The Alzheimer’s Association® Greater Illinois Chapter had a wonderful Walk to End Alzheimer’s season — hosting 17 events in all and raising more than $1.8 million to date. The Chicago and Naperville Walks to End Alzheimer’s both landed in the Top 30 nationwide Walk to End Alzheimer’s events, but we still have through the end of the year to raise additional dollars in the critical fight to stop this devastating disease.
We are so grateful to all of our participants, be they walkers, committee members, sponsors or others supporting a team or individual. We thank you for everything you have done to further our mission. We hope you will continue to raise these essential funds that benefit our research and education efforts as well as invaluable care and support services.

Donate today >>

THANKS TO OUR 2013 WALKERS!

The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s® is the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Even though the 2013 Walk season is officially over, you can still donate to the cause by selecting an event below. If you raised $500 or more, you are a member of our Champions Club! Visit our website to print out your certificate of appreciation.

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Join us for the Union Station Charity Drive Dec. 4

The Alzheimer’s Association® Greater Illinois Chapter will partake in Union Station’s Annual Charity Drive Wednesday, Dec. 4. Proceeds collected by our volunteers will go toward providing information, support, programming and services for the more than half million Illinois residents affected by Alzheimer’s throughout the 68 counties we serve. The donations will also help provide information on living a brain-healthy lifestyle and research into the cause, treatments, preventions and cure for Alzheimer’s.
Interested in volunteering at Union Station’s Charity Drive on Dec. 4? We have several shifts available.
• 7 to 9 a.m.
• 9 to 11 a.m.
• 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• 1 to 3 p.m.
• 3 to 5 p.m.
• 5 to 7 p.m.
If you would like additional information or if you are interested in volunteering, please contact Bethany Hein, Manager, External Relationships, at bhein@alz.org or 847.779.6952.

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Register now for Support for the Journey: a free caregiver conference Nov. 9

Research shows that even though African-Americans are disproportionately affected by Alzheimer’s disease, they are less likely to seek an early diagnosis. Consequently, the population tends to be diagnosed at a later stage of the disease process and requires more support services than those at an earlier stage. Adding to the complexity of this scenario is the reality that, even after diagnosis, African-Americans often have less access to the medications and treatments that can help someone with dementia, are less likely to receive health information, and are less likely to use formal support services than the general population.
Support for the Journey: A Conference for Caregivers of Loved Ones with Memory Loss will seek to address these disparities in access and care by providing attendees with education about Alzheimer’s disease, existing resources and available support services while simultaneously empowering them to become more effective caregivers.

Register now >>

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We’re going weekly!

Starting mid-November, the Alzheimer’s Association® Greater Illinois Chapter is going to have a greater presence in your inbox. To take in the full scope of Alzheimer’s news at the local, state and national levels, we will send out weekly emails every Wednesday. Stay up to date on the latest research findings, learn about important events and exciting fundraisers on the horizon and find additional information on the programs and services we offer to our constituents every day.

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