Monthly Archives: March 2017

Make your miles matter in the fight to end Alzheimer’s with ALZ Stars!

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Make your miles matter in the fight to end Alzheimer’s with ALZ Stars!

Whether you’re a first time runner or a marathon veteran, you can become part of a team that is passionate about making a difference. Join the ALZ Stars team for fun runs like the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K, or if you want more of a challenge, ALZ Stars has guaranteed entries into the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. But hurry – only 22 spots remain!

Join ALZ Stars Today
Because The First Survivor Is Out There

Go the distance with ALZ Stars! We’re making moves to end Alzheimer’s Disease one step at a time while we raise awareness and funds to benefit the research, care and support of the Alzheimer’s Association. When you join ALZ Stars, you’ll become part of a team that is passionate about finding a cure and making a difference in the lives of Alzheimer’s patients and their caretakers. You’ll also receive benefits such as fundraising and training support, opportunities for group runs and social activities, event apparel, fundraising incentives and event weekend activities. Most importantly, there is no better benefit than the camaraderie of a team that is striving for the same vision – a world without Alzheimer’s.

ALZ STARS EVENTS

Please note that ALZ Stars registration is separate from event registration. ALZ Stars does not cover event registration.

OCTOBER 8, 2017
CHICAGO, IL

The Alzheimer’s Association has guaranteed entries into the 2017 Bank of America
Chicago Marathon!

When you join ALZ Stars you join our nationwide community of athletes all racing toward the same vision – a world without Alzheimer’s disease.

Team Benefits include:

  • Marathon Training Programs & Support
  • Access to Coaching and Experts on Important Training Topics
  • Fully Supported Fundraising Page
  • Opportunities for Group Runs & Social Activities
  • Race Weekend Perks; Including Pasta Dinner & Race Day Space
  • ALZ Stars Team Singlet

Learn More / Join The Team

 

APRIL 2, 2017
CHICAGO, IL

Challenge yourself to change the course of Alzheimer’s disease by joining ALZ Stars for the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8k! This race is one of Chicago’s best running celebrations, with a one-of-a-kind course that weaves its way through Chicago’s Loop – starting and finishing in Grant Park! Let’s Shuffle to END ALZ!

  • Access to coaching & training plans
  • Access to Coaching and Experts on Important Training Topics
  • Fully Supported Fundraising
  • Opportunities for Group Runs & Social Activities
  • ALZ Stars Team Singlet

Click here for 2016 results

Learn More / Join The Team

ALZ Stars are athletes everywhere, moving to END Alzheimer’s disease, all while raising funds and awareness. When you Choose Your Own Challenge, you have the freedom to choose your own event to raise funds in the fight to END ALZ – wherever that challenge takes you. We provide you the tools and support needed to have fun and be successful – all while doing what YOU choose. There is no limit to what you can do!

  • Access to coaching & training plans
  • Training and Fundraising Support
  • Opportunities for Group Runs & Social activities
  • ALZ Stars Team Singlet

Learn More / Join The Team

GALLERY
MEDIA

New online resources support living well in the early stage of Alzheimer’s disease

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New online resources support living well in the early stage of Alzheimer’s disease

Individuals living in the early stage of Alzheimer’s or other dementias often feel uncertain about how to live their best life moving forward. Our new LiveWell Online Resources, designed specifically for individuals in the early stage and with input from people living with dementia, provide personal insights and strategies on how to live a quality life with the disease.

Please join us for the 15th Annual Bankers Life Forget Me Not Days fundraiser!

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Please join us for the 15th Annual Bankers Life Forget Me Not Days fundraiser!

Help us plant the seeds of hope! On June 2-3, 2017, visit your local Bankers Life office or look for them in your community as they collect donations and raise awareness for the Alzheimer’s Association. On June 9-10, 2017, join our volunteers in the Chicagoland area as they collect donations and raise awareness at their local Jewel-Osco stores, popular intersections, and local businesses. In exchange for a donation, you’ll receive packets of Forget-Me-Not flower seeds to plant in honor of a loved one and the more than five million Americans living with Alzheimer’s. What started as a grassroots fundraiser has blossomed into a national campaign, raising more than $4.5 million for the Alzheimer’s Association.

Register or Donate Today!

Let’s get social! – End Alzheimer’s

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Let’s get social! – End Alzheimer’s

Walk to End Alzheimer’s season is right around the corner! Stay connected with the latest information and updates by joining your area’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s Facebook event page. Help spread the word by sharing the page with friends, family, co-workers and Walk team members!

Confusion is common in people in the later stages of Alzheimer’s

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Confusion is common in people in the later stages of Alzheimer’s

In the later stages of Alzheimer’s, a person living with the disease may not remember familiar people, places or things. Situations involving memory loss and confusion are extremely difficult for caregivers and families, and require patience and understanding.

Memory Loss and Confusion

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In the later stages of the disease, a person with Alzheimer’s may not remember familiar people, places or things. Situations involving memory loss and confusion are extremely difficult for caregivers and families, and require much patience and understanding.

What to expect

In the earlier stages, memory loss and confusion may be mild. The person with dementia may be aware of — and frustrated by — the changes taking place, such as difficulty recalling recent events, making decisions or processing what was said by others.

In the later stages, memory loss becomes far more severe. A person may not recognize family members, may forget relationships, call family members by other names, or become confused about the location of home or the passage of time. He or she may forget the purpose of common items, such as a pen or a fork. These changes are some of the most painful for caregivers and families.

Such types of behavior is sometimes incorrectly referred to as “senility” or “senile dementia,” which reflects the formerly widespread but incorrect belief that serious mental decline is a normal part of aging.

LEARN MORE:
Stages of Alzheimer’sAge-related Memory Loss vs. Alzheimer’s
Dealing with Memory ChangesLate-Stage Care

Causes

The main underlying cause of memory loss and confusion is the progressive damage to brain cells caused by Alzheimer’s disease. While current medications cannot stop the damage Alzheimer’s causes to brain cells, they may help lessen symptoms for a limited time.

Certain situations — such as a change in living arrangements, switch in routine or certain infections — can cause symptoms to worsen. Any time there is a sudden change in behavior, it is important to have a medical evaluation to rule out other causes.

We Can Help

Do you have questions or concerns about your loved one’s changing behavior? The Alzheimer’s Association is here to help.

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How to respond

Evoking memories.

Use photographs and other thought-provoking items to remind the person of important relationships and places.

  • Stay calm.
    Although being called by a different name or not being recognized can be painful, try not to make your hurt apparent.
  • Respond with a brief explanation.
    Don’t overwhelm the person with lengthy statements or reasons. Instead, clarify with a simple explanation.
  • Show photos and other reminders.
    Use photographs and other thought-provoking items to remind the person of important relationships and places.

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  • Travel with the person to where he or she is in time.
    If the person’s memory is focused on a particular time in his or her life, engage in conversation about recollections with an understanding that this is his or her current reality.
  • Offer corrections as suggestions.
    Avoid explanations that sound like scolding. Try: “I thought it was a fork” or “I think she is your granddaughter Julie.”
  • Try not to take it personally.
    Alzheimer’s disease causes your loved one to forget, but your support and understanding will continue to be appreciated.
  • Share your experience with others.
    Join ALZConnected, our online support community and message boards, and share what response strategies have worked for you and get more ideas from other caregivers.