The Alzheimer’s Association – Greater Illinois Chapter offers an Early-Stage Memory Loss (ESML) group for people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, their families and caregivers to explore their feelings about the challenges and changes they are facing with remembering, decision-making, personal care activities, and communication and for their family members and caregivers. 

Trained facilitators and dementia and care experts in the community lead participants in the 10-week program of informal, group discussions.  Topics include: overview of Alzheimer's and related dementias, treatments and research; coping with memory loss, social and family relationships, daily living skills, self-esteem, health considerations and special occasions, legal and financial planning, and planning for the future.  At the same time, caregivers participate in a separate discussion. 

Participants must be in the early stages of memory loss, be aware of their memory loss and be willing to talk about it with others. The program is offered free of charge and registration is required.  Call the Alzheimer’s Association – Greater Illinois Chapter near you for more information.

This program is a collaborative effort between the Alzheimer's Association and the agencies/programs listed below.  An interview is required in order to register for the program.  Please contact the programs or individuals listed below for more information or to arrange an interview.