NOVEMBER IS NATIONAL ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH
It has been twenty one years since Ronald Reagan declared the month of November “National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month.”  Since then, the Alzheimer’s Association has made a special effort to provide a variety of education and awareness activities during this month.   

Below is a schedule of the education highlights for National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month this year.   We hope to see you at one of these events!

Community Education Programs
“Mind Your Memory” is a 1.5 hour program that focuses on how the brain works, normal age-related changes in memory, and brain health and wellness.  “Alzheimer’s:  Beginning to Cope”  is a 1.5 hour program that provides an overview of Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders and addresses many of the challenges that face the person with dementia, their family members, and those who work with them.  These programs are free of charge and open to the public.  For a full schedule and to register, visit our website at www.alzheimers-illinois.org or call the Helpline at 800-272-3900.

November 1, 8 and 15, 1:00 PM.  Alzheimer’s Journey video presentations.  Provena St. Mary’s Community Connection, Northfield Square Mall, Bradley IL.  For information, call   Sharon Granger at 815-936-0464.

Conferences, Workshops, and Seminars
Wednesday, November 3, 7:30 AM – 3:00 PM.  16^th Annual Fall Conference.  Conference for families and professionals.  Holiday Inn, Urbana, Illinois.  For information, call Shelley Hunt at 309-827-9508.

Thursday, November 4, 8:00 AM – 3:45 PM.   A Journey Through the Mind:  From Here to Hope.   Conference for families and professionals.  John A. Logan College, Carterville, Illinois.  For information, call Melanie Adams at 618-529-2107.

Thursday, November 4, 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Cultivating Seeds for Change in Long Term Care.   Professional conference – co-sponsored with the Lake County Health Department.  Lincolnshire, Illinois:  Marriott Lincolnshire Resort.  For information, call Carol Antaramian, Lake County Health Department, at 847-377-8195.

Saturday, November 13, 8:15 AM – 3:30 PM.  Alzheimer’s Association Family Conference:  Support for Families Living with Memory Loss.  Hyatt Regency O’Hare Hotel, Rosemont, Illinois. For information, call Fran Hankin at 847-933-2413.

Tuesday, November 16, 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM.  Alzheimer’s Disease:  Beyond the Basics.  Professional Workshop.  St. Mary’s Hospital - The Forum, Decatur, Illinois.  For information, call James Dearing at 217-726-5184.

Tuesday, November 30, 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM.  Embracing Montessori Methods in Dementia Care.  Professional Seminar.  Buckingham Pavilion, Chicago, Illinois.

...And for Something Completely Different:
Tuesday, November 9, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM. St. Anskar’s Episcopal Church, Rockford, Illinois:   Karen Stobbe and Mondy Carter:  Sometimes Ya Gotta Laugh. 

This show is a collection of original sketches designed to entertain audiences while educating them about Alzheimer’s disease, caregiving, stress, and the power of laughter.  For information, call Bonnie Beam at 815-484-1300.

Of course, the Alzheimer’s Association – Greater Illinois Chapter has outstanding education programs scheduled throughout the year.  Don’t forget to visit our web site regularly.