NEW Baby Boomer Report

Starting this year, more than 10,000 baby boomers a day will turn 65. As these baby boomers age, one in eight will develop Alzheimer’s – a devastating, costly, heartbreaking disease. Increasingly for these baby boomers, it will no longer be their grandparents and parents who have Alzheimer’s – it will be them. “Today, more than 5 million Americans have this disease – including 210,000 right here in Illinois.

In honor of Black History month the Alzheimer’s Association – Greater Illinois Chapter will partner with Walgreens to offer a special one day program. This special event entitled, “A Discussion About Alzheimer’s - Engaging the African-American Community”, will take place at the DuSable Museum, 740 East 56th Place, Chicago, Illinois 60637. This half-day educational program is intended for Baby Boomers (and those on the cusp between 40 - 70 years of age) who have observed cognitive changes in their parents, spouses, siblings, friends, or even in themselves and want to know more about what these changes may mean. There will be a networking breakfast starting at 9:00 a.m., followed by a gospel performance, a robust panel discussion, and closing with the raffle of original artwork by artist Andre Guichard of Gallery Guichard in Chicago. An esteemed group of panelists representing a range of organizations will discuss a variety of topics as moderated by WVON’s, Cliff Kelley.

Although only 16, Alissa Anderegg is using her talent to bring awareness to Alzheimer’s disease. In addition to speaking and singing at events to raise awareness for the debilitating disease, the Alzheimer's Association-registered advocate recently appeared in the Emmy-award winning HBO documentary "The Alzheimer's Project: Grandpa Do You Know Who I Am?" with Maria Shriver.

Why is she so passionate? It’s to honor her grandmother, Mary Fran Anderegg, who was diagnosed with the disease 8 years ago.

Your memory often changes as you grow older. But memory loss that disrupts daily life is NOT a typical part of aging. It may be a symptom of dementia. Dementia is a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, a fatal disorder that results in the loss of brain cells and function.

The purpose of Early Stage Care Navigation is to provide a series of individualized appointments to address the concerns and wishes commonly presented by individuals with early stage memory loss or the families/care partners and other loved ones of these individuals. Meeting with a Care Navigator is a wonderful complement to attending an Early Stage Support Group.

Are you looking for something fun or interesting to do with your spare time? Consider attending one or more of our upcoming programs and special events!

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Upcoming Community Education Programs:

February 2, 2011 | Audio Conference
Let Them Eat Cake!

February 2, 2011 | Chicago
Know the 10 Signs: Early Detection Matters

February 9, 2011 | Chicago
Powerful Tools for Caregivers

February 15, 2011 | Belvidere
Memory Loss, Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease: The Basics

February 17, 2011 | Belvidere
Memory Loss, Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease: The Basics

February 22, 2011 | New Lenox
Spark that Brain

February 23, 2011 | Urbana
Know the 10 Signs: Early Detection Matters

February 23, 2011 | Palos Heights
Know the 10 Signs: Early Detection Matter

February 24, 2011 | Rockford
Spark That Brain

View Education Programs calendar >>

Upcoming Training for Professionals:

February 3, 2011 | Chicago
Care for Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease in the Hospital Setting

View Professional Training calendar >>