Help us end Alzheimer’s by joining us for a wonderful evening of wine and beer tasting! “A Toast To Remember” will be held on Thursday, March 19, 2009 at River East Art Center, 435 E. Illinois. More than 500 people will gather to enjoy delectable food, fine wine and premium beer while participating in an exciting silent auction and raffle. This evening always proves to be a wonderful celebration of those who are currently fighting their Alzheimer’s battle and sadly, those who have died as a result of their Alzheimer’s battle.

Mark you calendars for the Alzheimer’s Association – Illinois Chapter Network’s Annual Advocacy Day.  This year it will take place on Wednesday, March 18 in Springfield.  “Our annual advocacy day allows us the opportunity to ensure that the voices of the more than 500,000 Illinoisans affected by Alzheimer’s disease are heard,” said Erna Colborn, President and CEO of the Greater Illinois Chapter. “We will join our colleagues from the Central Illinois Chapter, Greater Iowa Chapter and St. Louis Chapter as we rally to make sure vital funding is secured, important pieces of legislation are passed and give a face is to this life changing disease.”

Many people with Alzheimer’s disease continue to live successfully on their own during the early stages of the disease; however complicated situations can, and will arise.

“I fear this may be an underrepresented area of concern,” says Nicole Batsch, Director of Early Stage and Support Services for the chapter. “I would encourage anyone who receives a diagnosis and lives alone to reach out to their long-distance family members, their faith-based, community or neighborhood center, and their neighbors.

The Alzheimer’s Association – Greater Illinois Chapter is offering you two opportunities to lace up your bowling shoes and help us “Strike Out Alzheimer’s”. The first opportunity will take place on Saturday, March 7 starting at 2:00 p.m. at Herrin Bowl, 625 North Pershing (Route 148) in Herrin, Illinois. The second opportunity will take place on Saturday, April 18 from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Town & Country Lanes, 2231 West Jefferson in Joliet, Illinois.

Although Alzheimer’s disease is well known to affect older people, it can affect middle-aged people too. People with Down syndrome are particularly at risk for Alzheimer’s disease as they grow older. It is estimated that 25 percent of people with Down syndrome develop Alzheimer’s disease after age 40 and 66 percent are affected after age 60. This seminar will describe the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease in this population including changes in memory, thinking, language, self-care skills, and behavior. Tools for assessing these changes, diagnosis, and treatment options will be described using case examples.

Join us as we watch 50 of the Rockford area’s most talented artists bring works of art to life right before our eyes at “Unforgettable Art 2009: An Affair for Alzheimer’s”. This annual event will take place on Saturday, April 4, 2009 with doors opening at 6:00 p.m. at the old Rockford Marina building, 201 Hill Street, in downtown Rockford. This wonderful evening features incredible music, great food, beverages and a live auction where guests can bid on works of art created that evening.

On Friday, April 17, 2009 people from across central Illinois will gather at the Doubletree Hotel and Conference Center, 10 Brickyard, in Bloomington for a night of stars, glamour and fun at the eighth annual “Remember When” event. Guests will be partying in the style of 1950s Hollywood with a celebration of icons such as James Dean, Sandra Dee, Lucille Ball and Marilyn Monroe. There will be great food, drinks and an atmosphere of hope.

These interactive half-day programs will provide you with the skills and confidence needed to successfully facilitate a support group for people caring for a family member or friend with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias. Three support group models will be discussed along with various leadership techniques, dealing with challenging participants, and strategies for marketing your program. Participants receive a facilitator manual. Prerequisite: Participants are expected to have a solid understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders before attending this training.

Be sure to save-the-date for our annual spring conferences being offered in Joliet, Carterville and Bloomington. These informational conferences will offer up-to-date information for family and professional caregivers alike.

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