Greater Illinois Chapter Conferences Coming This Fall

Greater Illinois Chapter conferences are a wonderful opportunity for family members and professionals to discover the tremendous resources available to them, to learn about the advances in Alzheimer research, ways to improve quality of life for those with dementia and ways caregivers can cope with many aspects of this disease.

Click here for more information on conferences for family members and professionals scheduled this fall throughout the Chapter area.  Visit this site frequently for additions to the conference schedule.

Saturday, November 12
Hyatt Regency O'Hare, Rosemont
“Alzheimer’s Association Family Conference:  Support for Families Living with Memory Loss”
Sessions for this third annual conference focus on the needs of family members of people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.  We planned this year’s topics based on feedback from responses from the 800 participants at last year’s conference.  Many sessions are geared toward specific stages of dementia.  The keynote speaker is Julie Meisner-Eagle, a long-time caregiver for her mother, Gloria Jean, and an award-winning film producer.  She will talk about and show her documentary, "Alzheimer’s: My Mom our Journey,” that has aired nationally on MSNBC several times since its premiere in 2002.  She also will show the two public service announcements (PSAs) she produced for the Alzheimer’s Association and that are airing nationally.  Registration opens Sept. 15 online at www.alzheimers-illinois.org or by calling 847.933.2413.  The early bird registration fee is $15 per person and includes a continental breakfast, lunch, the Book Fair (a new addition this year), a Resource Fair and complimentary parking.  The hotel is accessible by public transportation. 

Monday, November 14
Holiday Inn Conference Center, Urbana
“A Map Through the Maze - Alzheimer's Association 17th Annual Fall Conference”
This conference is for family and professional caregivers for those with memory loss.  The featured speaker is William Thies, Ph.D., vice president of medical and scientific affairs for the Alzheimer’s Association.  Dr. Thies is responsible for shaping and leading the Association's research program and strengthening the Association's relationships in the scientific and medical communities worldwide.  He also is a senior scientist and experienced educator.  Registration opens on September 26.  Advance registration is required.  Continuing education credits are available - 7.5 contact hours available for dietitians, nurses, nursing home administrators, physical therapists, physical therapy assistants, occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants and social workers.

Saturday, November 19
Wedeberg Conference Center, Memorial Medical Center, Springfield
“Alzheimer Educational Forum”
This conference is for family members and caregivers for information on Alzheimer’s disease and programs and services available through conference co-sponsors – the Greater Illinois Chapter and the Alzheimer Center at the Southern Illinois University (SIU) School of Medicine in Springfield.  The half-day conference is offered free of charge and registration will be done through the Alzheimer Center at the SIU School of Medicine.