<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Alzheimer's Association Illinois Chapter]]></title><description><![CDATA[Alzheimer's Association IL Chapter]]></description><link>https://www.alzillinois.org/blog</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Tue, 28 Jul 2026 04:05:57 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://meaton30.wixsite.com/my-site/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[Alzheimer’s Association Applauds Governor JB Pritzker for Signing Senate Bill 2886 to Protect Illinois Residents from Biomarker Discrimination]]></title><description><![CDATA[New law expands privacy protections for biomarker testing and helps safeguard access to emerging Alzheimer's diagnostic tools SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - July 27, 2026 — The Alzheimer's Association today applauded Governor JB Pritzker for signing Senate Bill 2886 into law, strengthening protections for Illinois residents by expanding the state's existing Genetic Information Privacy Act to include biomarkers and biomarker testing. The legislation, which takes effect January 1, 2027, establishes...]]></description><link>https://meaton30.wixsite.com/my-site/post/alzheimer-s-association-applauds-governor-jb-pritzker-for-signing-senate-bill-2886-to-protect-illino</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a678d5db59210289e95ae82</guid><pubDate>Mon, 27 Jul 2026 16:54:57 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b95d65_e2778bfa70524862909c833f511b9356~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>meaton30</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Finding Moments That Matter in Alzheimer's]]></title><description><![CDATA[The first time David Feinstein heard a memory care resident sing again, it stopped everyone in the room. A Frank Sinatra song had started playing softly in the background while Feinstein sat with a resident who had become mostly quiet and withdrawn. Then, without prompting, the man began singing every word. His daughter stood in the doorway, stunned. "She later said, 'I haven't heard Dad sing in two years,'" Feinstein recalled. David Feinstein and his mother's best friend, Sharon, who is...]]></description><link>https://meaton30.wixsite.com/my-site/post/finding-moments-that-matter-in-alzheimer-s</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a19b14f145da5e38309b70f</guid><pubDate>Fri, 29 May 2026 15:38:35 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b95d65_b596aff754404c0f9b2cf0887f6bc7d5~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_481,h_640,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>meaton30</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Wauconda Students Rally Community, Raise Funds for Alzheimer’s Awareness]]></title><description><![CDATA[By Amanda  Gecewicz Wauconda High School's Future Business Leaders of America Chapter at Walk to End Alzheimer's What started as a personal connection to Alzheimer’s disease turned into a communitywide effort led by students at Wauconda High School. Max Buchanan, a senior at Wauconda High School, helped organize a student-led Walk to End Alzheimer’s  event that brought together more than 100 community members and raised more than $2,200 for the Alzheimer’s Association . The effort was led...]]></description><link>https://meaton30.wixsite.com/my-site/post/wauconda-students-rally-community-raise-funds-for-alzheimer-s-awareness</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69c573c09955c6925cb4d94f</guid><pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2026 18:26:37 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b95d65_8f6a9d3a439b4fab9d3adaf2ed52e5f0~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>meaton30</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[History in the making: Release the Silence Comes to Chicago, Springfield &#38; Peoria in 2026]]></title><description><![CDATA[Chicago, Springfield and Peoria, IL  — The Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter is making history in 2026 by hosting Release the Silence African American Conference  in three Illinois cities for the first time ever — Chicago, Springfield, and Peoria . What began in 2023 on Chicago’s South Side with a modest goal of reaching 50 people became something extraordinary, serving more than 300 individuals and families . Building on that momentum, the conference expanded to Springfield in 2024...]]></description><link>https://meaton30.wixsite.com/my-site/post/history-in-the-making-release-the-silence-comes-to-chicago-springfield-peoria-in-2026</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6969621a44e01db33aff39c9</guid><pubDate>Mon, 19 Jan 2026 15:10:40 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2568dc_8506409b4ccf4eeaac6c1730df46b022~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_750,h_452,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>lrmartin0</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Brain Health - Part Nine:]]></title><description><![CDATA[THE US POINTER STUDY RESULTS AND BRAIN HEALTH IMPLICATIONS Please join us Wednesday, February 25th, from 10:00- 11:00 AM for a virtual discussion on the US Pointer Study and it’s implications for Brain Health. This two-year clinical trial revealed ways older adults can improve brain function and reduce cognitive decline. Olivia Matongo, Vice President of Programs for the Alzheimer’s Association’s Illinois Chapter will break down these study results and provide insight into ways we can reduce...]]></description><link>https://meaton30.wixsite.com/my-site/post/brain-health-part-nine</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6967e255bbaf501a67d8d77f</guid><pubDate>Wed, 14 Jan 2026 18:52:59 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2568dc_b1aed8f175bb42d99b48a2eb641a7aaf~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_227,h_270,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>lrmartin0</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Protecting Your Financial Future While Caring for Someone with Alzheimer’s]]></title><description><![CDATA[One in nine Americans age 65 and older is living with Alzheimer’s disease—more than 7 million people nationwide, including an estimated 255,600 individuals in Illinois. Beyond the physical and emotional toll, the disease places a significant financial burden on families, often threatening long-term financial stability. January is Financial Wellness Month , and the Alzheimer’s Association is encouraging individuals and families to take proactive steps toward financial planning. Preparing early...]]></description><link>https://meaton30.wixsite.com/my-site/post/protecting-your-financial-future-while-caring-for-someone-with-alzheimer-s</link><guid isPermaLink="false">696131716d2e4f0e0979c41a</guid><pubDate>Fri, 09 Jan 2026 16:54:15 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2568dc_131cf83e9757493ea67788ae8d523887~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_275,h_183,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>lrmartin0</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s: What’s the Difference?]]></title><description><![CDATA[Many people use the terms dementia  and Alzheimer’s disease  interchangeably—but they are not the same thing. Understanding the difference is an important first step in recognizing symptoms, seeking help, and supporting those affected. Dementia: An Umbrella Term Dementia is a general term  used to describe a decline in memory, thinking, and reasoning that interferes with daily life. It is not a specific disease, but rather a category of conditions that affect cognitive function. A helpful way...]]></description><link>https://meaton30.wixsite.com/my-site/post/understanding-dementia-vs-alzheimer-s-what-s-the-difference</link><guid isPermaLink="false">695bdd14ef35928416afc16b</guid><pubDate>Mon, 05 Jan 2026 15:50:55 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2568dc_161d0896fa6a4751a075521f4fcd3ecb~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_283,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>lrmartin0</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Vicky Ryan remembers the moment her world quietly cracked open—long before doctors gave it a name.]]></title><description><![CDATA[In 2016, Vicky’s father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and died a few years later in 2020, but the truth is, she felt something was wrong even before the diagnosis arrived. There were subtle changes, missed cues, moments of confusion that lingered too long. Her dad was slipping away in pieces, and he was doing it silently. By the time he became a resident in a nursing home, the disease had already taken so much from him and from her. Just one year later, heartbreak struck again....]]></description><link>https://meaton30.wixsite.com/my-site/post/vicky-ryan-remembers-the-moment-her-world-quietly-cracked-open-long-before-doctors-gave-it-a-name</link><guid isPermaLink="false">695bd464ef35928416afa966</guid><pubDate>Mon, 05 Jan 2026 15:19:22 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2568dc_a454295505df447a85b0e5499b40bd09~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>lrmartin0</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Paint the Night Purple Is Back — Early Bird Tickets Are On Sale! ]]></title><description><![CDATA[One of Chicago’s most anticipated fundraising events is officially back! Paint the Night Purple (PTNP)  returns on Friday, February 20, 2026 , and early bird tickets are now available for an unforgettable evening in support of the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter. Hosted by the Illinois Chapter Junior Board , Paint the Night Purple is more than a party — it’s a powerful movement bringing together 500+ young professionals and community leaders  who are united in the fight to end...]]></description><link>https://meaton30.wixsite.com/my-site/post/paint-the-night-purple-is-back-early-bird-tickets-are-on-sale</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6942b7365f31d05ab30074e6</guid><pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2025 14:01:18 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2568dc_f403fccb45e54febacb9f05a9ff7a380~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>lrmartin0</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Stay Connected with the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter]]></title><description><![CDATA[Every day, the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter shares timely information, helpful resources, and inspiring stories for individuals living with Alzheimer’s, caregivers, advocates, and supporters across our state. Staying connected with us on social media is one of the easiest ways to stay informed and make an impact. By following our channels, you’ll find: Brain health tips and the latest Alzheimer’s research Caregiver resources, support groups, and education programs Advocacy updates...]]></description><link>https://meaton30.wixsite.com/my-site/post/stay-connected-with-the-alzheimer-s-association-illinois-chapter</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6939a47559a1d9d6b07be6f1</guid><pubDate>Wed, 10 Dec 2025 16:55:33 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2568dc_1c605e26c9a249218e7709750fa0c23c~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_790,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>lrmartin0</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter and Illinois Department of Public Health Launch New Initiative to Promote Brain Health and Reduce Cognitive Decline]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter, in collaboration with the Illinois Department of Public Health, launched the Illinois Brain Health Project , a groundbreaking public health initiative designed to educate Illinoisans about the importance of brain health. This comprehensive campaign focuses on reducing cognitive decline by addressing modifiable risk factors and promoting healthy lifestyle practices, with a particular emphasis on reaching diverse, underserved, and higher-risk...]]></description><link>https://meaton30.wixsite.com/my-site/post/alzheimer-s-association-illinois-chapter-and-illinois-department-of-public-health-launch-new-initiat</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6936f1db9086d1c9fad1f2ef</guid><pubDate>Mon, 08 Dec 2025 15:42:27 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>lrmartin0</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Americans want early diagnosis, treatment and are open to risk-taking to slow disease progression]]></title><description><![CDATA[As the number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease tops more than 7 million for the first time, nearly 4 in 5 Americans would want to know if they had Alzheimer’s disease before it impacted their lives. They also want treatment, even if it comes with risks, as long as it slows the progression of the disease. These are among the insights uncovered in the 2025 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures Report released by the Alzheimer’s Association today.  The 2025 Facts and Figures  report...]]></description><link>https://meaton30.wixsite.com/my-site/post/americans-want-early-diagnosis-treatment-and-are-open-to-risk-taking-to-slow-disease-progression</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6936ed8c1d422bb0eb18a5df</guid><pubDate>Mon, 08 Dec 2025 15:26:32 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>lrmartin0</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[ Exciting News — Caregiver Award Nominations Extended to December 7!]]></title><description><![CDATA[Illinois Women Conquer ALZ and the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter are thrilled to extend nominations for the Caregiver Awards  an additional week. There’s still time to honor the incredible caregivers who support people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia across Illinois. This year, we will recognize two exceptional caregivers:✨ One Family &#38; Friend Caregiver ✨ One Paid Professional Caregiver Nominations are now open through December 7, 2025 . Help us celebrate the compassion,...]]></description><link>https://meaton30.wixsite.com/my-site/post/exciting-news-caregiver-award-nominations-extended-to-december-7</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6920d5da0acaec3132778de3</guid><pubDate>Fri, 21 Nov 2025 21:17:47 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2568dc_b064694541e1406d9f2a738925b944ec~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_799,h_532,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>lrmartin0</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[ Giving Tuesday Is December 2. Help Us Advance the Fight Against Alzheimer’s]]></title><description><![CDATA[On Giving Tuesday , millions of people around the world will unite for a global day of generosity — a day dedicated to creating meaningful, positive change. This year, we invite you to be part of that impact by supporting the Alzheimer’s Association and helping fuel critical progress in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. Your generosity powers a new era of breakthroughs. From cutting-edge prevention studies to revolutionary early detection through blood-based tests, your support...]]></description><link>https://meaton30.wixsite.com/my-site/post/giving-tuesday-is-december-2-help-us-advance-the-fight-against-alzheimer-s</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69208912e76070b60dc96a5c</guid><pubDate>Fri, 21 Nov 2025 15:51:49 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2568dc_34b6a5c8ee774144b1f8e90dbdd9a7f5~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_940,h_788,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>lrmartin0</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Volunteer Spotlight: Kathy Kelley, Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter]]></title><description><![CDATA[Shared by: Kathy Kelley For most people, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s is a powerful, once-a-year experience. For Kathy, that experience became a year-round commitment to supporting families, caregivers, and the mission to end Alzheimer’s. Two years ago, she was scrolling through Instagram when a simple post caught her eye, an invitation to volunteer at the DuPage Walk to End Alzheimer's at North Central College. She signed up, unsure of what to expect. What she found was a community filled...]]></description><link>https://meaton30.wixsite.com/my-site/post/volunteer-spotlight-kathy-kelley-alzheimer-s-association-illinois-chapter</link><guid isPermaLink="false">691e1a7335662176f69691d4</guid><pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2025 21:21:43 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2568dc_1930bdb4a13249a6a809abb2a4cdaa0d~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>lrmartin0</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Illinois Women Conquer ALZ Honors Caregivers Across Illinois During National Family Caregivers Month]]></title><description><![CDATA[Nominations Open for the 2025 Caregiver Recognition Awards (Previous Award Recipients Are Available for Interview)   Each year, Illinois Women Conquer ALZ (IWCA) honors the everyday heroes who provide exceptional care and unwavering support to individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. These caregivers, whether family members, friends, or professionals, embody compassion, resilience, and dedication in the face of one of life’s greatest challenges. In recognition of...]]></description><link>https://meaton30.wixsite.com/my-site/post/illinois-women-conquer-alz-honors-caregivers-across-illinois-during-national-family-caregivers-month</link><guid isPermaLink="false">691b45ebdd35cb65e867eeb7</guid><pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2025 16:00:01 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2568dc_69b778b3fcd94d349532c18cd4262cfe~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_799,h_533,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>lrmartin0</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Jackie Olkiewicz, named chair of the 2026 Alzheimer's Association Illinois Chapter Do What You Love To End Alz Campaign]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter announced that Jackie Olkiewicz , has been named Chair of the 2026 Do What You Love to End ALZ  campaign. “It is a profound honor to serve as Chair for this meaningful campaign. Alzheimer’s has touched my life in a deeply personal way — my mother battled the disease, and I witnessed firsthand the emotional and physical toll it takes on individuals and their families,” said Jackie Olkiewicz. “I lost her in December of 2023. That experience fuels my...]]></description><link>https://meaton30.wixsite.com/my-site/post/jackie-olkiewicz-director-named-chair-of-the-2026-alzheimer-s-association-illinois-chapter-do-what</link><guid isPermaLink="false">691b2bdef5f6788e8999e9cc</guid><pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2025 14:10:19 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2568dc_4840103ffa15461190f2976b1952e0b9~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_703,h_883,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>lrmartin0</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[CHICAGO BULLS ASSISTANT COACH RAISING MONEY IN HONOR OF HIS FATHER]]></title><description><![CDATA[This November, in recognition of National Family Caregivers Month  and No Shave November , Chicago Bulls Assistant Coach John Bryant  launched the “Mustachios for Memory”  — a heartfelt campaign to raise awareness and funds for the Alzheimer’s Association  in celebration of his father, John, and in honor of the nearly 12 million family and friends  across the U.S. who provide unpaid care for loved ones living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. Bryant invites everyone to put down the razor...]]></description><link>https://meaton30.wixsite.com/my-site/post/chicago-bulls-assistant-coach-raising-money-in-honor-of-his-father</link><guid isPermaLink="false">691b25c51f01408bc641678f</guid><pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2025 13:44:07 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2568dc_39aa1b41038643f8a90267053a9b87a2~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_333,h_395,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>lrmartin0</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Supporting Safe Returns for People Living with Alzheimer’s or Dementia]]></title><description><![CDATA[When a loved one living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia goes missing, every minute counts. In Illinois, the Silver Search  program was created to ensure a swift and coordinated response to bring missing individuals home safely. Established through legislation that took effect on January 1, 2016 , Silver Search is a statewide initiative designed to raise awareness, educate the public, and provide essential tools and resources to help locate and safely return people with...]]></description><link>https://meaton30.wixsite.com/my-site/post/supporting-safe-returns-for-people-living-with-alzheimer-s-or-dementia</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69121a934d01cb460b61f836</guid><pubDate>Mon, 10 Nov 2025 17:13:12 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>lrmartin0</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Holiday Travel]]></title><description><![CDATA[● As people conduct their holiday travel this year, planning and completing a long distance trip can be more stressful for the more than 7 million Americans currently living with Alzheimer’s and their families. ● For those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia, travel can be more complex and may trigger anxiety and cause confusion. ● While the disease-related symptoms of this progressive brain disease can sometimes make travel more difficult, it does not mean families can’t travel with a loved...]]></description><link>https://meaton30.wixsite.com/my-site/post/holiday-travel</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6911f535d588c50c0e6078f2</guid><pubDate>Mon, 10 Nov 2025 14:30:06 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2568dc_b0d15e08a8a64aef9a2a7ac2b5808c33~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_683,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>lrmartin0</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>