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The Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter invites the public to watch the on-demand program, “Know the 10 Warning Signs of Dementia,” available now through December 28, 2024. As the holiday season brings families together, it also raises awareness about memory concerns among older loved ones. Each year, the Association sees a significant increase in calls to its 24/7 Helpline from people who notice changes in their loved ones’ memory or behavior during holiday gatherings. “Many families are surprised to discover a senior’s memory is fading more rapidly than expected, which often becomes clear during the holiday season,” said Daryl Carlson, Program Manager for the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter. “This year, we’re offering a crucial educational resource to help families identify the warning signs early, giving them the tools and peace of mind they need before they gather.” The program highlights the key indicators of dementia, designed to help family members recognize the difference between normal aging and memory issues that may signal a more serious concern. Knowing these signs is especially recommended for families with loved ones over the age of 65. The on-demand program can be accessed anytime at bit.ly/Alz10Signs-Central-IL . In partnership with Central Illinois businesses, the Illinois Chapter will randomly award gift cards each week to viewers of the program as a special holiday incentive. For those seeking further guidance, interviews with Alzheimer’s Association experts are available to discuss memory concerns commonly observed during the holidays. For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact Lionell Martin at lrmartin@alz.org / 773.593.4211.

Presented by the Alzheimer's Association Caring for a loved one living with dementia brings both challenges and rewards. As the disease progresses, caregivers often find themselves navigating new responsibilities, many of which can feel overwhelming. To offer guidance and support, the Alzheimer’s Association® presents The Empowered Caregiver , a comprehensive education program designed to equip caregivers with the tools they need to provide the best care possible. This program focuses on middle and late-stage caregiving, offering practical advice on how to manage different aspects of caregiving. Each session dives into specific topics that will help caregivers build confidence and skills in their caregiving journey. Program Details Here’s what you can expect from the series: October 14:  Building foundations of caregiving. Co-sponsored by our community partners. October 21:  Supporting independence. October 28:  Communicating effectively & Responding to dementia-related behaviors. November 4:  Exploring care and support services. The Peoria, IL program is offered in partnership with Apostolic Christian Skylines, Health Alliance, and BrightStar Care . Why Attend? Caregiving is a demanding role, but with the right resources, it can be a rewarding one. This education series will provide invaluable insights and strategies to help you care for your loved one with confidence. Whether you're just beginning your caregiving journey or have been doing it for years, you'll find the support and knowledge you need. Event Locations Peoria, IL events will be held at the Alzheimer's Association Illinois Chapter at the Peoria Office, located at 614 W. Glen Ave, Peoria, IL 61614. Each session will run from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Galesburg, IL events will take place at the Hawthorne Inn, 2245 N Seminary St, Galesburg, IL 61401, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Register Today!  Space is limited, so don’t wait to register. Call 800.272.3900  to reserve your spot today! To explore more educational opportunities in your area, visit alz.org/CRF . Being a caregiver is not easy, but you don’t have to do it alone. Join us for The Empowered Caregiver  and learn how to navigate this journey with the tools and support you need.

Written by: Kerry R. Peck Often an elderly person who is afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease is the subject of undue influence by someone to change their Will. Unfortunately, unscrupulous relatives take advantage of the older adult persuading them to write a new Will favoring the wrongdoer and cutting out other family members.   Illinois law allows the filing of a lawsuit to overturn the Will that is the product of undue influence, but it must be filed within six months of the death of that person. Undue influence is defined as “any improper or wrongful constraint, machination or urgency of persuasion whereby the Will of a person is overpowered and he is induced to do or forbear an act which he would not do or would do if left to act freely”. The undue influence must be directly involved with the signing of a new Will.   A claim asserting the lack of testamentary (mental) capacity is often filed in conjunction with a lawsuit for undue influence. Testamentary capacity is defined as the ability of a person to understand or recognize the natural objects of their bounty, generally family. People that have Alzheimer’s disease are susceptible to both undue influence and are often lacking the mental capacity to sign a Will, Revocable Living Trust and Power of Attorney documents.   If you believe your loved one has been exploited by someone to write a new estate plan, contact Peck Ritchey, LLC for a no cost initial consultation. Peck Ritchey, LLC is the legal education partner of the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter. Managing Partner, Kerry R. Peck, served on the Board of Directors and frequently gives legal education seminars for the Alzheimer’s Association. For more information, contact Peck Ritchey, LLC at (312) 201-0900. We have convenient suburban offices in Lake Forest, Northbrook, Oak Brook in addition to our main office in Chicago. We are happy to welcome you to our client family. The Law firm of Peck Ritchey, LLC, affiliated for many years with the Illinois Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, has recently been named the Legal Education Partner of the Association. Kerry Peck, Managing Partner of Peck Ritchey, LLC serves as Chair of the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Elder Law and previously as President of the Chicago Bar Association. Mr. Peck is Co-Author of Alzheimer’s and the Law and Don’t Let Dementia Steal Everything, books which he wrote at the request of the American Bar Association. Kerry Peck served on the Association’s Board for many years and the Law Firm was honored last year by the Alzheimer’s Association. Peck Ritchey LLC is a one-stop shop for families navigating the devastating effects of a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease.

Cheri McEssy’s journey with the Alzheimer’s Association began long before she joined the Illinois Chapter Executive Board in 2017. Her connection to the cause dates back to the early 1990s, driven by personal experience. Alzheimer's runs deep in Cheri’s family, affecting her grandmother, mother, and three siblings. With the disease being hereditary, Cheri looks forward to participating in clinical trials in the future and is determined to help find answers to help. As a Clinician Nurse and former owner of Bright Star Care, Cheri has spent her career supporting caregivers and families, making Alzheimer’s care and research a personal mission. Her dedication to the cause is why she continues to raise funds for the Alzheimer's Association through creative and meaningful events. For Cheri, this is more than a fundraiser—it’s a way to turn her passion into action. Returning this year, after teaming up with Chris Clark of Toss and Spin in 2022, a racket sports agency that brings people together through events and programming. Their shared love of pickleball inspired them to create the 3rd Annual Purple Pickleball Party, an event that merges fun and philanthropy. Pickleball, a sport known for building community, is the perfect vehicle to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s. "We believe it’s so important to support the fight against this devastating disease through our beloved sport of pickleball," Cheri shares. "Alzheimer’s takes a huge toll on families, both emotionally and financially. Watching loved ones slowly lose their memories, their ability to communicate, and their sense of self is heartbreaking." The Purple Pickleball Party, now in its third year, continues to grow. This year, the event is moving to a bigger venue, Big City Pickle in Fulton Market—where even more people can come together for a great day of pickleball, food, drinks, music, and lawn games. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just there to support, it’s an opportunity to meet new people and have fun, all while contributing to a great cause. "Pickleball is more than a sport; it’s a community that unites people of all ages and backgrounds," says Chris. "By coming together, we can use pickleball as a platform to raise awareness, support caregivers, and fund crucial research. One day, we’ll find a cure for Alzheimer’s, and events like this brings us closer to that goal." Chris enjoys working with inspiring people and meaningful causes and hopes to help others organize successful events like this. For more information on the Purple Pickle Party, visit https://tinyurl.com/34ra4usf The Longest Day® is the day with the most light – the summer solstice. Join us to fight Alzheimer's through a fundraising activity of your choice on a day that works for you. The funds you raise advance the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer's Association. To earn how you can fundraise and more about The Longest Day visit https://act.alz.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=the_longest_day

This year, the Alzheimer’s Association brought together hundreds of passionate AlzStars supporters at the 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, and what an incredible experience it was! The marathon’s iconic route took us through 29 vibrant neighborhoods, turning the race into a stunning architectural and cultural journey through the heart of Chicago. Fellow runners felt a sense of purpose and determination. Each step and mile taken was a commitment to ending Alzheimer’s disease. The AlzStars are all about making an impact—raising awareness and funds to support critical research, care, and support for those affected by this devastating disease. What struck the most for the AlzStars was the camaraderie among the runners in support of ending a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementias. “AlzStars runners aren’t just individuals running a marathon; they are a united team, all striving for the same vision: a world without Alzheimer’s. The passion and dedication of everyone involved were truly inspiring, reminding us why we were there,” said Tracy Collings, Athletic Event Director Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter. Together, supporters from the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter raised nearly $1 million for research, care and support. It’s a remarkable achievement that showcases the collective strength and commitment of our community. If you want to be part of this important movement, the Association encourages you to make your miles matter. Join us in our mission to support those affected by Alzheimer’s disease by donating at https://act.alz.org/alzstars2024 .  Registration for the 2025 Chicago Marathon opens on October 22, 2024. Together, we can continue to make a difference, one step at a time!

Author: Gwen Stone Becoming a caregiver was not a path I chose, but one that life thrust upon me and my family. My father was a Type-A, highly driven attorney. He was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at the age of 68 and passing in 2015. Watching him transform from the focused, sharp man I had always known into someone who would occasionally seem lost was heartbreaking. His eyes were the first thing I noticed—there was a look of confusion that I had never seen before in him. That was when I knew something was terribly wrong. The official diagnosis was devastating, but in some ways, it was a relief to have an answer. However, nothing truly prepares you for the challenges of caregiving. One of the hardest lessons I had to learn was to join my dad in his world, rather than insisting he stay in mine. At first, I would try to pull him back to who he used to be, expecting him to remember things or act in ways that he simply couldn’t anymore. Over time, I realized that I had to let go of the idea that I could change the course of this disease. Patience became my guiding force, and I focused on bringing him comfort instead of holding onto the past. Adjusting to this new normal—an ever-changing normal—had been incredibly difficult. Every day was different, and I had to learn to let go of expectations. One memory that really stood out for me was when my dad could no longer sort the silverware from the dishwasher. It was such a simple task but seeing him struggle with something that used to be second nature was a harsh reminder of how much Alzheimer’s had taken from him. Caregiving had impacted every part of my life. It’s took a toll on my personal relationships and my overall well-being. There were days when I felt completely overwhelmed, but I learned to leaned on my support system. The Alzheimer’s Association was an incredible resource for me. From connecting with other caregivers to learning about legal and financial planning, their services helped me navigate the journey with more confidence and less isolation. In June, I decided to start fundraising for Alzheimer’s research and support where my where my fundraising has exceeded $11,000 and almost at my $12,000 goal. I’m training to run in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on Sunday, October 13, 2024. Running has become a way for me to channel my energy into something positive, and it feels good to know that I’m contributing to the fight against this disease in a tangible way. For anyone just starting their caregiving journey, my advice is this: don’t try to do it alone. Lean on those who’ve been through it, and tap into resources like support groups, financial planners, and healthcare aides. This is a situation where it truly takes a village. Planning ahead, whether it’s retrofitting your home or looking into memory care facilities, can make a world of difference. Staying hopeful is a challenge in the face of a progressive disease like Alzheimer’s, but I found small moments of joy with my dad before his passing. Even though he had changed, there were still glimpses of the man I knew, and I held onto those. Resilience came from accepting what I couldn't control and doing my best to make the time we had left as meaningful as possible. Everyone can help in the fight to end Alzheimer's. Join the cause by staying informed, making a donation or becoming an advocate for those living with Alzheimer's disease and their families. Please consider supporting me at http://act.alz.org/goto/GwenStone24 .

Are you looking for resources and support as a caregiver, or seeking to better understand dementia? The "United for Care: Community Conversation and Expo on Dementia Education and Caregiver Support" is an event designed just for you. Open to the public, caregivers, and clinical experts, this gathering offers valuable insights, practical tools, and a sense of community for anyone touched by dementia. What You Can Expect: Educational Conversations : Hear from leading experts about the latest in dementia care, research, and treatments. Learn about early detection, managing symptoms, and emerging therapies that can make a difference in caregiving. Community Support : Participate in discussions with local organizations who can answer questions, share resources, and connect you to ongoing support systems. You’re not alone on this journey. Research Updates : Stay informed on cutting-edge developments in dementia research, including updates on clinical trials and future innovations in care. Expo & Resource Fair : Explore a variety of exhibitors offering services, products, and technologies designed to improve the lives of those with dementia and their caregivers. From caregiving tools to community programs, you’ll find the resources you need to enhance your caregiving experience. Why You Should Attend: Increase Your Awareness : Deepen your understanding of dementia and its impact on individuals and families. Empower Yourself : Gain the knowledge and skills necessary to provide compassionate care for your loved ones. Stay Current : Learn about the latest research and advancements in dementia care. Build a Network : Connect with others who are facing similar challenges and build a supportive community. Event Details : 📅 Date : Wednesday, November 13, 2024 ⏰ Time : 5:30 – 7:30 PM 📍 Location : Quincy Senior and Family Resource Center, 639 York Street, Quincy, IL 62301 🍽️ Dinner : Complimentary dinner will be served. 👥 Respite Care : Available during the event, provided by Home Instead. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and support one another. Register now : tinyurl.com/AlzCommConvo We look forward to seeing you there!

Genesis Villalobos has been with the Alzheimer's Association for 3.5 years, working as a Navigator for the US POINTER Study. She helps participants follow the study's healthy lifestyle recommendations, which include regular exercise, brain stimulation, and a brain-healthy diet. Her interest in this role is personal—her paternal grandfather had Alzheimer's, and her dad's stroke history, she knows he and her family face similar risks. She is a second-generation Mexican-American, born to parents from a town in Los Altos de Jalisco. Her family jokes about being short despite coming from "Los Altos," which translates to "the heights." Fun facts: She helped start the first Ballet Folklorico club at Northwestern University, fulfilling her childhood dream of dancing in the beautiful dresses! Ballet Folklorico features the traditional Mexican dance styles and attire from different regions of Mexico. The club is still active today, which makes her so proud. Here is a picture of her last performance (the one in yellow) Salvador (Sal) Bayron has been with the Alzheimer's Association Illinois Chapter for over 17 years in various technical and strategic roles. Over the past five years, his responsibilities have broadened beyond the Chapter level and expanded regionally into both the Indiana and Kentucky Chapters where he provides them with ongoing digital support. He enjoys what he does thanks to the people he works with along with a cause he strongly believes in. Fun facts: He played multiple instruments including violin and drums, but ultimately found his musical niche as a DJ, which he did for nearly 20 years. Wendy De Leon is a mobile care consultant at the Alzheimer's Association, where she has worked for two years. She currently provides one-on-one care consultations in English and Spanish to individuals in Black and Brown communities in the Chicagoland area. She also oversees the promotores program, aimed at training Spanish-speaking individuals on Alzheimer's Association resources and information in order for them to share with their community.    Fun facts: Wendy's family is from a small town in Guatemala that has the oldest church in Central America.  Wendy is passively learning how to speak French.

Author: Lupita Vavalle My connection to Alzheimer’s began over 20 years ago when my father was diagnosed with the disease in Mexico. At the time, I was living in Chicago, and I had never heard the word “Alzheimer’s” before. Faced with the uncertainty of his diagnosis, I knew I needed to educate myself. I began researching the disease and found helpful resources through Rush University Medical Center and their programs. The more I learned, the more I realized the immense challenges my family was about to face. I shared what I discovered with my family back in Mexico, and together we watched as my father’s health slowly changed. My mother became his full-time caregiver, caring for him around the clock, but she had no experience managing the progression of a disease as complex as Alzheimer’s. None of us did. As the disease advanced, we were forced to make difficult decisions regarding his care, health, and finances. The uncertainty weighed heavily on us, and those years were some of the most challenging times we had ever experienced. My father lived with Alzheimer’s for 13 years. Each year brought new obstacles as his condition worsened. My mother, who cared for him tirelessly, carried an emotional and physical burden that is hard to describe. When my father passed away 8 years ago, it felt like we had lost not just him, but a piece of our family’s foundation. But our journey with dementia wasn’t over. Shortly after my father’s death, my mother was diagnosed with dementia herself. We found ourselves once again facing tough decisions about her care and how to support her through the later stages of her life. Just as with my father, there were moments of confusion, frustration, and heartache. My mother passed away two years ago, bringing an end to a long battle that affected our family for nearly two decades. Looking back, those years taught me so much about resilience, love, and the importance of being informed. The Alzheimer’s journey is not easy, and it doesn’t just affect the person diagnosed—it impacts the entire family. The knowledge I gained, the resources I found, and the support of those around us made a difference in how we faced this difficult path. Today, I remain committed to sharing my story in the hopes that it might help others navigating their own Alzheimer’s journey. The Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter  will host a special community conference aimed at raising awareness in the Hispanic Community about Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, while providing a space for education, support, and hope. The event, titled "Bringing the Light to Alzheimer’s and Dementia," will take place on Saturday, October 26, 2024 , at Instituto del Progreso Latino in Chicago, IL. The conference is designed to help caregivers, future caregivers, and healthcare professionals gain valuable insights, resources, and tools to navigate the dementia journey. This event will feature a panel of caregivers sharing their personal stories, breakout sessions led by experts, and open conversations covering key topics such as: Making Difficult Decisions during the Caregiving Journey Finding Resources & Advocating as a Caregiver Risk Factors and Challenges Our Community Faces with Alzheimer’s and Dementia Join us in Bringing the Light as we come together to fight Alzheimer’s and dementia through understanding, Acompañamiento, and equity for our community. For more information or to register for the event, visit www.alzillinois.org/alzbringingthelight

The Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter is proud to host a special community conference aimed at raising awareness about Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, while providing a space for education, support, and hope. The event, titled "Bringing the Light to Alzheimer’s and Dementia," will take place on Saturday, October 26, 2024 , at Instituto del Progreso Latino in Chicago, IL. The conference is designed to help caregivers, future caregivers, and healthcare professionals gain valuable insights, resources, and tools to navigate the dementia journey. This event will feature a panel of caregivers sharing their personal stories, breakout sessions led by experts, and open conversations covering key topics such as: Making Difficult Decisions during the Caregiving Journey Finding Resources & Advocating as a Caregiver Risk Factors and Challenges Our Community Faces with Alzheimer’s and Dementia Event Details: Date:  Saturday, October 26, 2024 Location:  Instituto del Progreso Latino, 2555 S Blue Island Ave, Chicago, IL 60608 Time: 9:00 AM Breakfast & Networking: The conference will begin at 9:00 a.m. with breakfast and time to visit with vendors. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy refreshments, explore resources from various organizations, and get seated before the opening session begins at 10:00 a.m. Keynote Panel Discussion: A highlight of the conference will be the keynote session, "Navigating Life After a Diagnosis," where a panel of caregivers will share their experiences caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Their stories will provide attendees with insights and coping strategies, offering a heartfelt and informative start to the day. Breakout Sessions: During the breakout sessions, participants will engage in focused discussions on crucial topics such as making difficult decisions during the caregiving journey and advocating for resources. These sessions will empower attendees with the knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of caregiving. Closing Session: The conference will conclude with a closing session focused on the unique challenges and risks that the Latino community faces with Alzheimer’s and dementia. This session will also touch on the latest treatments, research, and ways in which the community can get involved. “We are excited to bring together caregivers, professionals, and community members to raise awareness, share resources, and support each other through the challenges of Alzheimer’s and dementia,” said Delia Jervier, Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter. “This conference is an opportunity to bring light to a difficult journey and to offer hope and strength to those who need it most.” Join us in Bringing the Light  as we come together to fight Alzheimer’s and dementia through understanding, Acompañamiento, and equity for our community. For more information or to register for the event, visit www.alzillinois.org/alzbringingthelight   Alzheimer's Association® The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Its mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Visit   alz.org  or call 800.272.3900.

On September 21st, residents from Champaign-Urbana, Quincy, Joliet, and Chicago came together in an inspiring show of support for the Walk to End Alzheimer's, held on World Alzheimer’s Day. This annual event unites people of all ages and backgrounds in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease, raising crucial funds and awareness to help find a cure. Thanks to the incredible efforts of participants, we are closer than ever to achieving our vision of a world without Alzheimer’s. But the journey isn’t over. As we continue to push forward, we still need your support to reach our fundraising goal. Every dollar raised helps provide care, support, and research for the more than 6 million Americans including the 266,500 in Illinois living with Alzheimer’s and their families. If you haven’t had the chance to get involved yet, it’s not too late! Register now at alz.org/walk  to join this movement and make a difference. Every step we take moves us closer to a breakthrough, and together, we can help turn today’s progress into tomorrow’s solution. Let’s keep walking toward a future without Alzheimer’s—one step at a time.

written by Kerry R. Peck and Quinn Gottlieb (3rd year Law Student at IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law) Watching somebody make decisions that are not in their best interest is frustrating. Although we may want to intervene, competent adults have the right to make bad choices, even if those choices don’t make sense to others. Our legal system is designed to protect personal freedoms and autonomy. So, unless a judge finds someone legally incapacitated, that person is free to make whatever decisions they want, regardless of rationality, common sense, or outside opinions.   Consider the following situation described in Don’t Let Dementia Steal Everything: Avoid Mistakes, Save Money, and Take Control (2018):   A 96-year-old man wanted to go to Las Vegas and marry his much younger, and very attractive, caregiver. This man was very wealthy and had not known his caregiver very long. Some of his family members questioned whether he was competent and started a guardianship proceeding to try to stop him from marrying the woman. The judge agreed that it was a stupid decision to marry the caregiver; however, the judge ruled that the man was competent enough to make stupid decisions. The man did not need a guardian and was free to make bad personal decisions.   Courts are often asked to intervene when older adults make bad choices, typically through guardianship proceedings. But, the standard for imposing guardianship is more than just reporting a pattern of bad decisions. Courts must assess all circumstances surrounding the individual and decide whether their poor decisions cross the line into incapacity. Incapacity describes the standard courts use when deciding whether someone has a legal disability. Only when an individual is deemed legally incompetent may the court intervene in their decision-making.   A complete assessment is required for a judge to make this determination. Adults are assumed to be legally competent in most contexts unless proven otherwise. Simply being elderly or having a medical diagnosis, including Alzheimer’s, does not automatically make someone incompetent in the eyes of the law. Because courts want to preserve individual freedoms as much as possible, they won’t restrict someone’s right to decision-making unless there is clear and convincing evidence of that person’s incapacity.   When determining incompetence, courts do not base their judgment on disagreements over an individual’s choices. Instead, they take part in a guardianship proceeding: a formal court hearing which the allegedly disabled individual may attend. There, judges review physician’s reports, witness testimony, and other evidence before deciding if guardianship is appropriate. Typically, guardianship is imposed only when proven to be necessary. Guardianship hearings are thorough, time-consuming processes that the court takes very seriously. This standard and all related court procedures ensure that personal freedoms are preserved whenever possible.   So, while it might be tempting to step in when someone makes choices you disagree with, remember that the court uses specific guidelines before interfering with someone’s decision-making. If someone you care about is making choices that have you questioning their competency, discuss the situation with an experienced attorney or physician.   The Law firm of Peck Ritchey, LLC, affiliated for many years with the Illinois Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, has recently been named the Legal Education Partner of the Association. Kerry Peck, Managing Partner of Peck Ritchey, LLC serves as Chair of the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Elder Law and previously as President of the Chicago Bar Association. Mr. Peck is Co-Author of Alzheimer’s and the Law and Don’t Let Dementia Steal Everything, books which he wrote at the request of the American Bar Association. Kerry Peck served on the Association’s Board for many years and the Law Firm was honored last year by the Alzheimer’s Association. Peck Ritchey LLC is a one-stop shop for families navigating the devastating effects of a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease.