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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 & Friend Caregiver ✨ One Paid Professional Caregiver Nominations are now open through December 7, 2025 . Help us celebrate the compassion, dedication, and strength of those who give so much of themselves to care for others. 🏆 Award recipients will be notified in January 2026  and honored at the Power of Purple: A Reason to Hope Luncheon  on March 12, 2026 , at the Fairmont – Millennium Park. 💜 Let’s shine a bright light on these extraordinary individuals.👉 Nominate a caregiver today! Submit your nomination at: ilalzwomen.org/events/caregiver-awards

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 accelerates science that brings us closer to a world without Alzheimer’s. And here in Illinois, your contributions ensure that families across the state continue to receive free, local programs and services when they need them most. 💜 The Walk May Be Over, But Our Mission Continues While Walk to End Alzheimer’s season has wrapped, our work is far from finished. We’re pushing forward to reach our year-end goal by December 31 , and every single dollar truly makes a difference for individuals and families facing Alzheimer’s across Illinois. 🎁 Special Incentive: Warm Up With a Walk Beanie From November 29 through December 14 , when you raise $50 , you’ll receive a cozy Walk to End Alzheimer’s beanie  as a thank-you for making an impact during this season of giving. It’s a perfect way to show your support and stay warm all winter long! 💜 Make Your Impact This Giving Tuesday Join us in keeping the momentum strong and the mission moving forward.👉 Donate or fundraise today:   alzheimers-illinois.org/walk Together, we can bring hope, support, and scientific progress to families across Illinois and move one step closer to ending Alzheimer’s. Let’s make this Giving Tuesday count! 💜

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 with purpose, hope, and connection. “I was so moved by the whole atmosphere of the day,” she recalls. “I knew I wanted to do more.” She asked if help was needed beyond the event, and the answer was yes. Since then, she has become a steady and invaluable part of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s office in Lisle, volunteering a few hours each week behind the scenes. Her work may not always be visible to walkers on Walk day, but it’s essential: Making phone calls Writing heartfelt thank-you notes Preparing supplies for Walk sites across the region Supporting the DuPage Walk team year after year Her commitment is rooted in deeply personal experience. Alzheimer’s and dementia have touched multiple generations of her family, her grandmother, uncle, and aunt. Her cousin passed away in her early 60s from frontotemporal dementia and today, her brother is living with Alzheimer’s. “In fact, as she’s sharing her story, she is caregiving for her brother to give my sister-in-law a break,” she shares. These moments, both heartbreaking and meaningful, fuel her determination. Despite the heavy reality of the disease, she chooses to channel her energy into action.“I hope I can play a small part in fighting for a cure,” she shares. She does every week, with every note, every call, every box packed for Walk day. Her dedication reminds us that the fight against Alzheimer’s is not only about big gestures, but also the quiet, consistent acts of service that move this mission forward. Thank you, Kathy, for sharing your heart, your time, and your story. You are making an incredible difference for families across Illinois. If you are interested in participating in a local Walk to End Alzheimer’s, contact a Walk Manager at https://www.alz.org/walk or if you are interested in in sharing your story contact Lionell Martin at lrmartin@alz.org .

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 commitment to the Alzheimer’s Association’s mission: to drive groundbreaking research, improve care and support, and raise awareness for all those affected. This cause is not just close to my heart — it’s part of my story.” The Do What You Love to End ALZ  campaign encourages individuals and communities to turn their passions into purpose—raising funds and awareness to support Alzheimer’s care, research, and advocacy. “We are thrilled to have Jackie leading this year’s campaign. Her energy, compassion, and dedication to the cause truly embody the spirit of Do What You Love to End ALZ, said Sharon Connolly, Manager, Do What You Love to End ALZ Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter. Currently, more than 7 million Americans  are living with Alzheimer’s disease — one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Nearly 12 million family members and friends  provide unpaid care for loved ones living with Alzheimer’s or other dementia. In Illinois alone, more than 266,500 individuals  are affected, supported by 314,000 caregivers  statewide. To learn more about how you can participate or start your own fundraiser, visit alz.org/dowhatyoulove . About Do What You Love to End ALZ Do What You Love to End ALZ  makes it simple to make a difference. By turning your passions, whether cooking, running, painting, or playing music—into a fundraiser, you help advance the fight against Alzheimer’s and all other dementias. There’s no limit to what you can do when you do what you love.

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 National Family Caregivers Month , IWCA proudly invites the community to nominate a caregiver in Illinois who has made a meaningful difference in the life of someone affected by Alzheimer’s or dementia. Nominations will be accepted throughout October and November 2025 . Two outstanding individuals will be selected for recognition in the following categories: Family & Friend Caregiver Award  – Honors an unpaid individual or family member who has devoted their time, compassion, and energy to caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia (currently or in the past). Paid Professional Caregiver Award  – Recognizes a dedicated professional who exemplifies excellence in caregiving, serving as a model for others in the field. Eligible roles include nursing assistants, home care workers, nurses, therapists, administrators, clergy, social workers, and others providing professional care. “These awards are a heartfelt way to shine a light on those who selflessly care for others and to share their inspiring stories with our broader community,” said Ryan Jameson, Sr. Events Manager, Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter. “Caregivers are the unsung heroes of the Alzheimer’s journey, and their strength and compassion deserve to be celebrated.” Award recipients will be announced in January 2026 and formally recognized at IWCA’s signature event , the Power of Purple: A Reason to Hope Luncheon , on Thursday, March 12, 2026 , at the Fairmont Chicago – Millennium Park . This uplifting event brings together caregivers, advocates, and leaders who are making a profound difference in the fight to end Alzheimer’s. To nominate a caregiver and learn more about the awards, visit https://ilalzwomen.org/events/caregiver-awards/  Help us honor the remarkable individuals who give so much of themselves— nominate a caregiver today. About Illinois Women Conquer ALZ (IWCA): Illinois Women Conquer ALZ is a network of women united in the fight to end Alzheimer’s disease. Through advocacy, fundraising, and awareness efforts, IWCA empowers women to take action and make a lasting impact in the lives of those affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias. About the Alzheimer’s Association: The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our 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. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.

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 and pick up a cause . Whether it’s a mustache, beard, goatee, or soul patch, participants can join the movement by growing facial hair throughout November and spread awareness one whisker at a time. In 2021, John Bryant became an Assistant Coach for the Chicago Bulls. Born in Woodbridge, Virginia and played at Saint Joseph’s University. Coach Bryant went on to play in the NBA G League, ABA, and played professionally overseas in Australia, England, and Germany.  John is participating in the Alzheimer’s Association’s Do What You Love To End Alz fundraiser. If you would like to join in the fight to end Alzheimer's and support John Bryant, please make a donation today!  https://events.alz.org/fundraisers/johnbryant/mustachios-for-memory .  Do What You Love to End Alz  is a do-it-yourself fundraising where you turn something you love into a fundraiser to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia - you can learn more at  alz.org/dowhatyoulove . Every dollar raised fuels the Alzheimer’s Association’s mission 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 for families. To learn more about Alzheimer’s disease and local resources, visit alz.org/Illinois . So, this November, take a wristband, grow your ‘stache, and stand strong for memory . Together, we can make a difference—one hair at a time.

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 Alzheimer’s or dementia who wander or become lost. The Silver Search Task Force: A Statewide Collaboration To make Silver Search possible, a dedicated task force was formed to unite state agencies, organizations, and advocacy groups in a shared mission: protecting vulnerable individuals and supporting their families. The Silver Search Task Force  meets regularly to address public safety needs, improve communication between agencies, and develop educational materials and response protocols. Participating members include: Illinois State Police Illinois Tollway Authority Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Broadcasters Association Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police Illinois Department on Aging Illinois Department of Transportation AARP Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board Illinois Secretary of State Illinois Lottery Through this collaboration, Silver Search continues to strengthen community awareness and enhance the state’s ability to respond quickly and effectively when someone with dementia goes missing. What Is an Endangered Missing Person Advisory? A key component of the Silver Search initiative is the Endangered Missing Person Advisory —a voluntary partnership among law enforcement, local broadcasters, and other public partners designed to quickly alert the community when a person is missing and believed to be in danger. The advisory is activated by local law enforcement and shared broadly through multiple channels to engage the public’s help in locating the missing person. Criteria for an Endangered Missing Person Advisory include: The person is missing under unexplained or suspicious circumstances. The individual is believed to be in danger due to age, health, or mental or physical disability, or because of environmental factors or possible exposure to harm. There is sufficient public information available that could help in the safe recovery of the person. The situation does not meet the criteria for an AMBER Alert. How Does the Public Receive Silver Search Alerts? When an Endangered Missing Person Advisory is issued, information is shared across a variety of platforms to maximize visibility and mobilize the community’s help. Notifications may be sent via email, fax, radio and television broadcasts, text messages,  and law enforcement bulletins. In addition, partnerships with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT)  and the Illinois Tollway Authority  allow for messages to be displayed on interstate and tollway digital signs  when a missing person may be driving or traveling in a vehicle. The Illinois Lottery  also contributes by displaying alerts on digital lottery terminals  across retail locations—helping spread critical information to as many people as possible. Working Together to Keep Illinois Safe Silver Search represents the power of community, awareness, and collaboration. By uniting law enforcement, government agencies, advocacy organizations, and the public, Illinois has built a model that saves lives and supports families affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias. You can play a role too—stay alert to Silver Search advisories, share information when you see it, and learn more about how to support individuals and families living with dementia in your community. For more information about Silver Search and resources for families affected by Alzheimer’s or dementia, visit the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter .

For Pam Godsil, her “why” is her Nannie. Pam cared for her Nannie during her time with dementia, an experience that left a lasting impact and inspired her to get involved with the Alzheimer’s Association. “I want to be involved in helping others navigate the journey,” Pam shares. It ’s about supporting families, educating communities, and advancing research that will one day lead to better treatments and, ultimately, a cure.” When you share your story, you help others feel seen, connected, and inspired to take action. There are no ordinary stories, only extraordinary impact. Your voice could bring comfort to someone who feels alone and bring us all one step closer to a world without Alzheimer’s. 📥 Share your story here: Submit Your Story Your story may even be featured on our social media, blog, or other media opportunities.

● 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 one with dementia and participate in holiday festivities. ● For those traveling this holiday season, the Alzheimer's Association recommends careful and thoughtful planning including picking a practical destination, simplifying itineraries, keeping travel necessities close and more. ● Additional considerations to help ensure a safe and smooth trip when traveling with a person living with dementia: Deciding to Travel ● Whether taking a short trip to see friends and family or traveling a far distance for vacation, it's important to consider the difficulties and benefits of travel for a person with dementia. In the early stages of dementia, a person may still enjoy traveling. As the disease progresses, travel may become too overwhelming. ● When you take into account the needs, abilities, safety and preferences of the person with dementia, what's the best mode of travel? Consider the following: ○ Go with the option that provides the most comfort and the least anxiety. ○ Stick with the familiar. Travel to known destinations that involve as few changes in daily routine as possible. Try to visit places that were familiar before the onset of dementia. ○ Keep in mind that there may come a time when traveling is too disorienting or stressful for the person with dementia. Tips for a Safe Trip ● Changes in the environment can trigger wandering. Even for a person in the early stages, new environments may be more difficult to navigate. When possible, avoid places that are highly congested, which can trigger disorientation and confusion. Provide supervision at all times; do not leave a person with dementia alone. ● Have a bag of essentials with you at all times that includes medications, your travel itinerary, a comfortable change of clothes, water, snacks and activities. ● Pack necessary medications, up-to-date medical information, a list of emergency contacts and photocopies of important legal documents. ● Create an itinerary that includes details about each destination. Give copies to emergency contacts at home. Keep a copy of your itinerary with you at all times. ● If you are staying in a hotel, inform the staff ahead of time of your specific needs so they can be prepared to assist you. ● Travel during the time of day that is best for the person with dementia. Documents to Take with You when Traveling ● Doctors' names and contact information ● A list of current medications and dosages ● A list of food or drug allergies ● Names and contact information of friends and family members to call in case of an emergency ● Insurance information (policy number, member name) Air Travel ● Traveling in airports requires plenty of focus and attention. At times, the level of activity can be distracting, overwhelming or difficult to understand for someone with dementia. If you are traveling by plane, keep the following in mind: ○ Avoid scheduling flights that require tight connections. Ask about airport escort services that can help you get from place to place. ○ Inform the airline and airport medical service department ahead of time of your needs to make sure they can help you. Most airlines will work with you to accommodate special needs. ○ If appropriate, tell airport employees, screeners and in-flight crew members that you are traveling with someone who has dementia. ○ Even if walking is not difficult, consider requesting a wheelchair so that an airport employee is assigned to help you get from place to place. ○ Allow for extra time. For more tips and information, visit alz.org/travel .

As clocks “fell back” one hour on Sunday, November 2, marking the end of Daylight-Saving Time (DST), most Americans welcomed the extra hour of rest. But for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, this annual adjustment can bring confusion, disrupted routines, and sleepless nights that ripple through households. Experts say that while time change is a small inconvenience for most, it can significantly impact those whose sense of stability depends on predictable daily patterns. For many living with dementia, the end of Daylight Saving Time can intensify a condition known as sundowning —a pattern of increased confusion, agitation, or restlessness that tends to appear in the late afternoon or evening. When darkness arrives earlier, these symptoms can become more severe and harder to manage. “People with dementia often interpret environmental cues to tell time,”said a dementia care specialist with the Alzheimer’s Association. “When it gets dark sooner, their internal sense of order is disrupted, and that can lead to distress.” A structured routine offers comfort and stability for people with dementia. Small shifts—like eating dinner or going to bed an hour earlier or later can cause anxiety or disorientation. The time change can also throw off medication schedules and caregiving routines. “Even subtle changes in timing can lead to a domino effect of confusion,” experts note. “The key is consistency.” The body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, or circadian rhythm , is guided largely by light exposure. When DST ends, earlier sunsets reduce light cues that help regulate sleep patterns, mood, and alertness. For people already struggling with sleep disturbances, this shift can lead to increased nighttime wakefulness and daytime fatigue. Sudden changes in lightning such as darkness falling earlier in the evening—can also cause environmental confusion . Some individuals may not understand why it’s dark when they expect daylight, which can heighten anxiety or agitation. Even without the time change, sleep issues are widespread among people with dementia. Studies show that up to 45%  experience ongoing sleep disturbances. Many wake frequently during the night or wander, while caregivers lose sleep themselves trying to keep loved ones safe. In later stages of Alzheimer’s, individuals may spend nearly 40% of nighttime hours awake , and much of the daytime asleep, creating a difficult cycle for both patients and caregivers. The Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline (800-272-3900) provides free, confidential support and guidance for families managing sleep problems and other challenges associated with dementia. Caregivers can also connect with others through ALZConnected —the Association’s online support community—available at alzconnected.org . Additional resources, including local and virtual support groups, can be found at alz.org .

By: Alec Fraggos, Law Clerk at Peck Ritchey, LLC Much of Stan Lee’s life was marked by adventure, creativity, and fame. The writer, editor, publisher, and producer took on several roles beyond what marked his career success. Lee was a father, husband, and philanthropist. However, the end of Lee’s life is a stark reminder that financial exploitation can happen to anyone, regardless of income, resources, and educational attainment. While Lee’s estate was likely carefully crafted and well thought out, few could have predicted that Keya Morgan, Lee’s business manager, would seek to exploit Lee’s cognitive decline for his own financial gain. Yet, Lee’s tragic end-of-life events remind those in the estate planning and health care industries of one crucial fact: exploitation, especially financial exploitation, occurs in the shadows. And, despite the excitement and fame that marked most of Lee’s life, the end of his life, like so many other elderly Americans, was marred by conflicts surrounding his affairs, both personal and financial.  This article aims to address some of the ways in which aging populations and their caretakers can prevent situations like those Lee experienced. In doing so, this article seeks to identify how financial exploitation is typically carried out and how it can be prevented. The piece will then look to how the State of Illinois has dealt with the financial exploitation of the elderly and how the state ranks within the United States. The final part is an analysis of how seniors and their families can take steps to prevent financial exploitation, with families standing on the front lines of protecting their loved ones.   Like so many elderly Americans, Lee’s former business associate, Keya Morgan, financially exploited Lee in isolation. Morgan “isolated lee from his family and longtime associates, seized control of his finances, misappropriated millions in assets, coerced him into public appearances, and restricted access to family members and those who had supported Lee for decades.” An April 2018 YouTube video captured the extent of Lee’s cognitive decline. Lee attended the Silicon Valley Comic Con, accompanied by Morgan. As attendees gathered to catch a glimpse of Lee, he was seen struggling to sign his name. Morgan, alongside Lee, “spoke to Lee as if he were a child, schooling him on how to spell his name. ‘Stan Lee. S-T-A-N…’ Morgan spelled it out again and again.” Unlike most elderly Americans suffering from cognitive decline, Lee’s struggles were at times publicly documented. However, like Lee, America’s elderly population, especially those experiencing cognitive decline, deserve protection. While the law plays a key role in providing these protections, loved ones stand on the front lines of protecting the elderly. As of 2024, the Illinois Adult Protective Service (APS) reports that of the types of abuse investigated, financial exploitation remains atop the list. Of the types of abuse investigated, financial exploitation accounts for 25.05% of all categories listed.  According to 2022 FBI reports, Illinois seniors were “swindled out of a record $79.5 million, up from $5 million in 2014.” More alarming is the fact that nationally, only 1 in 44 elder financial abuse cases are even reported. Broadly speaking, Illinois has its work cut out in protecting the elderly from financial exploitation. Illinois ranks 49 th  among states in the number of “suspicious banking transactions per capita reported against older adults by financial institutions.” Moreover, Illinois is also among only “six states without its own force of investigators to look into exploitation cases, saving money by contracting with about 40 local service agencies to do that work.”  Despite the bleak picture these statistics paint, Illinois has not neglected to implement measures to protect its elderly population from financial abuse. The Bankers and Seniors Against Financial Exploitation (B*SAFE) program was developed in 2001 through a collaboration of law enforcement and state agencies, “to address to growing problem of financial exploitation.” In many instances, seniors prefer to bank in-person as opposed to online, with many seeing “the same teller who routinely handles his/her financial transactions each time he/she visits the banking facility.” B*SAFE educates the teller “on potential signs of financial exploitation.” Illinois also created the Elder Abuse Task Force which consists of a “22-member committee consisting of agency heads, elder abuse experts, legislators, and law enforcement.”Illinois has its work cut out, but the task of protecting its elderly from financial abuse is not impossible.  The American economy continues to digitize at rapid rates, and America’s elderly population is at a steep disadvantage. As the aging generation of baby boomers continue to live alone, America’s elderly face an unfamiliar and for many, daunting digital economy. 2022 reports estimated that 26 million Americans over the age of 50 are living solo, “making this the quickest-growing demographic in the U.S.” What’s more, by 2030, “all baby boomers will be over the age of 65.” Isolation of the elderly, as evidenced by Lee’s case, poses a slew of dangers, especially financial. Elder abuse also increases physical risks to the exploited as, “elder abuse was associated with greater risk of mortality.” Protecting the senior population from financial exploitation requires protection prior to when capacity begins to decline or diminish.  For seniors with diminished or diminishing capacity, families can take steps to protect their loved ones from financial abuse. The American Bankers Association (ABA) recommends that seniors should not rush into financial decisions, and that seniors should ask for details in writing while also obtaining a second opinion. Additionally, seniors and their families should form a relationship with their banks and those individuals who handle their finances. Perhaps more importantly, it is critical that seniors and their families regularly review credit reports, refrain from giving personal information, including Social Security Number, account number or other financial information to anyone over the phone unless the senior or family member initiated the call and trust the other party. While this list is not exhaustive and addresses only a few ways seniors can protect themselves from financial exploitation, families provide a strong first line of defense.  Stan Lee’s case is not uncommon and is certainly not the last case in which a senior is taken advantage of financially by a trusted individual. However, for seniors and their families, there is hope. Financial exploitation is preventable. Seniors can put themselves in the best position by consummating an estate plan as early as practicable, forming a trusted relationship with their financial advisors and fiduciaries, and cultivating a transparent relationship with loved ones whom the senior trusts. Stan Lee’s case is not only a reminder that families play a key role in the protection of their loved ones, but that thorough estate planning is but one major step to preventing the kinds of end-of-life turmoil that marred Stan Lee’s final years.  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.

Nearly half a million American veterans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, a number expected to grow significantly as our population ages. These heroes, who have already given so much in service to our country, now face new challenges as Alzheimer’s brings changes in memory, thinking, and behavior that go far beyond normal aging. To support veterans and their families, the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter invites you to join a special webinar on Wednesday, November 12, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.  This educational session will help participants understand the difference between normal aging and Alzheimer’s, recognize common warning signs, and learn about the importance of early detection and diagnosis.  Experts will also discuss what to expect during the diagnostic process and share valuable resources from the Alzheimer’s Association to help families navigate care and support. In addition, Debi Terfruchte and Michelle Kennon will provide an overview of the VA’s Caregiver Support Program and Geriatric Services for Veterans, offering insight into the programs available to those who have served our nation. Together, we can honor our veterans by ensuring they and their families receive the care, support, and understanding they deserve. If you or a loved one is a veteran, this is an opportunity to gain knowledge, connect with resources, and take important steps toward understanding and managing Alzheimer’s. To register, call the Alzheimer’s Association’s 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900 or click the registration link here . You can also visit alz.org/CRF  to explore additional education programs available online and in your community.