More than 1,000 attendees are expected at the 7th annual Paint the Night Purple event on Friday, February 22, 2019 at Revel Fulton Market in Chicago to help raise critical awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s disease. Paint the Night Purple brings people together from all across Chicagoland for an unforgettable evening of dancing, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and desserts. Chicago native group – The Boy Band Night – will be returning once again as the headlining live entertainment, and the event will feature other musical guests throughout the evening as well. “It’s one night of the year for all of us to come together with one cause in mind – ending Alzheimer’s,” says Junior Board member, Sydney Church. “It’s a night to honor and pay tribute to our loved ones, but it’s also a night of celebration and fun. “ Guests can also enter to win lavish prizes during the raffle and silent auction, such Chicago Bears and Blackhawks autographed memorabilia, air travel, tickets to sporting events and museums as well as gift certificates to salons, restaurants, fitness classes and much more. All proceeds from Paint the Night Purple benefit the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter, and last year’s event raised more than $152,000 for Alzheimer’s care, support and research efforts. “The event displays the passion of those affected by Alzheimer’s disease, the commitment by so many to find a cure, and the never-ending support we receive from our friends and family,” says Junior Board member, Rob Gialessas. “With the anniversary of the loss of my loved one the week before, I Paint The Night Purple because the joy and positivity the event generates is uplifting.” Paint the Night Purple is hosted annually by the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter Junior Board. The Junior Board was founded in 2011 to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, and to take action through fundraising events, support programs, education and advocacy initiatives. Alzheimer’s has touched each one of these civic-minded young professionals in some way, and all are united by a desire to see an end to the disease. “Paint The Night Purple is the perfect blend of having a good time and doing good for others.” says Erin Doherty, Paint the Night Purple event coordinator and Manager of External Relationships at the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter. “It’s a unique platform for us to celebrate and honor the lives of those impacted by this devastating disease, while raising awareness and funds to fight it.” Tickets for Paint the Night Purple include guest entry, appetizers, desserts, open bar, silent auction, raffle, live entertainment and more! Tickets can be purchased online at www.alzillinoisjuniorboard.org

Women are at the epicenter of Alzheimer’s disease. Founded in 2017, Illinois Women Conquer ALZ seeks to engage and empower more women in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease by raising awareness and taking action through fundraising events, education and advocacy initiatives. Join Illinois Women Conquer ALZ today! Any new member who signs up between now and May 11 is entered to win two tickets to the Power of Purple, a garden party luncheon on June 9. Visit ilalzwomen.org for more information. In this article, we feature Illinois Women Conquer ALZ member, Lourdes Cornelius. How did you initially hear about IWCA, and why did you decide to join? Alzheimer’s continues to affect the lives of friends who either become caregivers or are responsible for an elderly family member. I was first exposed to Alzheimer’s disease when my husband’s grandfather began going out for walks and was unable to find his way home. One of the most difficult experiences I had was leaving him in a facility as he asked “why?” It was heartbreaking. Since then, three of my friends have lost their mothers to complications of Alzheimer’s, while another one tries her hardest to manage her career and be the caregiver to her mother who is in early stages. I stumbled upon IWCA thru a general email that was probably sent by the Alzheimers Association Illinois Chapter. Once I began looking on their website, I discovered that a close friend of mine was on the board. What has your membership been like thus far? What do you hope to accomplish as a member? Being a member of this group has been amazing. I quickly joined the steering committee to help organize programs. The women who are part of this association are even more amazing. They are dedicated to fighting Alzheimer’s while supporting each other mentally with their personal stories as to why they have joined. Making advancements for a cure for this disease is critical. This goes beyond scientists, researchers and doctors. As a member, I’m able to learn more about Alzheimer’s disease, assist in hosting educational events, and help with fundraising efforts. Me and other IWCA members at our Fall Networking Event Why do you think this group is important? With membership focused on women, the conversations that we have allow our members to be more forthcoming with their personal experiences. Through these shared experiences we are able to learn from each other and apply new ideas with our loved ones. In your opinion, why should other women join IWCA? Why not fight this disease together? Together we are stronger, and are able to make advancements that are needed.

Register to join Illinois Women Conquer ALZ today!Any new member who signs up between now and May 11 is entered to win two tickets to the Power of Purple, a garden party luncheon on June 9. Visit ilalzwomen.org for more information. In this article, we feature Illinois Women Conquer ALZ member, Jessica Wright. How did you initially hear about IWCA, and why did you decide to join? I was on the Illinois Alzheimer’s Association website, and I saw the initial kick off event to start the membership for IWCA. After attending the event, I eventually signed up to join the group. My biochemistry professor – Dr. Jin -inspired me to be more involved in this research. I would like to be involved scientifically, but being a part of this group enables me to help in another way, which is raising funds for research. What has your membership been like thus far? What do you hope to accomplish as a member? I joined the Power of Purple committee immediately and the experience has been extremely beneficial. I love being able to gather and contribute auction items and donations to further our group along in this journey to find a cure. I hope to be a vocal advocate and to continue fundraising for more research in tackling Alzheimer’s disease. Me, my mom and my grandmother. Why do you think this group is important? IWCA is an important group because even though we support other families that live with this disease, we also support each other through this fight. Alzheimer’s has taken so many of our loved ones, and we provide a united front in combating it head on. In your opinion, why should other women join IWCA? I believe that other women should join because we all know someone that has been diagnosed with this disease. It’s important we stand strong together in confronting it. IWCA welcomed me with open arms when I joined, and I think these women are quite inspirational. I am glad to be on this journey to finding a cure so that our future is brighter and stronger with age.

By: Rick Planos My family’s journey with dementia started three years ago. Like many, I was fairly naive and had my suspicions that something was wrong with my mom. I Once the official diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease was in place, I moved into the education phase. While I had certainly heard the term and knew several friends who had family members affected, it was always someone else – never MY family. I learned quickly that no two cases are alike, so while you can learn What have I learned through all of this? So many things. First thing I learned was that my mom is now gone. She walks, talks and looks like my mom, but the mother that raised me and my three siblings has been replaced with this shell I’ve learned there is humor in all this too. Some moments can be really funny – like she mixes up names of two relatives who hate each other, or uses the name of a Green Bay Packer in place of her beloved Chicago Bears. You learn to laugh at the accidents that don’t happen. Despite the sadness and loss, I Mostly, I’ve learned that you become a caregiver because it is the right thing to do. Nobody plans for this to happen – nobody wants to be in this club. I certainly don’t want to read any more books that make me cry thinking of the nightmares that lie ahead. I don’t wish this on anyone. To be constantly worrying about the next fall, the next accident, or the next part of the family history to be forgotten. But this person gave me life. She made certain that the grocery budget allowed for enough savings to pay for my orthodontics. This person didn’t have a car so my siblings and I would have enough money to graduate college. And if the shoe was on the other foot, she would be taking care of me or one of my siblings today. So we enjoy what we have left of our mom and adjust accordingly.

This time last year started a life-changing journey for my family and I. My 53-year-old mother was lost for three days in the brutal Illinois winter weather. Leading up to this event, we had noticed changes in her behavior but didn’t know what to attribute it to. She had told the family she would not be at Christmas that year because she didn’t feel her car was reliable enough to get her from Bloomington to the Pekin, IL. On Christmas night, we received a call from her significant-other asking when she had left to head back home. There was instantly a feeling of panic. My uncle and I drove around most of the night looking for her along different routes she could have taken, but there was no sign of her. Detective Jeff Engle of the Bloomington Police Department contacted me the next day to discuss the circumstances and what his plan was to find her. My sister and I also started a Facebook post begging for anyone and everyone to keep a look out for her and to share information about the search. Me, my son and my mom Eventually, she ended up using her credit card which sent the search to Mattoon, Illinois. On December 27th, her car was found abandoned in a residential area of Mattoon. It felt like our worst fears were coming true. My family and I headed for Mattoon to help in the search. Later that day, I received a call from Detective Engle saying my mom was found alive and was with the State Police. We couldn’t get to her fast enough. I will never forget the feeling of being able to hug her again. My family and I say that it truly was a Christmas miracle that she survived. We even got to meet the gentleman that found her and saved her life. We believe he had to have been a guardian angel here on Earth. Turns out, my mother went for a drive and her car had run out of gas. That night, she slept in her car without any heat whatsoever. The gentleman who saved her life found her the next day and gave her a place to stay. Me, my sister and Detective Engle The following handful of months after finding my mother were just as tough. It was hard for her to comprehend that something wasn’t right, and couldn’t really understand why she wasn’t allowed to drive anymore. She was resistant to help find answers and did not like all of the doctor appointments. After enduring many tests, we finally received the diagnosis of Early Onset Alzheimer’s disease. While my family and I were expecting this diagnosis; it was still a punch to the gut. The diagnosis was earthshaking. However, it brought our family closer together. We have a deeper understanding of patience, compassion, “don’t sweat the small stuff” and unconditional love. We don’t know what the future looks but right now my sister and I still have our mom. We want to have good memories and enjoy her company. While this journey is scary and somewhat unknown, we have each other, and we have an opportunity to make the most out a bad hand of cards. At times, this journey feels very lonely and isolating. I do not have any friends that can really relate to what I’m going through. I’m only 32 years old. My younger sister and I are just starting to create our own families, and we need our mom now more than ever. On the other hand, we have met some amazing people along the way. We even participated in our first Walk To End Alzheimer’s in Peoria this year on October 13th. To see that many people come together to support a cause that so quickly became front and center in our lives was a wonderful reminder that we are not alone. For those just starting to navigate through this journey; keep your chin up and try to find the joy. There isn’t a how-to book for this, so do the best you can and lean on those in your support system. And remember, you are not alone! By: Lindsay Edwards

The holiday season is a time when families gather and spend quality time with loved ones. It is also a time that can raise questions about the cognitive health of aging family members. With Alzheimer’s disease in particular, it is important to know what it is and what is not normal aging.  Below is a list of warning signs along with examples of normal aging.  If you notice any of the warning signs in your family members, it is recommended that you see a doctor. Alzheimer’s Association 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Memory loss that disrupts daily life. One of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s is memory loss, especially forgetting recently learned information. Others include forgetting important dates or events; asking for the same information over and over; relying on memory aides (e.g., reminder notes or electronic devices) or family members for things they used to handle on one’s own. What’s typical: Sometimes forgetting names or appointments, but remembering them later. Challenges in planning or solving problems. Some people may experience changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. They may have trouble following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills. They may have difficulty concentrating and take much longer to do things than they did before. What’s typical: Making occasional errors when balancing a checkbook. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure. People with Alzheimer’s often find it hard to complete daily tasks. Sometimes, people may have trouble driving to a familiar location, managing a budget at work or remembering the rules of a favorite game. What’s typical: Occasionally needing help to use the settings on a microwave or to record a television show. Confusion with time or place: People with Alzheimer’s can lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time. They may have trouble understanding something if it is not happening immediately. Sometimes they may forget where they are or how they got there. What’s typical: Getting confused about the day of the week but figuring it out later. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships. For some people, having vision problems is a sign of Alzheimer’s. They may have difficulty reading, judging distance and determining color or contrast. In terms of perception, they may pass a mirror and think someone else is in the room. They may not realize they are the person in the mirror. What’s typical: Vision changes related to cataracts. New problems with words in speaking or writing. People with Alzheimer’s may have trouble following or joining a conversation. They may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue or they may repeat themselves. They may struggle with vocabulary, have problems finding the right word or call things by the wrong name (e.g., calling a “watch” a “hand-clock”). What’s typical: Sometimes having trouble finding the right word. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps. A person with Alzheimer’s disease may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again. Sometimes, they may accuse others of stealing. This may occur more frequently over time. What’s typical: Misplacing things from time to time, such as a pair of glasses or the remote control. Decreased or poor judgment. People with Alzheimer’s may experience changes in judgment or decision-making. For example, they may use poor judgment when dealing with money, giving large amounts to telemarketers. They may pay less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean. What’s typical: Making a bad decision once in a while. Withdrawal from work or social activities. A person with Alzheimer’s may start to remove themselves from hobbies, social activities, work projects or sports. They may have trouble keeping up with a favorite sports team or remembering how to complete a favorite hobby. They may also avoid being social because of the changes they have experienced. What’s typical: Sometimes feeling weary of work, family and social obligations. Changes in mood and personality. The mood and personalities of people with Alzheimer’s can change. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, at work, with friends or in places where they are out of their comfort zone. What’s typical: Developing very specific ways of doing things and becoming irritable when a routine is disrupted. Early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias is an important step in getting appropriate treatment, care and support service. Benefits of an early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease: Benefit from treatments that may improve symptoms and help maintain a level of independence longer Have more time to plan for the future Increase chances of successfully finding a clinical drug trial through Alzheimer’s Association TrialMatch, helping advance research Participate in decisions about their care, transportation, living options, financial and legal matters Develop a relationship with doctors and care partners Benefit from care and support services, making it easier for them and their family to manage the disease Anyone with questions about Alzheimer’s disease and/or seeking information should contact the Alzheimer’s Association’s 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.  Experts are available to take calls from individuals concerned with their own cognitive health as well as from family members and friends who may be concerned about a loved one and are seeking resources.

By: Dar Lehman I was a caregiver for my husband, William, who was diagnosed with dementia in 2007 at the age of 77.  We began a journey that was totally unexpected. It affected not only him and me but also our children, grandchildren, extended family and friends for nearly 10 years. None of us were acquainted with dementia. No one in our family had ever been diagnosed with this disease. It had started out harmlessly – he had begun to forget names and how to do basic things like balance a checkbook, which he had done all his life. This was quite a surprise given that William had taught thousands of children to work safely in a woodshop, commanded a military post, and served as a deacon. Little things like, misplacing his keys and losing the car in the parking lot were that much more surprising. We began losing the man we knew and loved little by little. I began to notice small things that made me think something was not right with him. He needed help getting dressed, he lost his concept of time, he would get upset with small things, could not recall our phone number, dates, and he would sleep much of the time. I asked our sons to watch their dad carefully when they visited us to see if they noticed anything out of the ordinary. They agreed that something was not right. At a regular doctor appointment, I informed his doctor of my concerns and described some of his behaviors. Instead of finding answers, I was told “Good luck with that,” so I began searching for a neurologist.  He thought my husband was suffering from delirium. I couldn’t understand what that meant, so we found a new doctor who finally confirmed that my husband had dementia. We had also found a new geriatric doctor who understood what we were dealing with. I had begun to attend a support group for caregivers for people with dementia, and that proved to be a great help over the next 10 years. We had all begun to research this disease, getting information on the internet, at the library, through the support groups, and listening to speakers who held discussion groups. We gathered all the information we could find. Even the grandkids were doing research on the subject. We have learned a great deal as we traveled this journey. People need to understand that this disease is not the same for everyone – and it is not something you simply surrender to. Everyone does not follow the same path – there is no timetable. The person you knew and loved is still inside – the disease simply takes over. Getting upset and angry won’t help. You need to cherish the time you have with each other, looking for the good in the midst of all the bad. It is there! Ask for help from others. I cared for my husband at home for five years on my own. Our family was very helpful, but it was mostly me 24/7. After those five years, our sons finally stepped in to say it was time to get outside help. We were lucky to find Senior Helpers who found very compassionate, well-matched, patient caregivers to come three days a week for a few hours. That gave me some time to get away and do the things that I enjoyed. You need to have time away from the stress that is there all the time, physical, emotional, and spiritual, even if you don’t realize it. Finally, when it got more complicated with other medical conditions, we decided it was time to find a facility where he would be able to get the help he needed, which I could no longer provide for him at home. We searched for the nearest, nicest place we could find, and he spent the last three years of his life in a memory care facility. I spent hours with him every day for the entire time he was there. It was like home to him. He never asked about coming home, nor was he ever unhappy there. He had always been very outgoing and happy, and that never changed. Our children and grandchildren also visited with him often. We attended every event they held there – monthly brunches, socials, holiday parties, and arts and crafts events. He and I went out to lunch, visited museums, parks, and anywhere else they arranged for the residents to attend.  They would always invite me to come along, so I did. Even if he wouldn’t remember, I could make memories for both of us. Our faith was always a very important part of our lives. He had even been ordained as a deacon in the Catholic Church. As a result, we had made friends with many wonderful priests over the years. William would get the biggest smile on his face whenever one of them would come to visit. He had lost the ability to have a conversation with them, but his expression said it all. Visits from the grandchildren would cause lots of smiles and laughter as well. Our faith and our many caring friends who supported us all along the way made it possible to complete our journey.

By: Brenda Samonds Being my mom’s caregiver was one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life. I noticed her personality changes early on, as well as the forgetfulness Mom’s decline was rapid, and due to my own health issues, I had to make the choice to put her in a memory care center. They had apartments next door and where her husband resided. I spent most of my time taking care of her everyday needs. She did not We eventually built her a ramp at my house so I that could bring her back home. We would bake cookies, talk, nap, watch TV, and go out for car rides. When she could no longer feed herself, I fed her. When she couldn’t walk, I took her for walks in her wheelchair. I kept a daily journal during our time together.  I wrote all about the good and the bad times that we had. My mom, unfortunately, passed away in only two short years, but I will always have the memories of our journey together.

Holidays can be difficult for family, friends as well as the person with dementia. Often as family and friends gather to celebrate symptoms of dementia become clear. Memory loss may be more evident, anxiety The Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter also offers a caregiver holiday guide that shows how, with careful planning, family celebrations can be a meaningful part of the holidays while ensuring safety, comfort and enjoyment for everyone. Its purpose is to help alleviate some of the stress associated with the additional activities and changes in routine at this time of year. If you have a caregiver or a person with Alzheimer’s on your gift-giving list, the Alzheimer’s Association has some suggestions to make your shopping a bit easier. Gifts for those living with Alzheimer’s In the early stages Items to help remember things magnetic reminder refrigerator pads Post-It notes baskets or trays that can be labeled within cabinets or drawers a small pocket-sized diary or notebook erasable whiteboards for key rooms in the house a memorable calendar featuring family photos – write special family occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries Items to help with everyday tasks a memory phone that can store up to eight pictures with the names and contact information of family and friends automatic medication dispenser that can help the person living with Alzheimer’s remember to take their medicine nightlights that come on automatically when it gets dark a clock with the date and time in large type Items to help keep the person engaged favorite musical CDs or CD with a compilation of favorite tunes VHS/DVD collection of favorite movies activities such as scrapbooking or other craft projects In the middle-to-late stages Sensory stimulation gifts. Stimulating the five senses may bring back pleasant memories. Give gifts such as: scented lotions a fluffy bathrobe in a favorite color a soft blanket or afghan to keep warm Clothes. Get comfortable, easy to remove, easily washable clothes such as: sweat suits knits large banded socks shoes with Velcro ties wrinkle-free nightgowns, nightshirts and robes Music. Research shows that music has a positive impact on individuals with Alzheimer’s, bringing them back to good times, increasing stimulation and providing an opportunity to interact with family members. Buy favorite CDs or burn a CD full of musical favorites. MedicAlert® + Alzheimer’s Association Safe Return: Enroll the person in MedicAlert + Safe Return, a 24-hour nationwide emergency response service for wandering and medical emergencies. Gifts for caregivers Gift cards and certificates. Give gift certificates for restaurants, laundry/dry cleaning services, lawn care services, computer/technology support, maid services, and personal pampering services such as massages and pedicures. Books. In addition to giving novels on the caregiver’s “must read” list, there are also a number of books on caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease. Digital Video Recorder (DVR).  Purchase DVR/TiVo and a year’s worth of service so the caregiver can record favorite shows or sports programs he or she may not be able to watch in real time due to care responsibilities. The gift of time. Cost-effective and truly meaningful gifts are self-made coupons for cleaning the house, cooking a meal, mowing the lawn, shoveling the driveway, and giving time off so a caregiver can do something to meet their needs.

Why is wandering a concern during the holidays? Caregivers should be especially alert to the possibility of wandering during the holidays.  If you are traveling with someone with dementia, be aware that the change in routine and environment can increase confusion.  People with dementia trying to go home may become lost if they become separated from their loved on while traveling. Considering bringing an extra person with you if you are traveling with a loved one, so there is always someone accompanying the person with dementia at rest stops.   Also, large celebrations at home may be overwhelming to a person with dementia. Be aware that people might leave when others are busy or distracted. You may want to consider putting alarms on your doors so that you will hear people coming and going. Cold weather always makes wandering especially concerning, as the person with dementia may not dress appropriately for the weather. When do I need to start worrying about wandering? Wandering is a serious concern when you are caring for someone with dementia.  Six out of ten people with dementia will eventually wander. We are often asked when it is time to take measures to prevent wandering.  If you starting to have concerns about this, it is probably time. Why do people wander? Wandering is often a part of dementia because of the disorientation and confusion that come with the disease.  People do not recognize their surroundings or may believe it is an earlier time in their life when they need to go to work or care for young children.  People with dementia have trouble with the time of day and may believe it is time to get up when it is really the middle of the night. People with dementia may become frightened when they no longer recognize the family members who live with them and may leave the home to get away or to try to find their way back to a place they remember. Tips to prevent wandering: Wandering can happen even if you are the most diligent of caregivers. Use the following strategies to help lower the chances. Identify the most likely times of day that wandering may occur. Plan activities at that time. Activities and exercise can reduce anxiety, agitation and restlessness. Reassure the person if he or he feels lost, abandoned or disoriented. If the person with dementia wants to leave to “go home” or “go to work,” reassure the person that they do not need to leave right away.  Try to refrain from arguing or contradicting the person. You might want to say, “Your boss called and you don’t have to go in today.” Or, “we’ll go visit your mother tomorrow.  Right now we’re about to have dinner.” Or, “We are staying here tonight. We are safe and I’ll be with you. We can go home in the morning after a good night’s rest.” Avoid busy places that are confusing and can cause disorientation. This could be at shopping malls, grocery stores or other busy venues.  During the holidays, you may consider scaling back on large celebrations that might be too much for the person with dementia. Place locks out of the line of sight. Install either high or low on exterior doors, and consider placing slide bolts at the top or bottom. Camouflage doors and door knobs. Camouflage doors by painting them the same color as the walls, or cover them with removable curtains or screens. Cover knobs with cloth the same color as the door or use childproof knobs. Use devices that signal when a door or window is opened. This can be as simple as a bell placed above a door or as sophisticated as an electronic home alarm. Keep car keys out of sight. A person with dementia may drive off and be at risk of potential harm to themselves or others. If night wandering is a problem… Make sure the person has restricted fluids two hours before bedtime and has gone to the bathroom just before bed. Also, use night lights throughout the home. Provide supervision. Never lock the person with dementia in at home alone or leave him or If your loved one is missing and is in a vehicle in Illinois, Law Enforcement can enter them in the Silver Search program  You can see information about that here: http://www.silversearchillinois.org/

“I hope that this song- or anthem- is one that will draw out conversation with family members to speak about what may be going on in a family. This four-minute musical piece will wash over the tired, weary caregiver who might be in need of extra encouragement on their way to work,” said Julie Sparks, a Lombard resident who wrote the song titled,“Anymore”, as an anthem for caregivers. Caregiving has always come naturally for Julie. “I am a full-time caregiver for my mom and also helped take care of my dad and my aunt until they both passed away. I have absorbed all the emotions surrounding important medical decisions, the frustration of people that just don’t get the importance of normalcy in an otherwise unpredictable world of person living with Alzheimer’s, the avoidance or denial of a loved one not ready to accept the real facts of what is going on during the diagnosis phase, the pain that is shared the first time a loved one can’t recall who their adult child is, or when someone is having a challenging day and you have tried everything you can think of to soothe a troubled resident who can’t articulate the fear, the longing, or what they need.” When it came time to write “The amount of people that are strangers to them in a place that is now their home, but not their home yet- is so hard for them,” Julie said. “Every person has a story, talents, fears, and hopefully loved ones that want to see their loved one thrive and get settled in. This transition is impossible if they are not surrounded by people with a heart and passion for the senior community.” When asked how the idea of the song came about, Julie claims that it “evolved from the first line as a day in the life of a caregiver, and the cry that sometimes goes unheard of understood by many…that just because someone can’t communicate verbally or physically move as they did in their 40’s or 50’s, and cognitively keep up in card game or conversation. This doesn’t void out who they were or more importantly to where they once belonged.” Though this may seem like only a song to some, Julie hopes caregivers find comfort in her lyrics. “This song is important Julie took her pain to a piano as a way to give hope to caregivers everywhere. “I’m so happy that I was able to poetically paint a picture of a day in the life of a caregiver and the cared for.  I think it when a song can uplift and help families talk about the important topic of the cognitive health of our parents. The circle of life is revealed in a tender way. My mom is all I have left. I dedicate this song to her and hope that I am able to look back on her ending years and know I gave my all to be her advocate, as she was for me when I was growing up.” Julie wants other caregivers to remember one very important thing: “never underestimate the power of touch, talk, and simple gestures of communication to someone living with Alzheimer’s.” To hear Julie Sparks’ song “Anymore” visit http://bit.ly/2qzmVWC.

On Tuesday, November 27, people across the nation will come together to make a difference in the world around them. Giving Tuesday is a special call to action which creates a national “day of giving” around the annual shopping and spending season. We encourage you to take part and do a little big thing for Alzheimer’s care and support in Illinois. Your tax-deductible gift helps fund our free programs and services for the 220,000 Illinois residents living with Alzheimer’s disease and the more than 590,000 Alzheimer’s caregivers. In this article, we feature Mary Jane Davis, whose grandson, Lincoln, gives to the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter to honor and remember Mary Jane’s father. Our Story My father, Lincoln’s great-grandfather, was a wonderful man.  He was a hard worker, loved his family and loved life in general.  He retired at age 65 but continued to work long into his 70s. He always took care of us and helped others in the community when the need arose and he had the ability to do so. He loved to garden and gave away the extra produce he harvested from his big garden, the “truck patch”, as he called it, and was always willing to help someone change a tire, start their car, clear away snow or whatever the need might have been in our small town. As the disease progressed, he could feed himself most days and walk with some assistance – but other than that he could do nothing for himself. Other than the Alzheimer’s, dad was in pretty good health.  Mom took very good care of him, but we saw the exhaustion and worry very apparent in her.  She was diligent in trying to keep things as normal as possible for him at home and vowed not to put him in long-term care.  In December of 2013, he was hospitalized with pneumonia and congestive heart failure. Even though he recovered, he was very weak and it became clear he would need to go to a facility for rehab.  He entered a long-term care facility on January 3, 2013 and he passed away there on December 10, 2014 at the age of 89.  We visited often and mom was there most days.  In spite of the memory loss, his temperament remained the same. The staff loved him and he came to love them.  Every visit ended with him saying “I don’t know why I can’t go home” and a difficult explanation to try to help him understand.  He knew us most visits but would always greet mom with “There’s my wife, she’s the best wife in the world!” Even though it was so difficult to see this life-altering disease rob dad of so many great memories, we were blessed in many ways.  He was happily confused and remembered mom to the end.  We were also blessed to celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary in June of 2014, and had a holiday celebration with all the family in attendance two weeks before he passed. The nursing center provided wonderful care and transported him to the family events.  What a gift! The Lemonade Stand We are blessed to have our three grandchildren visit us for a week during this past summer.  The lemonade stand dates back to the summer of 2011.  Our granddaughters were eight and five at the time. They had lost their paternal grandfather earlier that year to metastatic lung cancer.  Our daughter and son-in-law have a very strong faith as does the entire family and the girls were raised from a very early age to have a servant’s heart.  As a result of their Fast forward seven years and the lemonade stand was resurrected for another great cause.  Our grandson, Lincoln, has seen pictures of the lemonade stand and the lemonade stand itself in storage over the past couple of years. He loved his great-grandfather, calling him grandpa, and visited him with his family whenever he could.  He loved to sit on dad’s lap and they would play with some of the interactive toys and games we had purchased for dad.  When we visited him in the nursing home, Lincoln liked to push him in the wheelchair. Lincoln told us in his own words that he “did it so people who lose their memories could be happy and feel better and remember their memories.  The money will help do things to make people like grandpa feel better.  Other people should do what I did so people like grandpa remember.  I did this because God teaches us to help people and love them and the Bible tells us that.  It makes me feel good to help people.” We donate to the Alzheimer’s Association because we personally witnessed this life draining disease in dad and the battle that mom fought every day to care for him and keep him with us. I also am blessed to volunteer at Apostolic Christian Restmor in Morton and encounter people every day with various stages of this mind-crippling disease.  It is so obvious that the need is great to raise money for care improvement whether that be pharmacologically or personal care and to support research for the development of a cure.  If this By: Mary Jane Davis