Chicago Residents Invited to Learn About Alzheimer’s Disease from “A to Z” with Alzheimer’s Foundation of America on October 3rd

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is holding a free educational program designed to teach Chicago metro area residents about Alzheimer’s disease from “A to Z.”

The event, part of AFA’s Lecture Series, will take place on Thursday, October 3rd at Norwegian American Hospital (1044 N Francisco Avenue, 5th Floor, Chicago).  Registration will begin at 9:30 am, with the program running from 10:00am to 12:00pm.

“As Alzheimer’s affects more and more people, it’s important for individuals to know about the warning signs and what to do if Alzheimer’s becomes a part of their life,” said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., AFA’s president and CEO. “This program is designed to raise Alzheimer’s awareness, educate individuals about the disease, and teach them practical steps that can help them plan for care as they age.  We invite everyone to attend.”

“Both my mother and grandmother lived with Alzheimer’s disease, and I can tell you that knowledge and information are two of the most important tools for families to have,” said Luisa Echevarria, a Chicago resident and member of AFA’s Board of Directors.  “Learning how to spot potential symptoms, address concerns early and be prepared in case this disease enters your life is important, because it can potentially prolong independence and help enhance quality of life.”

Participants will learn about topics such as:

  • Signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-related illnesses.
  • How to communicate concerns about memory.
  • Planning and preparing a road map for care as you age.

 

Free memory screenings will also be available.  Licensed social workers who attend the program are eligible to receive two continuing education contact hours free of charge.

Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, and the only one in the top 10 without a cure or disease modifying treatment.  More than 5 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease, including more than 220,000 in Illinois.  The number of Americans with Alzheimer’s is expected to as much as triple by 2060, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“Health and wellness are important to all of us,” said Molly Fisher, LCSW, AFA’s director of educational and social services, “which is why we’re helping people be proactive and get information that can help them, regardless if they’re currently affected by Alzheimer’s disease.  After all, knowledge is power.”

Individuals can register for the October 3rd program by calling AFA at 866-232-8484 or visiting AFA’s website at www.alzfdn.org and clicking on the “events calendar” tab at the top of the page. Registration is free and open to all.

Those who can’t attend the program or have an immediate question about Alzheimer’s disease can contact AFA’s National Toll-Free Helpline at 866-232-8484 and speak with a licensed social worker.  The Helpline is open from 8 am to 8 pm (CT) on weekdays and 8 am to 12 pm (CT) on weekends.

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