National advocate speaks at Alzheimer’s Family Forum

Staff Report

Saturday, April 1, the Alzheimer’s Association will host the Second Annual Family Forum from 8 a.m.-noon at the Clock Tower Resort, 7801 E. State St., Rockford. The 2011 Forum will feature National Alzheimer’s Advocate, Alissa Anderegg.

“We are excited to have Alissa Anderegg presenting this year on her experiences with Alzheimer’s disease,” said Sue Sklar, manager of consumer education and outreach for the Chapter. “Anderegg is involved with the Miss America program, where her platform is Alzheimer’s Awareness. She was also featured in the Emmy Award-winning HBO documentary, Grandpa, Do You Know Who I Am? Maria Shriver, and was a co-chair of Maria Shriver’s March on Alzheimer’s at her annual Women’s Conference–all by the age of 16!”

Sklar went on to explain, “In addition to Ms. Anderegg’s presentation, forum topics will include updates on research and science, breakout sessions regarding legal issues, activities, behavior challenges, and how to plan for what happens next. This is a perfect opportunity to expand your knowledge of dementia care.”

The Rockford Family Forum is an opportunity to learn about memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease from experts in the field of aging, as well as connect with other caregivers and professionals eager to help. The resource fair will provide a chance to learn about additional information, products and services available to family caregivers.

Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease that destroys brain cells and gradually destroys a person’s memory and ability to learn, reason, make judgments, communicate and carry out daily activities. The duration of Alzheimer’s ranges from three to 20 years after symptoms are experienced. Many scientists believe Alzheimer’s develops over several decades before people begin showing symptoms.

To register for the 2011 Rockford Family Forum, call (815) 484-1300 or visit www.alz.org/illinois.

From the March 30-April 5, 2011, issue