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

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

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 com

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 rec

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 exp

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 pu

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 peopl

● 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 tra

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 o