Chicago, Springfield and Peoria, IL  — The Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter is making history in 2026 by hosting Release the Silence African American Conference  in three Illinois cities for the first time ever — Chicago, Springfield, and Peoria . What began in 2023 on Chicago’s South Side with a modest goal of reaching 50 people became something extraordinary, serving more than 300 individuals and families . Building on that momentum, the conference expanded to Sprin

THE US POINTER STUDY RESULTS AND BRAIN HEALTH IMPLICATIONS Please join us Wednesday, February 25th, from 10:00- 11:00 AM for a virtual discussion on the US Pointer Study and it’s implications for Brain Health. This two-year clinical trial revealed ways older adults can improve brain function and reduce cognitive decline. Olivia Matongo, Vice President of Programs for the Alzheimer’s Association’s Illinois Chapter will break down these study results and provide insight into wa

One in nine Americans age 65 and older is living with Alzheimer’s disease—more than 7 million people nationwide, including an estimated 255,600 individuals in Illinois. Beyond the physical and emotional toll, the disease places a significant financial burden on families, often threatening long-term financial stability. January is Financial Wellness Month , and the Alzheimer’s Association is encouraging individuals and families to take proactive steps toward financial planning

Many people use the terms dementia  and Alzheimer’s disease  interchangeably—but they are not the same thing. Understanding the difference is an important first step in recognizing symptoms, seeking help, and supporting those affected. Dementia: An Umbrella Term Dementia is a general term  used to describe a decline in memory, thinking, and reasoning that interferes with daily life. It is not a specific disease, but rather a category of conditions that affect cognitive functi

In 2016, Vicky’s father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and died a few years later in 2020, but the truth is, she felt something was wrong even before the diagnosis arrived. There were subtle changes, missed cues, moments of confusion that lingered too long. Her dad was slipping away in pieces, and he was doing it silently. By the time he became a resident in a nursing home, the disease had already taken so much from him and from her. Just one year later, heartbreak st