South Central Wisconsin Chapter news highlights
September 30, 2009
Support and hope for those whose loved ones have Alzheimer's disease
The stories are all too familiar to those gathered around the table at the Alzheimer's Association office in Madison: "Every day I visit, she seems to be in a different phase...a different stage"..."It's to the point now where we figure it would be dangerous for her to drive the car." Members of the Men's Support Group, whose partners have Alzheimer's disease, gather at the Alzheimer's Association office to hear the latest about research and services...but mostly, they gather to share.
September 23, 2009
Alzheimer's Disease Research Center opens in Madison
The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine now houses one of the premier research labs for Alzheimer's disease. It is a debilitating disease, affecting 160,000 families in Wisconsin. "Participating in research is an incredibly powerful way to fight back," said Paul Rusk, Executive Director of the South Central WI Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association.
September 10, 2009
Association hopes for another successful year
They (walk) for a variety of reasons. They might walk because they have family members who suffer from the disease, or they know someone who has the disease. Alzheimer's is more than just forgetfulness often associated with people who are getting older.
September 1, 2009
Artists with Alzheimer’s give back to Memory Walk
Nearly 20 Columbia County residents with memory loss created a collage for this year's third annual Columbia County Memory Walk. Anyone making a donation of at least $10 may honor a loved one or a caregiver by having the person's name added to the border of the "forget-me-not" painting."We were asking for (the residents') help for once, instead of helping them," said Carol Olson, outreach specialist for the Alzheimer's Association's South Central Wisconsin Chapter and an event organizer. "It was a very meaningful activity for the residents."
August 16, 2009
Learning about loss
Along with the typical summer-camp fare, the 14 kids at the weeklong “Time for Us” camp near Elkhorn in July came to learn about coping with memory-loss diseases such as Alzheimer’s, a condition that has touched their lives by striking a parent, grandparent or family friend. Organized through the South Central Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Association and spearheaded in part by Mary Kay Baum, the camp is only the second of its kind in the U.S.
June 19, 2009
Adult day care plan under discussion
Carol Olson, Portage-based area representative of the Alzheimer’s Association, took part in a group discussion of what it would take to have a place where seniors who are frail or have dementia, but live at home, can go for all or part of a day.
April 19, 2009
Outstanding caregiver award winners announced
Winners of the Outstanding Caregiver Awards will be presented at an awards ceremony to be held at the 23rd Annual State Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease, May 3-5, 2009. Seven different awards will be presented to individuals and organizations in Wisconsin recognizing significant contributions in caregiving and advocacy.
January 5, 2009
Lawmaker wants new alerts for wandering elders
Wisconsin could join twelve other states that now use the emergency alert system to notify the public when seniors go astray. A Silver Alert expands on the Amber Alert System to include those suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s who often get confused and wander off. Rob Gundermann of the South Central Wisconsin Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association says it’s welcome legislation that could save lives.
