Sept 11 header
DECEMBER 2011
e-newsletter  
The Compassion To Care, The Leadership To Conquer

The Alzheimer's journey is a long one, with many twists and turns. The Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter has been here as a strong, passionate, and committed resource for over 25 years and with your support we intend to stay committed until the vision of a world without Alzheimer's is attained.

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Top Stories 
Connect with the latest news on Alzheimer's care, support, and research 
 
On November 30th, Tom Hlavacek, Executive Director, Alzheimer's Association, Southeastern Wisconsin chapter, testified before the United States Senate Special Committee On Aging on the topic of  "Overprescibed: The Human and Taxpayer Costs of Antipsychotics in Nursing Homes".  (You can access Tom's testimony at about 53:45 into the overall presentation or read an abbreviated news short about the hearing here.)
  

There's Nothing Fishy About It  (ABC News)

New study reaffirms that eating fish can actually be brain beneficial. 

 

Comedian "Stands-Up" to Alzheimer's (Los Angeles Confidential)

 Seth Rogen and wife Lauren Miller plan to bring Alzheimer's disease awareness to younger movers and shakers through a new fundraiser, "Hilarity for Charity", on January 13.

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Best Wishes for a Safe and Happy Holiday Season 

 

The professional staff and volunteers of the Alzheimer's Association wish you and your loved ones a merry holiday season and a wonderful start to the New Year!

 

For most families, the holidays are filled with fun, good food, and sharing special traditions and memories. For the 110,000 Wisconsinites living with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers, the holidays can also be filled with stress, uncertainty and disappointment.  If you are looking for simple ideas to make your holidays more carefree, and less stressful for all involved, check out our holiday tips.

 

Assistance is also available from our 24/7 Helpline every day of the year including the holidays.   

Just call 800-272-3900, 24 hours a day, and you will receive support from a professional who is trained to provide guidance and answers to your questions.  

  
Red Gift Bow 

  

The Gift That Keeps On
Giving To So Many People
 
 
Is there someone in your life that has almost everything?  Then consider giving them a present that keeps giving to others all year long - a charitable donation made in their name to the Alzheimer's Association!  To arrange for your gift, call 414-479-8800 or visit our website.
 
This unique and thoughtful gift demonstrates that you recognize and value their philanthropic spirit.  It's also tax deductible.  And best of all, you never have to leave home to purchase...  no malls, no traffic jams, no waiting lines!  Plus, this is a gift that always FITS!  Merry Donating!
 
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Alzheimer's From The FrontlinesNAPA
 

In November, the Alzheimer's Association released the National Alzheimer's Project Act (NAPA) Input Report - "Alzheimer's from the Frontlines: Challenges a National Alzheimer's Plan Must Address". 

From July through October, the Alzheimer's Association gathered

input from individuals living with the disease and other key stakeholders addressing critical elements that a National Alzheimer's Plan must include.  More than 43,000 individuals from 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico shared their views through online submissions, Telephone Town Halls, and 132 inputs sessions - including sessions held in Milwaukee, Kenosha and Appleton.

 

During the input process, several key challenges consistently surfaced at the top.  These challenges included a lack of public awareness about the impact of Alzheimer's, a need to foster an environment that offers more effective treatments faster, poor care throughout the disease process, a need for better support and a need to reduce disparities among diverse populations.

 

We'd like to thank you for sharing your viewpoints and invite you to read the full report here.

 

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Advances in Alzheimer's Research Symposium Honors Medical College of Wisconsin logo
Medical College of Wisconsin Investigators
 

On November 7th, the Alzheimer's Association honored Nashaat Gerges, Ph.D and Joseph Goveas, M.D. during a Research Symposium held at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Dr. William Thies, Chief Medical and Scientific Officer, Alzheimer's Association, presented Gerges and Goveas with New Investigator Research Grants for their efforts to advance the understanding of Alzheimer's disease, help identify new treatment strategies, provide information to improve care for people with dementia, and further knowledge of brain health and disease prevention.

 

Nashaat Gerges, Ph.D., assistant professor of cell biology, neurobiology and anatomy at the Medical College is receiving the New Investigator Research Grant (NIRG) for his study of the role of retinoic acid in Alzheimer's disease. Damage to the brain from oxidative stress occurs in Alzheimer's patients. Retinoic acid acts as an antioxidant, and could be useful in reducing that oxidative stress in Alzheimer's patients. Dr. Gerges will receive $100,000 over two years to study the molecular mechanisms by which retinoic acid exerts its function in the brain.

 

Joseph Goveas, M.D., assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral medicine and the director of the geriatric psychiatry fellowship program at the Medical College, will receive $99,994 over two years for his work, Multimodal Imaging in Depressed Adults at Risk for Alzheimer's disease. Studies have found a substantial link between adult depression and development of Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Goveas will use multiple imaging techniques including functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to identify the changes in memory-associated brain networks in depressed persons at higher risk for Alzheimer's disease.

 

Dr. Goveas is looking for individuals to participate in his research study. Qualified participants must be at least 50 years of age, have depression, mild memory loss or both.  For more information contact Stacy at the Medical College of Wisconsin - 414-955-8970. 

 
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2011-12 New Board Members
Alzheimer's Association Welcomes
New Board Members 

 

The Alzheimer's Association, Southeastern Wisconsin chapter, inducted five new board members at its 28th Annual Meeting, hosted at Luther Manor on Tuesday, November 15th.  We welcome these new members to the board:

 

(pictured left to right)

Lyn Geboy, PhD. - Independent Research and Planning Consultant

Phil Hickman, Executive Vice President, Park Bank

Sue Colegrove - Senior VP, Media, Zizzo Group Marketing + PR + New Media

Al Castro - Program Director, United Community Center, Latino Geriatric Program

 

(not pictured)

Richard London, M.D. - Medical Director, Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare

 

  

Find a complete list of current board members here.

 

View our newly released FY 2011 Annual Report here. 

 

 

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Ring in the New Year - Plan For Your Future 

and Help Us Fight Alzheimer's

 

Before you say goodbye to 2011, please take a few moments to consider how you can leave a legacy of support by making a planned gift to the Alzheimer's Association. Planned gifts allow you to combine your charitable giving goals with your estate and financial planning goals. Your gift will provide lasting benefits through our Alzheimer's research initiatives and community care and support programs.

 

Opportunities include gifts from a will bequest, living trust, charitable gift annuity, charitable life income trust, retirement plan, life insurance and real estate.

 

Charitable gift annuities provide an attractive gifting option for people who are interested in advancing the cause of the Alzheimer's Association while receiving a steady payment stream and a healthy charitable deduction. On Jan. 1, 2012, gift annuity rates will drop based upon recommendations from the American Council of Gift Annuities. To lock in a higher rate before the changes take effect contact MaryAnn Vance at [email protected] or 414-479-8800 for more information.

 

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Fat Tuesday Will Rock at the Mardi Gras Gala  ALZ MG With Logo
 
Guaranteed to  be a HOT night in a COLD town
in FEBRUARY
 
Mardi Gras comes to the Milwaukee Art Museum on February 21st for the annual Alzheimer's Association Mardi Gras Gala.  Sip a Mardi Gras Martini or your favorite aperitif while enjoying canapes during the Silent Auction. And then feast on cajun inspired gourment cuisine in the modern elegance of Windhover Hall. Dixieland music, a Live Auction, two raffles, a photo booth and a caricaturist round out a truly fun-filled New Orleans style evening.  

 

The Mardi Gras Gala sells out quickly, so call 414-479-8800 today to reserve your seat.  Individuals seats are $200 each.  Corporate Tables are also available. Click here for more information on corporate sponsorship opportunites.  If you would like to donate a new item for either the Silent or Live auction please click here to obtain an auction donation form.  The deadline for donating auction items is January 10th.

 

Contact Kendra Albers, special events manager, at 414-479-8800 or [email protected] for additional information.


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Thank You
 

For Helping Us Improve the Quality of Life
for Persons Living With Alzheimer's
 
During our most recent fiscal year, the Alzheimer's Association, Southeastern Wisconsin chapter, provided 30,465 points of service - a 7% increase compared to the previous fiscal year.
 
Our Information and Referral program responded to 4,167 Helpline calls and in-person meetings - a 41% increase compared to the previous fiscal year.
 
We provided a total of 837 care consultations to individuals and families requiring assistance with Alzheimer's disease symptoms, caregiving challenges, or obtaining appropriate medical and service providers - a 34% increase compared to the previous fiscal year. 
 
Thanks to all of our donors, volunteers and service partners for being such strong advocates of our mission.  We couldn't have done it without YOU!
 
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Education, Programs, and Support

We are offering numerous education programs, conferences and support groups for caregivers in the next months. To view our education calendar which features a complete listing of the programs offered in your community, click here. For a listing of caregiver support groups, click here.
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Social Networking Aids Awareness

Tell your friends on social networks that you're part of the fight to end Alzheimer's. Go ahead and "Like" the Alzheimer's Association, Southeastern Wisconsin chapter on Facebook or follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter. With your help, we can increase awareness about Alzheimer's disease. Click the icons below to start! 

 

Find us on Facebook   View our profile on LinkedIn  Follow us on Twitter

Alzheimer's Association | Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter | 24/7 Helpline 800.272.3900 | www.alz.org/sewi