March 2014

e-newsletter

The Brains Behind Saving Yours
™

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 30 years and with your support we intend to stay committed until the vision of a world without Alzheimer's is attained.

Actor/Comedian Seth Rogen Delivers Passionate Congressional Testimony About the Need for Alzheimer's Research Funding

On February 26, Alzheimer's Celebrity Champion Seth Rogen joined National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Dr. Francis Collins and former Congressman Dennis Moore (D-Kan.), who is living with Alzheimer's, in testifying before the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies about the importance of funding Alzheimer's research.

Rogen's heartfelt and personal plea drew national media attention, along with huge social media buzz. Watch his testimony here

Breaking the Silence - Facing Dementia in Communities of Color

Keynote Speaker - Sylvia Mackey

Sylvia Mackey

In recognition of Minority Health Month, please join us for one of two breakfast presentations anchored by keynote speaker Sylvia Mackey, wife of Pro Football Hall of Famer, John Mackey. Sylvia will share her journey as a caregiver for her husband who was diagnosed with Frontotemporal dementia, and died in 2011 at the age of 69.

Mackey, #88, joined the Baltimore Colts as a No. 2 draft pick in 1963 and quickly established himself as a premier performer at tight end. He played nine seasons with the Colts.

Tuesday, April 8

Italian Conference Center

631 E. Chicago - Milwaukee

8:30am - breakfast and networking

9:30-11:30am - Program

Wednesday, April 9

Racine Marriott

7111 Washington Avenue (Hwy 20) - Racine

9:00am - breakfast and networking

9:30 - 11:45am - Program

Admission is free, but registration is required. Space is limited. RSVP by March 28 to Nia Norris at 414.219.5159 or ncnorris@wisc.edu Click here to access the event flyer.

This presentation is brought to you by the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Institute in collaboration with the Alzheimer's Association, the Helen Bader Foundation, the Milwaukee County Department on Aging, Brain Brawn & Body, and Jammin 98.3

Skylight Cabaret on April 29

Social Engagement Program for those with Early Stage Alzheimer's Disease

If you are living with mild cognitive impairment, or early stage Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia, please join us on Tuesday, April 29 from
1:00 - 2:30pm for a cheery afternoon of song from the Great American Songbook.
This cabaret afternoon, filled with classic popular songs backed up by a small instrumental combo, has been designed just for you and your care partner! Let your spirits soar and join the fun in the stylish surroundings of the Skylight Music Theatre, one of Milwaukee's premiere entertainment spots. Come to listen or sing along if you wish!

The Skylight Music Theatre is located at 158 N. Broadway, in Milwaukee's Historic Third Ward.

Seating is limited and registration is required. To register contact Wendy Betley at 414.479.8800 or wbetley@alz.org

Today's Courage, Tomorrow's Hope

~Stories from the Alzheimer's Journey ~

(right) Sue Bosman and granddaughter Stella

There are a few things that Sue Bosman of Menomonee Falls regrets about her caregivers journey, which lasted more than 10 years. One regret is having no time to be a grandmother to her precious granddaughter, Stella, who is now six years old.

Another regret is that while she was a caregiver, she didn't know about the Alzheimer's Association and the care, support and education they offer to caregiver's facing many of the same issues she faced.

Sue Bosman felt alone in the world of caregiving, Her story is poignant, and she hopes that other caregivers will be spurred to seek services that she didn't know existed. Read the story of her 10 year journey here

Alzheimer's Association Receives Days of Sharing Grant from Northwestern Mutual

Each year, Northwestern Mutual, through its Foundation, recognizes outstanding Milwaukee area nonprofits through its Days of Sharing program. Employees nominate their favorite local nonprofit, and grants are awarded through random drawings each day for a week in November.

This year, the company added a new twist to the effort in the form of the employee choice component. Employees ranked local pre-selected nonprofits to receive grants in amounts of $15,000 to $35,000. The Alzheimer's Association was a proud recipient of one of these grants. We are grateful to have such tremendous support from the ranks of Northwestern Mutual employees in all aspects of our mission.

We'd like to share the personal story of one of those employees, Krista Bainbridge.

Krista Bainbridge and family

Krista not only represents the ultimate Alzheimer's Association volunteer, but also juggles a demanding career and family life. Read her story here and learn why the Alzheimer's Association mission plays an important role in her life.

Register now for the Wisconsin Network Conference on Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias

It's All Happening at the Kalahari May 18-20

Join nearly 850 professional and family care providers from May 18-20 at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells for three exciting days of learning and networking! The Wisconsin conference is one of the largest statewide conferences in the United States, featuring over 40 workshops, national keynote speakers and numerous exhibits and displays.

This year's distinguished keynote speakers include:

Alison Minkin, Ph.D., Milwaukee VA Medical Center
Gina Green-Harris, MBA, Wisconsin Alzheimer's Institute, Milwaukee
Lisa Barnes, Ph.D., Rush University Medical Center, Chicago
Sandy and Rod Oltz, Alzheimer's Association Early Stage Advisory Group, Chicago

The Alzheimer's Association Wisconsin Chapter Network is proud to recognize this year's distinguished conference sponsors:

Gold Sponsors: Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging Resources, Inc. (GWaar) and

Helen Bader Foundation

Silver Sponsors: Forest Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Milwaukee County Department on Aging, Milestone Senior Living, and Senior Helpers

Bronze Sponsors: Area Agency on Aging of Dane County, Heritage Senior Living, Kies Family, Lighthouse Communities, Meadows Assisted Living & Memory Care, UW Health, and Wisconsin Nursing Home Social Workers Association

Preview Treasure at Gallery Night and Day

April 25 and 26

We invite you to join us at the Portrait Society Gallery in Milwaukee's Third Ward on Friday, April 25 from 6:00-9:00 pm and Saturday, April 26 from 11:00am - 5:00pm as we unveil the Memories in the Making art collection to be auctioned on June 4 at "Treasure", our third annual gallery evening and fundraiser.

14 pieces of art from the Memories in the Making program will be on display, along with 14 original works of art created by Wisconsin fine artists and inspired by a Memories in the Making painting.

Additional pieces of Memories in the Making artwork will be available for purchase at Gallery Night to benefit the Alzheimer's Association.

The Portrait Society Gallery is located on the 5th floor of the Marshall Building, at 207 E. Buffalo Street, in Milwaukee's Historic Third Ward. We would like to give special thanks to Debra Brehmer, Director of the Portrait Society Gallery, for this tremendous opportunity to generate community awareness for both Memories in the Making and Treasure.

View the entire collection of art that will be auctioned at Treasure at our online gallery

Mark your calendars to attend Treasure on Wednesday, June 4 from 5:00-8:00pm at Cuvee Champagne Lounge in Milwaukee's Third Ward.

Memories in the Making Presents 2013 Journaling Award

(left) Carole Kane, Taryn Weninger, Holly Vanderbusch, and Wanda Loomis accept the 2013 Journaling Award

Recently, the Memories in the Making program presented Clement Manor Health Center with the Journaling Award for 2013. The Journaling Award is presented annually to a Memories in the Making program that consistently documents and shares the stories that accompany the watercolor paintings created by their program participants.

This year, the awards committee chose "Holiday Hat" by artist Anna McQuillan as a best practice in storytelling. Anna shared the following story about her hat. She said, "I wanted to make it look like an Easter Hat. When I was a girl, you always had to have an Easter hat. We wanted one with a flower or a ribbon. Now that I've painted it, I wish I could buy one." Anna's story truly represents how the Memories in the Making program empowers individuals with diminished verbal skills to reconnect with past memories and family members through painting and storytelling.

Congratulations to Clement Manor Health Center for a job well done!

Marshalls Stores Conduct Nationwide Point-Of-Sale Campaign to Benefit the Alzheimer's Association

Visit your local Marshall's from March 2-15

For the second consecutive year, Marshalls stores nationwide are getting involved in the fight to end Alzheimer's! Shoppers who visit a Marshalls store in the United States between March 2-15 can donate to the Alzheimer's Association at checkout and help further our vision for a world without Alzheimer's disease.

Look great and join the fight to end Alzheimer's! Visit your local Marshall's store in Southeastern Wisconsin from now through March 15. Convenient locations include West Allis, Milwaukee, Delafield, West Bend, and Kenosha. Visit Marshalls website here.

Walk to End Alzheimer's Receives 6 Awards at Alzheimer's Association Leadership Summit

Hello Walkers! We are bursting with great news that we are excited to share with you! Last month, at our National Leadership Summit, the Walk to End Alzheimer's in Southeastern Wisconsin, received accolades in almost every category imaginable! We not only earned the "STAR Status" award for our overall efforts, but also took home top honors in the following categories:

Highest team retention
Largest team growth
#6 in the nation for dollar growth
16th largest Walk event in the nation
#1 Walk Team in the nation - Brookdale Senior Living, raising $221,392

WOO HOO! And we owe this success to you - our Walkers, volunteers, team captains, committee members, sponsors, and generous supporters involved with all seven of our Walk to End Alzheimer's events! Please give yourselves a round of applause!

Now - how do we top this in 2014? We've got our sights set to break into the ranks of the TOP TEN! Are you with us Walkers? Help us continue to build on this wonderful platform of success. Register your team today on our Walk website

Local Alzheimer's Disease Investigators Seek

Research Participants - Can You Help?

Investigators at IPC Research and Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin are currently looking for research participants for several studies.

IPC Research is conducting 3 separate studies of investigational medications for Alzheimer's disease. One study is for people with anxiety or behavioral symptoms, who are already taking Aricept. The other studies are to help with memory and cognitive functioning. They both allow the person with Alzheimer's to stay on some cognitive medications (like Aricept and Namenda), and also receive the study medication. All studies are at no cost, and require the participation of a friend or family member.

Please call Anne or Shelley at 262.513.0700. or visit ipcResearch.org All studies are done under the medical direction of Cary J. Kohlenberg, MD.

The Froedtert and Medical College of Wisconsin - Memory Clinics & Research Center, directed by Piero Antuono, MD, is involved in research projects on normal aging, Alzheimer's disease, depression, and other related disorders. You, a relative, or a friend may be able to help.

Functional magnetic resonance imaging, or fMRI, is an exciting technology for studying the brain. The Medical College of Wisconsin is proud to be a world leader in fMRI research. The fMRI scan consists of a standard 45-minute MRI. The images are analyzed by researchers using unique computer software. We are looking for healthy volunteers as well as volunteers with mild cognitive impairment, mild Alzheimer's disease, or frontotemporal dementia, as well as older individuals who have been diagnosed with depression.
In collaboration with the Advanced Ocular Imaging Program at the Froedtert Eye Institute we are using a unique eye imaging technique to study changes in the retina. The ultimate goal is to develop and early diagnostic tool for Alzheimer's disease. We are looking for healthy volunteers as well as volunteers with mild Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment.

For more information on these research programs please call Jennifer Jones, MS, at 414.805.5232.

Barb's Got the Buzz - I've Got a Story to Tell

Barbara Cheek Johnson is a journalist living with early -stage Alzheimer's disease. As a journalist, Barb always understood the power of storytelling. But now as an Alzheimer's advocate, she realizes that telling stories is the most powerful way of putting ideas into the world today.

Read Barb's newest post at http://alzheimersblogger.wordpress.com/

Watertown Wellness Expo - March 29

The Alzheimer's Association and Heritage Homes invite you to attend the Watertown Wellness Expo on Saturday, March 29 from 9:00am - 2:00pm at Bethesda, 700 Hoffman Road, in Watertown.

Enjoy live demonstrations, trade show exhibits, free giveaways, and information sessions on medication safety, mental fitness, the importance of laughter, and the meaning of dementia-friendly.

Parking and Admission are free! For more information, please contact Bonnie Beam-Stratz at bbeam@alz.org or 920.728.4088

28th Annual Caregivers Spiritual Retreat

Saturday, April 12

Philip Chard

Caregiver's - it's time to take care of yourself! Plan to attend this spiritual retreat designed for caregivers of all faiths. Relax, nurture your spirit through reflection, presentation, prayer and fellowship. It all happens on Saturday, April 12 from 8:30am to 1:45pm at San Camillo, 10200 West Bluemound Road, in Wauwatosa.

Philip Chard, a practicing psychotherapist who also writes the award-winning weekly column, "Out of My Mind", in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, will deliver the keynote presentation titled, "The Resilient Caregiver".

Lunch is included, and will be followed by an entertaining performance by Comedy Sportz! Cost to attend is just $15. For more information, or to register, contact San Camillo at 414.259.6310

Coming Up - Alzheimer's Association Education Programs

Sexuality and Intimacy in Dementia Care: A Train-the-Trainer Program

April 16 - Madison

This new one-day curriculum is a train-the-trainer model specifically for nursing homes in Wisconsin. The program will prepare attendees, already familiar with Alzheimer's and dementia care, to train direct care staff in dementia capable care - focusing on intimacy and sexuality.

Training is only open to Nursing Home staff, which may include up to 3 attendees per facility. Appropriate attendees could include executive director/nursing home administrator, director of nursing, social worker, staff educator, or shift leader.

There will be a $50 fee per nursing home facility and will include refreshments and lunch. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. The one-day training will run from 9am-5pm. Please contact Krista Scheel at 800.272.3900 for a registration packet.

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Understanding Dementia

a three session program for friends and family members of those experiencing memory related issues or a recent diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease
offers general information about Alzheimer's disease and related dementia as well as how to better communicate and manage challenging behaviors

Tuesday, March 18, 25 and April 1

6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Aurora West Allis Medical Center

8901 West Lincoln Ave. - West Allis

Registration Required - contact Aurora at 888.863.5502 or register online at www.aurora.org/events

Tuesday, April 15, 22, and 29

6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Froedtert Hospital

9200 West Wisconsin Ave.

2NT Conference Room - Milwaukee

Registration Required - contact Sue Moser at 414.805.9269 or smoser@froedterthealth.org

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The Savvy Caregiver

a 6 week course providing clinical-level training for family caregivers
$30 workshop fee includes caregiver manual and CD

Every Thursday from March 20 through April 24

6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Alzheimer's Association

620 S. 76th Street, Suite 160 - Milwaukee

Registration required - contact Krista Scheel at 414.479.8800

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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Tell your friends that you're a part of one of the fastest growing movements in the country - the fight to end Alzheimer's. With your help, we can increase awareness about Alzheimer's disease. Click the icons below to start!

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