What does memory loss mean? Does it always mean you have Alzheimer’s disease? Many people as they age notice a change in how they function in their everyday life. They may not be able to work as fast as they did 10, 15, or 20 years ago. They also may notice they have more short term memory lapses. But what does this mean? Read this article to find out more about what memory loss problems could mean for someone.

What are you afraid of? Many Americans fear Alzheimer’s disease. It is clear that misunderstanding details of the disease and the lack of treatment or prevention will add more to the fear factor number. Fear can impede, fear can be perceptive, fear can motive and fear can advance research.

Let’s face it, Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia, are complicated to understand. In fact, we don’t even completely understand the various types of dementias — where it comes from, why it progresses, how it progresses or how to treat it or prevent it. But, there are things we do know about Alzheimer’s disease and other related disorders. It is important to clarify these points to help increase awareness and reduce stigma

Early detection. It is a phrase we hear a lot today in our health conscious world. Early detection of breast cancer, have a mammogram starting around age 35. Early detection of cervical cancer, stay on top of your scheduled Pap smear. After age 50 we should begin making plans for regular colonoscopies to detect colon irregularities. Many of these detection screenings are recommended after the age of 50. Will Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias become a part of this wave? Should you add the dementia screening to your annual plans after you turn 50, maybe even 40?

What is dementia? How is it different from Alzheimer’s disease? As a person working in the field of aging, how can I help someone with a dementia or who maybe having cognitive changes, like memory loss? What about people living with a behavioral type of dementia, how can we best help them? Chicago Bridge members discussed these questions and more in the December 2010 meeting. Find out some of the solutions and answers the group came up with.

We are coming into a new year and we need your help. The Chicago Bridge blog is looking for editors. As an editor you will work with one writer and review each of their 6 articles throughout 2011. In addition, you may assist with editing other posts that are submitted by Chicago Bridge members. Average articles to be edited by one editor is 6-10 a year. Blog article editing training will be provided, so if you are unsure how to edit a blog post, we will teach you.

Chicago Bridge Event ‘Discussions in Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care’ Wednesday, December 15th, 6-8pm Held at Northwestern Univ. Chicago Campus in the Lurie Building Grey Room- 303 East Superior Street Chicago, IL (first floor-Grey Room) RSVP to Jaimie.Marie.Robinson@gmail.com Do you work with clients who have a dementia like Alzheimer’s disease or who you think may have [...]

November is Chicago Bridge’s month of service. We invite you to join us as we work with Housing Options and Maintenance for the Elderly (HOME) to assist older adults in weatherizing their homes.   When:  Saturday, November 13, 2010 9 am to 3 pm Meet at H.O.M.E., 1419 W. Carrol 2nd Fl., Chicago, IL  60607 [...]

Self Care for Professionals in the Field of Aging Wednesday, October 20 6:00 to 8:00 pm This event will be hosted at Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly located at 355 N Ashland Ave. Parking is available. CTA access Green line Ashland stop and the Ashland #9 bus. Join us for group discussion, self-care exercises and [...]

Coordinating Care Across the Continuum: A Panel Discussion on Transitions in Care SEPTEMBER 15, 2010 6:00pm – 8:00pm Event will take place at RUSH University and Medical Center; 710 S.Paulina, Chicago, Room TBA Light Refreshments and Free Parking Available Questions or to RSVP contact Claudia Cook at ccook@livhome.com **Thanks to Rodrigo Senna for the picture