Hampshire resident Maureen McGreevy came before the village board last week to announce a free program covering the 10 early warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease.
The program will be presented from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3, at the Hampshire Township building, 170 Mill Avenue.
“My mom has dementia that will go into Alzheimer’s disease,” McGreevy said. “She had sisters who died from it. I am an advocate for people with dementia.”
McGreevy said dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a wide range of symptoms including memory loss and mental decline. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of an estimated 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases.
The Greater Illinois Chapter of Alzheimer’s Association states: “The warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease are often dismissed as side effects of normal aging… Early detection gives you a chance to begin drug therapy, enroll in clinical studies and plan for the future.”
The program will address common fears about Alzheimer’s disease. Attendees can hear from people who have the disease and find out how to recognize the signs in themselves and others.
McGreevy said she has attended many seminars about dementia. She has talked with Cherie Aschenbrenner, Elgin community outreach specialist and elderly service officer.
More Top Picks Rod Holder
McGreevy and Hampshire Township Supervisor Jody Remakel also met with Hampshire Police Chief Brian Thompson and Hampshire Area Fire Protection District Deputy Chief Trevor Herrmann to discuss how to turn Hampshire into a dementia-friendly community.
“Dementia patients usually feel let down,” McGreevy said. “Many of them refuse to leave their homes because they feel like they don’t fit into society. A dementia-friendly community can help to keep many dementia patients out of nursing homes.”
The program will include free coffee and doughnuts beginning at 9:45 a.m. It will run for one and a half hours and include time for questions and answers.
To register for the program, contact the Hampshire Township at 847-683-9464 or the Alzheimer’s Association at 815-484-1300.
Denise Moran is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News.