Alzheimer disease is a progressive, degenerative disease. It results in memory loss, impaired thinking and behavior, and eventually, death. Alzheimer disease affects an estimated four million Americans, most of them over the age of 65. Although many cases of Alzheimer disease are hereditary, the precise cause of this illness is unknown.

Illinois taxpayers have an opportunity to contribute to research to find the cause, and possibly a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. The place to make a monetary donation to this important research is on the Illinois income tax form on the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Fund check-off line.

Donations to the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Fund are spent in Illinois on research, which focuses on prevention, effective diagnosis, treatment, and a cure of this disease. None of the money donated is used for administration.

Since 1986, the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Fund has distributed about $3 million and supported over 150 research studies by Illinois researchers according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.

The Southern Illinois University School of Medicine has a network of primary provider sites throughout Illinois who are trained to identify patients who may have Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia disorders. These primary provider sites give people an opportunity to receive a comprehensive assessment locally.

Although there is no known test to determine if someone has Alzheimer’s disease, there are tests for other conditions with similar symptoms. Many times Alzheimer’s disease can be diagnosed through the process of elimination of these other conditions.

The SIU School of Medicine has primary provider sites in our area to help diagnose memory disorders. These sites are located at the Family Practice Center in Carbondale (618.536.6621), Family Counseling Center in Elizabethtown / Golconda / Vienna (618.658.2611), and Good Samaritan Regional Health Center in Mt. Vernon (618.436.8691).

In addition, the SIU School of Medicine also uses their toll-free number (1.800.342.5748) to answer questions about Alzheimer’s disease and related memory disorders. For more information, contact a Memory & Aging Clinic near you.

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For information on Alzheimer’s Disease, support groups for caregivers, and Care Trak call the Southern Illinois chapter of the Alzheimer’s Disease Association.

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