By Paul Rusk
Alzheimer’s & Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin

We are here to help. The Alzheimer’s & Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin (ADAW) is delighted this edition of the Northside News is focused on aging. Many are so overwhelmed by dementia and early memory loss that they don’t reach out to the ADAW for assistance. Although devastating, there are many things you can do to lessen the burden and enhance quality of life right here in your community.

When you call the ADAW, you will be reassured by the warmth, friendliness and knowledge of the staff. Our services are available to all, regardless of income or circumstances. It is ADAW’s mission to help you navigate the maze of issues that arise when you or someone you know needs assistance. We can help you understand the nature of the disease and learn strategies to cope and provide care, which can provide a better quality of life for all involved.

The ADAW provides guidance, education, support and advocacy through (a) individual consultations on the phone or in person; (b) early stage support and education, including a Northside Memory Café; (c) caregiver support groups all with professional backup; and (d) learning opportunities, including our monthly drop-in education series that rotates among four Madison libraries. We are the only local Alzheimer’s and dementia organization that has nine social service staff with decades of personal and professional dementia experience.

We are your partner along the journey, often working with families for many years through each stage of the disease. We are proud of the relationships and partnerships we have developed in the community. Call us anytime at 232-3400 or visit www.alzwisc.org.

All dollars we raise stay in Wisconsin, either for our programs and services or for dementia research at UW-Madison. Dane County’s premiere Alzheimer’s Walk (coordinated annually with NESCO’s Applefest) has been at Warner Park since 1999. We hope to see you there Oct. 10 for this year’s Alzheimer’s Walk.