SPRINGFIELD – During Alzheimer’s Week of Action, the Senate Democrats joined advocates to show their support for people affected by Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia by wearing purple.

As someone who looked after loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease, I know the toll it takes on the individual, the families and the caregivers involved,” said State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “During the Alzheimer’s Week of Action, we can promote advocacy, offer support to residents affected by the disease and prioritize improvements to state resources.”

Currently, 230,000 Illinoisans live with dementia and nearly 400,000 individuals care for them. The Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter’s Week of Action aims to make Illinois dementia capable by supporting legislation focused on dementia training for those who interact with someone living with the disease.

"I am passionate about supporting the 230,000 people in Illinois living with Alzheimer's and dementia not just this week, but through my career as a Senator,” said State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview). “I hope we can support medical professionals in their efforts to find a cure, and that my work in the capitol will provide better support to people living with Alzheimer's and their loved ones."

This year the Alzheimer’s Association is supporting a measure that would expand Alzheimer’s and dementia training. Senate Bill 3707, sponsored by Senator Fine, would require employees or contractors with the Department on Aging who provide direct services to individuals enrolled in the Community Care Program to complete at least 2 hours of training on Alzheimer's and dementia prior to the start of employment. Current employees and contractors would be required to complete the training within six months of the bill becoming law.

Alzheimer's is a fatal disease that kills nerve cells and tissue in the brain, affecting an individual's ability to remember, think and plan. Wearing purple makes a statement that supporters are strong and unrelenting in the fight against Alzheimer's disease.

Visit the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter’s website for more information.