SPRINGFIELD – Senate Democrats expressed their support for those impacted by Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia by wearing purple for the Alzheimer’s Association Day of Action Wednesday.

“I am honored to stand alongside advocates and demonstrate our commitment to supporting the thousands of Illinois residents living with Alzheimer’s or dementia,” said State Senator Karina Villa (D-West Chicago). “We must continue to prioritize improvements to state resources to support not only individuals diagnosed with the disease, but their caretakers and loved ones as well.” 

In Illinois, 230,000 people live with dementia and 300,000 people are caregivers for people living with Alzheimer’s or dementia. The Alzheimer’s Association Day of Action aims to make Illinois dementia capable by advocating for legislation focused on improving the lives of people impacted by Alzheimer’s.

“Thousands of Illinois families have experienced the emotional toll brought on by Alzheimer’s or dementia,” said State Senator Mary Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “I am a proud to be an advocate in the fight to end Alzheimer’s and will continue to prioritize improvements in support of these Illinois families.”

Senate Bill 216, spearheaded by Edly-Allen last spring, requires public guardians to undergo training on how to recognize, care for and interact with patients who have Alzheimer’s or dementia, equipping caregivers with the knowledge they need to promote safe and supportive environments for people in their care.

Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease that worsens over time, as brain cell connection and the cells themselves degenerate and die. This results in the individual’s memory and their mental functions being lost. Wearing purple is a testament to the unwavering efforts of advocates fighting to end Alzheimer’s.

To learn more about the Day of Action, visit the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter’s website.