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Alzheimer's support group open to all

More than five million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease and the numbers are likely to grow.

The Baby Boomer population is most affected by this disease, which not only takes memories, but takes lives. It's now the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S.

Families dealing with the disease know it's life-changing for both those diagnosed and those willing to be caregivers. The Health Center at Oak Trace, a senior living community in Downers Grove, is helping fill a need for support for families dealing with this debilitating disease.

This past year, the memory care center at the community launched "Chapters." It's a support group targeted to anyone living in the Chicago area who is a caregiver, friend or family member of a person with Alzheimer's or another form of dementia.

Chapters meets at 6 p.m. the third Thursday of the month at Oak Trace Health Center, 250 Village Drive, Downers Grove. The meetings are free, and no reservations are required.

The group is one of many support groups offered at the Health Center at Oak Trace, which offers short- and long-term care to Oak Trace residents and people in the greater Chicago area. Services include catered living (assisted living), memory care, skilled nursing, and short-term rehabilitation.

Oak Trace memory care manager Luba Siryj manages the Chapters group. She said it was started as a way to support families of dementia patients.

"The group offers a place where people can connect and grow in their understanding of Alzheimer's," Siryj said. "They're coming to share their experiences with others, to be heard and to talk about their feelings."

The ability to connect with Alzheimer's patients is a common topic of discussion within the group. "Many people feel as if they have nothing to say to their loved one who's living with Alzheimer's," Siryj said. "They can get upset with themselves and the disease that's devastating lives. The group offers a safe place for these discussions, a place where they can meet with and develop a mutual support system surrounded by one another."

The Oak Trace Health Center also offers low vision, lupus and grief support groups.

For more information about Oak Trace, contact (630) 769-6565 or www.OakTraceDG.com.

If you go

What: Chapters, an Alzheimer's and dementia support group

When: 6 p.m. the third Thursday of the month

Where: Oak Trace Health Center, 250 Village Drive, Downers Grove

Cost: Free

Info: (630) 769-6566 or www.OakTraceDG.com

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