This year's "Facts & Figures Report" from the Alzheimer's Association not only looks at the state of the disease in the U.S., but also includes a survey about Americans' feelings about developing dementia and what they're doing about it.

Why is it so hard to turn a desire to do something for our health into a healthy habit? A new survey offers a few clues, providing proof that we're by no means alone in this, Joan Oliver writes.

The recent trade of Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream might sound like a good plan to the organization's management, but it leaves her fans in Chicago wondering what the team is doing.

As Tony's Alzheimer's disease has progressed, we've had to make adjustments to many aspects of our life together. With the onset of spring storms, our emergency preparedness plan has had to change, too.

Caregiving can be physically demanding. However, even more challenging can be managing the emotions that go with caregiving, particularly for those whose loved ones have Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia.

Almost six years to the day that Illinois went into lockdown at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the virus finally caught up with the Olivers. As expected, it wasn't worth the wait.

How reliant are we on electricity? Well, the Oliver homestead found out when half the power in the house went out on a Friday night.

Longtime McHenry optometrist Dr. Robert Peterson, affectionately known as Dr. Bob, was one of those people who made the world a brighter place. He will be sorely missed by all of us who knew him.

If there's a battle between generations, chances are pretty good Generation X isn't involved. After all members of this generation are used to flying under the radar.

Another Winter Olympics is in the books. However, the story lines and life lessons are sure to stay with us for years to come. Also, a follow-up on the anxiety-producing event of last week.

After two battles with breast cancer, each annual mammogram brings a level of fear and trepidation. Still, it's worth it to be able to catch things early.

For a lot of people, the Super Bowl isn't about the game. Maybe it's about the commercials; maybe it's about the halftime show. For some of us, though, we want to see it all. Too bad we haven't found a way to do it yet.

For a lot of us, the answer to the childhood question "What do you want to be when you grow up?" took a winding path until we found our calling.

When it comes to "cures" for diseases like Alzheimer's disease, it's best to bring a healthy dose of skepticism to every report. Sadly, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Find out how not to be caught by a scam.

New statistics from the American Cancer Society are cause for optimism, even for those with the most fatal forms of the disease. It's also a stark reminder about the need for early detection.

One of the scariest things about Alzheimer's disease goes beyond the illness itself. The uncertainties about the financial impact it will have can be stressful. A new offering from the Alzheimer's Association aims to put caregivers in a better position to cope.

Each year at this time, we hear a lot about resolutions or at the very least the good intentions people have about the new year. Some of us are happy just to choose a couple of words to guide the way.

As 2025 comes to a close, a look back at the year shows one filled with highs, lows and everything in between. It really was the "year that kept on giving," at least for the Olivers.

Trying to keep up with all that's happening in the battle against Alzheimer's disease isn't easy when you're a caregiver. The Alzheimer's Association is here to help with five things that were learned about the disease in 2025.

After so many years of disappointments, it might be understandable for Bears fans to be a bit skeptical about this year's team. However, they just might be a team worth getting behind ... finally.

Alzheimer's disease is known to be progressive. But how does one know that the decline is happening? One of the most obvious ways is by charting how people with dementia are able to care for themselves.

The leaves on the Oliver family's maple trees play a game with them every year as fall turns to winter. Who will win? The answer to that is a reminder of how little control we all have over certain things in life.

How do you cope when life seems to be handing you nothing but trouble? Well, one important way is by cultivating gratitude. Find out how.

November is National Family Caregivers Month, which is meant to shed light on the job family members do in caring for their loved ones. Have you ever wanted to lend a hand but just don't know where to start? These suggestions might help.

When tragic things happen in our community, those of us at your local newspaper share in the loss and sadness. 

Alzheimer's disease has a way of turning a milestone anniversary into a bittersweet celebration.

Unless the WNBA and its players union reach a new collective bargaining agreement by the Oct. 31 deadline, the league risks undoing the growth it has recently experienced.

Think there are more idiot drivers on the road these days? Do other drivers' aggressive behaviors set you off? You probably aren't wrong and you're not alone. Those are among the conclusions of a new AAA report on aggressive driving and road rage.

With each yearly check-in with the neurologist, the progression of my husband's early-onset Alzheimer's disease becomes more apparent. And that reality can be hard to take.

A plethora of pink is about to hit us all during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. However, many of us who have had breast cancer aren't feeling very festive. Like the disease, it's a bit complicated.

Living in the shadow of dementia means never really being sure what to expect. A recent trip to the dentist illustrates the difficulties caregivers can experience in even the most routine trips.

Do you have a concern about something in your neighborhood? Have you tried to take it to your town's leaders? Sometimes you really can get what you want.

New statistics for prostate cancer underscore the need for early detection no matter the cancer.

Experts say it is possible for "sandwich generation" caregivers to balance their responsibilities while protecting their own well-being. The Alzheimer’s Association offers some practical tips to do just that.

Alzheimer's disease can be a challenging journey. The Olivers reflect on what the last decade has been like as they deal with the changes brought on by Tony's illness.

Parents and grandparents can do much to help young ones get the most out of school and to set them up to succeed in the future.

What do you picture when you think of someone with Alzheimer's disease? A person who is frail and and weak? In reality, those with Alzheimer's disease in the early and middle stages can be stronger than you think. In some cases, even stronger than their caregivers.

Can making make healthy lifestyle changes affect our risk for developing dementia? A new study released by the Alzheimer's Association shows that it holds that possibility.

Sometimes life imitates art. When the domestic incident is particularly ironic, it's hard not to think about a famous story by O. Henry.

Workplace romances when done incorrectly can kill careers. But even when done with transparency and within company rules, they can be downright complicated.

With all the noise that surrounds the Chicago Sky's Angel Reese, it's impressive that she manages to keep improving and growing as a player. Trusting the process has served her well.

Pet sitting for a cockatiel and parakeet proves that years of experience in taking care of various animals, both farm and domestic, just doesn't apply.

The organized among us often have plans and then contingency plans in case something happens. For caregivers for those with dementia, contingency plans often are essential.

Caregivers hear all the time about the need to take some time for themselves. Knowing it and doing it can be two different things. But the rewards are worth the effort required to make it happen.

In honor of Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month, the Alzheimer's Association offers tips that all of us can use to help lower our risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.

As a caregiver, sometimes recognizing that there's a balance between taking care of one's charge and doing things for oneself can be difficult. And sometimes saying no to a function can be a form of self-care.

With summer upon us, now's a good time to brush up on ways to stay safe and avoid skin cancer while enjoying the long, hot days ahead. The American Cancer Society offers some tips and strategies.

May is National Mental Health Awareness Month, and the theme this year is “In Every Story, There’s Strength.”

Dealing with the grief that comes along with dementia can be challenging for caregivers. Sometimes, though, creativity can go a long way to tackle the problems that come along with the illness.

Would you want to know if you could that you are going to develop Alzheimer's disease? That's a question that the Alzheimer's Association asked for a report that accompanies its annual Facts and Figures report.