With the popularity and subsequent controversies surrounding Netflix's 13 Reasons Why , suicide among teens and young people is a topic of a lot of conversation across the board. The show itself has been met with both praise and criticism for its message, graphic depiction of suicide and glamorization of teen death. But while the subjective fiction of the show can mean many things to many individuals, there is one reality no one can deny: suicide is a problem, and those suffering with suicidal thoughts need and deserve care and treatment. According to the CDC : Suicide is the third leading

With the popularity and subsequent controversies surrounding Netflix's 13 Reasons Why , suicide among teens and young people is a topic of a lot of conversation across the board. The show itself has been met with both praise and criticism for its message, graphic depiction of suicide and glamorization of teen death. But while the subjective fiction of the show can mean many things to many individuals, there is one reality no one can deny: suicide is a problem, and those suffering with suicidal thoughts need and deserve care and treatment. According to the CDC : Suicide is the third leading

Network provider sites include hospitals, mental health centers, senior service centers, clinics, care facilities and other organizations. Each network provider is part of the interconnected team of experts dedicated to serving individuals with memory problems and their families. Network providers work closely with SIU Medicine's Smith Alzheimer's Center providers and staff, and are specifically trained to evaluate individuals with memory or other cognitive disorders. In addition, the Memory and Aging Network providers may offer: Counseling Referral services Education to individuals, the

Prepare for the road ahead. Learn how to cope with memory loss. The Early Stage Memory Loss Program is an annual supportive group seminar series for individuals with early stage memory loss and their care partners. Sessions are led by Smith Alzheimer's Center at SIU Medicine professionals, and feature expert information and advice for both persons with memory loss and their families. At each meeting, the group meets for an educational session followed by separate support group sessions, one for persons with memory loss and one for family caregivers. Who can participate? Persons with an early

Strengthen muscles and improve balance through exercise and dance. The focus in Stepping Up is on fitness and fun and includes group movement to music and exercises, helping reduce fall risk in adults. Activities are designed to improve flexibility, strength, endurance and balance and are customized to each participant’s specific needs and abilities. Stepping Up is offered weekly. How can I participate? Persons with memory loss are referred to Stepping Up through the Smith Alzheimer's Center's Memory & Aging Clinic. Criteria to participate in Stepping Up: Must have a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s

Music & Memory Program Favorite music can stimulate deep emotional recall, even for those in the advanced stages of dementia. In nursing homes and in-home settings, personalized music has been shown to improve mood, increase physical activity and even reduce the use of antipsychotic medications. The Smith Alzheimer's Center's program provides portable music players to individuals with a memory loss diagnosis. They are filled with the individual's favorite songs, a process that is done either by an SIU team member or the individual's family or friends. To learn more about the benefits of music

Art Express helps showcase the creativity often alive and well throughout disease progression. Founded in 2012 by SIU Medicine's Center for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders, Art Express is offered in partnership with the University of Illinois at Springfield, Human Development Counseling Program (HDCP). The goal of Art Express is to give people an outlet to creatively express themselves without needing memory or verbal communication skills. Beautiful artwork is often a welcome byproduct, but is not the primary focus. Although memory is often impaired early in the course of disorders