As of recent years, the abundance of Alzheimer’scases have risen significantly in the United States with the awareness of this disease still being miniscule. Many victims of this disease, as well as their caregiversare left without the proper knowledge that would help improve the care and life experience of themselves and their families. Cheryl Levin-Folio, a Highland Park native and author, was wanting to offer guidance for those in similar circumstances as hers, being a caregiver to her late husband, when she wrote her book The 24-Hour Rule: Living with Alzheimer's.

As her late husband, Michael Folio’s voice of building awareness, Levin-Folio urges the public to be aware of the early signs. “I hear people in their 50’s continually joke about having ‘senior moments’. The earlier these symptoms begin the quicker the disease evolves. The fact is, with the greater awareness of dementia, the diagnosis of early onset is on the rise. I am urging people to recognize, in addition to their genetics, that dementia is not a normal form of the aging brain.  People should not be in denial. They need to address these issues and seek a neurologist that specializes in dementia.”

In 2024, Levin-Folio’s focus is on educating the public on the greater dementia umbrella. Alzheimer’s is only one form.  Other dementias include Lewy Body, Frontotemporal, Vascular, and Parkinson’s. Recently, the FDA has approved a new medication that will provide hope for people with early onset Alzheimer’s.  “That is why it is crucial for early detection,” states Levin-Folio.

As an Alzheimer’s advocate, Levin-Folio will be partnering with her ENAZ ‘work family’ at the 6^th Annual Fall Fashion + Fundraising event on Saturday, September 7 from 10AM-5PM at all three ENAZ locations in Highland Park, Northfield, and Lake Forest and online. ENAZ will proudly donate 10% of all sales, with Team Levin-Folio matching another 10% to her North Shore Walk to End Alzheimer’s fundraising page.

“ENAZ was our favorite place to shop before Michael was afflicted with Alzheimer’s,” reflects Levin-Folio. “I recall after his diagnosis, he would always want to take me back to shop and pick out the same items for me, and the wonderful staff at ENAZ would graciously respect his wishes.”

The support shown by the staff had such a profound effect on Levin-Folio that, after Michael’s passing, she decided to work for the retail store and partner with them to create the Annual Fall Fashion + Fundraising Event.

The public is invited to shop the latest fall collections in-store or online at https://enaz.com to show their support.

Since Levin-Folio’s involvement with The Walk for Alzheimer’s and the ENAZ fundraising event, Team Levin-Folio has raised over $150,000 in the past six years. To contribute to the Team Levin-Folio donation page HERE.

MEET LEVIN-FOLIO AT TWO EVENTS:

Saturday, September 7

Cheryl Levin-Folio will be on-site with her book at the ENAZ Highland Park location. A truly inspirational piece with a 5-star Amazon rating, The 24-Hour Rule: Living with Alzheimer's (2015) was created and written from a caregiver’s perspective, and it could not be more relevant than now. Just a short six months after saying their vows to each other in 2012, Michael was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s at the age of 54.

Levin-Folio’s book is an incredible instrument for those who take care of or know a loved one suffering with this life-threatening illness. The 24-Hour Rule: Living with Alzheimer's provides creative ways to preserve the relationship, dignity and quality of life you share with the people that mean the most to you. It also explains the importance of having support when going through the trials and tribulations of this disease. Due to medical innovation, the earlier the prognosis, the better chance that the new FDA approved medication will help lengthen the life and memory of the person diagnosed.

Most importantly, it is a truly down-to-earth reminder that continuing to cultivate beautiful memories is vital to keeping you grounded and happy during tough times. In her late husband Michael’s own words, “I may be a sick man but I am a happy one.”

The 24-Hour Rule: Living with Alzheimer's can be purchased on Amazon with 100% of proceeds going to the Alzheimer Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

Sunday, September 8

The Alzheimer’s Association is hosting their annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s. The ENAZ family will graciously contribute 10% of Saturdays earnings to the event and Team Levin-Folio will match an additional 10% donation. If you are unable to attend the walk, you may still donate HERE

“I know everyone there will know someone having cognitive impairment symptoms. I urge people to take note of symptoms of friends and family.  Reach out with your concern and push them to get early detection so they can have the opportunity to find the resources to get the help available to them now like the new FDA approved drug.  I only dream of the day when I am there to see someone holding a white flower!”