Everyone who has a brain is at risk of developing Alzheimer’s, a fatal disease that is often misunderstood. Even Alzheimer’s caregivers who are in the healthcare industry are not immune to the questions, uncertainty, and stress that accompany the disease. When company founder Leonard Astrup first showed signs of memory loss, his family was unsure of what to expect and where to turn. Although a friend had recommended the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline a couple years earlier, the family hesitated to call, thinking they could figure things out on their own. Finally, at a very difficult time, they called and were connected to reliable information, incredible support, guidance, and help with problem solving. A care consultant met with the family for a family care conference and was able to help with decision-making support, crisis assistance, and education on difficult issues that many families of Alzheimer’s patients must also face every day.
In honor of Leonard, the Astrup family has rallied behind raising awareness and changing the stigma of Alzheimer’s. “I don’t know what we would have done without getting connected to the Alzheimer’s Association,” said Susan Astrup Lundquist. “The support we received was critical in caring for our dad, and we wish we would have discovered the Helpline and other resources sooner.”
The greatest known risk factor for Alzheimer’s is increasing age, and with an aging population and no known treatment, prevention, or cure for the disease, that number is expected to soar and has driven the Astrup family to take action. The Astrup Family Foundation was formed in 2014 after Leonard’s death. One of its focus areas is healthcare—specifically dementia, mental health, and epilepsy. Alzheimer’s disease has been a primary focus due to seeing firsthand how the disease progressed with Leonard. Susan, Leonard and Corrine’s youngest daughter, joined the Alzheimer’s Association Minnesota-North Dakota Board of Directors in 2015 and is now on the Executive Committee. She is also team captain of Team Leonard for the Twin Cities Walk to End Alzheimer’s, which will be held on September 9, 2017. Learn more about the Walk or join the Astrup family in their fight to end Alzheimer’s at:
www.smart-fill.com/alz2017
You can walk with the team and/or donate. All donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the Astrup Family Foundation, up to $50,000! Please consider giving generously and joining the Astrup family in doing all we can to put an end to this horrific disease.
The Alzheimer’s Association has a full range of programs and services available in person, over the phone, and online—free of charge. If you or someone you know is concerned or has questions about Alzheimer’s or another dementia, call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 1-800-272-3900 or visit www.alz.org/mnnd. Don’t wait… and spread the word!
Last Updated: May 24, 2018 by alex.carlson
Summer News 2017
Everyone who has a brain is at risk of developing Alzheimer’s, a fatal disease that is often misunderstood. Even Alzheimer’s caregivers who are in the healthcare industry are not immune to the questions, uncertainty, and stress that accompany the disease. When company founder Leonard Astrup first showed signs of memory loss, his family was unsure of what to expect and where to turn. Although a friend had recommended the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline a couple years earlier, the family hesitated to call, thinking they could figure things out on their own. Finally, at a very difficult time, they called and were connected to reliable information, incredible support, guidance, and help with problem solving. A care consultant met with the family for a family care conference and was able to help with decision-making support, crisis assistance, and education on difficult issues that many families of Alzheimer’s patients must also face every day.
In honor of Leonard, the Astrup family has rallied behind raising awareness and changing the stigma of Alzheimer’s. “I don’t know what we would have done without getting connected to the Alzheimer’s Association,” said Susan Astrup Lundquist. “The support we received was critical in caring for our dad, and we wish we would have discovered the Helpline and other resources sooner.”
The greatest known risk factor for Alzheimer’s is increasing age, and with an aging population and no known treatment, prevention, or cure for the disease, that number is expected to soar and has driven the Astrup family to take action. The Astrup Family Foundation was formed in 2014 after Leonard’s death. One of its focus areas is healthcare—specifically dementia, mental health, and epilepsy. Alzheimer’s disease has been a primary focus due to seeing firsthand how the disease progressed with Leonard. Susan, Leonard and Corrine’s youngest daughter, joined the Alzheimer’s Association Minnesota-North Dakota Board of Directors in 2015 and is now on the Executive Committee. She is also team captain of Team Leonard for the Twin Cities Walk to End Alzheimer’s, which will be held on September 9, 2017. Learn more about the Walk or join the Astrup family in their fight to end Alzheimer’s at:
www.smart-fill.com/alz2017
You can walk with the team and/or donate. All donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the Astrup Family Foundation, up to $50,000! Please consider giving generously and joining the Astrup family in doing all we can to put an end to this horrific disease.
The Alzheimer’s Association has a full range of programs and services available in person, over the phone, and online—free of charge. If you or someone you know is concerned or has questions about Alzheimer’s or another dementia, call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 1-800-272-3900 or visit www.alz.org/mnnd. Don’t wait… and spread the word!
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