SPRINGFIELD, IL – Illinois taxpayers have the opportunity for the 17th consecutive year to help with Alzheimer's disease research by making a donation to the Alzheimer's Disease Research Fund on their 2001 Illinois income tax returns.

"Every dollar contributed helps us move a step closer to finding a cure or more effective way to diagnose and treat this debilitating disease," said Dr. John R. Lumpkin, state public health director. "I urge Illinoisans to again consider this worthy cause when completing their individual state tax returns this year."

In order for the special fund to appear on next year's tax form, it must receive a minimum of $100,000 in donations. Last year, taxpayers contributed $166,146 to the fund.

Victims of this age-related form of dementia suffer a progressive loss of memory, attention span and the ability to learn. The disease affects 4 million Americans, about 200,000 in Illinois, and the number is expected to increase dramatically in the next 25 years as the country's population ages.

Since the fund first appeared on the 1985 state tax forms, $2.3 million has been donated to help fund 104 Illinois research projects.

Taxpayers can donate $1 or more to the Alzheimer's Disease Research Fund by filling in the amount on line 28c of the 2001 IL-1040 state income tax return, or item 15 on the TeleFile worksheet. The amount pledged will either decrease the amount of refund or increase the amount due.

Direct contributions also may be made to the Department's fund by sending a check, payable to the Illinois Department of Public Health, to P.O. Box 4263, Springfield, IL 62708. Alzheimer's Disease Research Fund should be written on the check.