The Future Needs Us Now: Let’s make Alzheimer’s disease a distant memory

Wisconsin Medicine just launched an exciting new initiative that will help support Alzheimer’s disease programs at UW–Madison called The Future Needs Us Now — The Campaign for Wisconsin Medicine.

Alzheimer’s disease research at UW–Madison is improving early and accurate diagnosis, treatment, and care for people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias — and focusing on the long-term goal of ultimately preventing Alzheimer’s disease. Photo of Dr. Sanjay Asthana working in a lab

We invite you to help us lead the way by becoming a Community Champion for the Campaign for Wisconsin Medicine. Rally support from your network that will go toward:

Continuous research on Alzheimer’s disease and related memory disorders
A range of programs that provide learning opportunities to dementia care professionals and scientists-in-training in and around Wisconsin
Research programs that are committed to building awareness, advocacy and solutions for the significant health disparities facing communities of color
… and much more

Get involved as a Community Champion by creating and sharing your personal UW Initiative to End Alzheimer’s fundraising page (similar to a GoFundMe campaign). Join us in the fight to end Alzheimer's disease. Visit the webpage and click on “Become a Fundraiser” to start today.

Thanks to a generous matching pool, all donations will be matched up to $125,000 until June 13.

Dr. Nathaniel Chin honored with 2022 Alzheimer's Association Professional Award

Nathaniel Chin, MD, is the recipient of the 2022 Alzheimer's Association Professional Award from the Alzheimer’s Association Wisconsin Chapter. Chin is a geriatrician, memory care provider and Alzheimer’s disease researcher. His nomination highlighted the rapport he has with his patients, his compassion for the people he cares for and their families, and his work educating and empowering people with dementia through programs like the Healthy Living with Mild Cognitive Impairment series. The Professional Award is bestowed upon individuals who bring a dedication to their employment that serves as a model to others in the field. Learn more

Photo of a young woman embracing an older woman

'Breaking the Silence' on dementia in communities of color

Last month, the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Institute Regional Milwaukee Office hosted its 8th Annual Breaking the Silence: Addressing Dementia in Communities of Color event. This year's theme was Systemic Change Through Community and presentations explored the impact of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias on communities of color, advancements in Alzheimer’s disease research and navigating care in the pandemic. Watch recordings of virtual presentations by Maria Mora Pinzon, MD, MS, and Sterling Johnson, PhD, and a panel discussion moderated by Stephanie Houston, MBA. Learn more

Photo of Kao Lee Yang and podcast graphics

How studying ethnic subgroups can improve research

Kao Lee Yang, MPA/PhD candidate in the Neuroscience and Public Policy Program and Bendlin Laboratory at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, joined a recent episode of Dementia Matters. She discussed how the disaggregation of data in research could lead to a better understanding of how individuals from different ethnic subgroups are represented as research participants and researchers. Listen to the podcast

Photo of assorted fruits, vegetables and fish

Food for brain health

May is National Mediterranean Diet Month, a perfect time to revisit the MIND diet for healthy brain aging. The Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet is a hybrid of the Mediterranean and DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diets. The MIND diet was developed as a result of a four-and a-half-year study through the National Institute of Aging that found people who ate more MIND diet foods had less risk for Alzheimer’s disease. People who followed the diet moderately reduced their risk for Alzheimer’s disease by 35%, and those who followed it closely reduced their risk by 53%. A recent article in The New York Times shares more insights, the best foods to eat and some easy ways to adjust your diet. Read the article

More events and information

icon of the covid-19 virus Healthy Living with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI): The Importance of Social Engagement and Strategies for Improved Communication
May 20, 9:30–11:30 a.m.
Kimberly Mueller, PhD, CCC-SLP, assistant professor in the UW–Madison Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, will help us understand how enhancing cognitive and social engagement can positively influence cognition and quality of life. Participants will also learn strategies for helping people with MCI better communicate with the people around them.

Virtual Badger Talk — Gardening Made Accessible for All
May 23, 7 p.m.
Lisa Johnson from the UW–Madison Agriculture Institute will share ideas for creating raised gardening beds, advice on selecting plant varieties, and adaptive tools and techniques for gardening as we age.

Compassion Chats
May 24, 6 p.m.
Cynthia Carlsson, MD, MS, joins this monthly virtual program about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia care resources. Hosted by Susan A. Marshall, author of Mom’s Gone Missing: When A Parent’s Changing Life Upends Yours.

Living Well with Dementia 2022: Spring Virtual Resource Fair
May 24–May 26
Presented by the West Madison Dementia Friendly Coalition. Learn about aging in place and more. To register, please call (608) 234-2996 or email abormann@brookdale.com.

ALZ Talks: Caregiver Perspectives on Managing Money
May 26, 12:00 p.m.
Presented by the Alzheimer’s Association Wisconsin Chapter, dementia caregivers will discuss their approach to managing finances, how to prepare for future care costs and the benefits of early planning.

Dr. Daniel I. Kaufer Lecture
June 6, 4–5:15 p.m.
Roberta Diaz Brinton, PhD, will present "Regenerating the Alzheimer’s Brain: Allopregnanolone as a Regenerative Therapeutic Proof of Concept.” This free educational event is designed for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) researchers and professionals working in dementia care.

Virtual Badger Talk — The Other Dementias: FTD, Lewy Body Disease, Vascular Dementia and others
June 17, 10 a.m. CT
Susanne Seeger, MD, will discuss diagnostic criteria and treatment approaches for lesser known disorders that can cause dementia.

Mind Readers book club
During the next Mind Readers book club event we will discuss Finding the Right Words: A Story of Literature, Grief, and the Brain by Cindy Weinstein, with Bruce L. Miller, MD. Read the book ahead of time and make plans to join the conversation later this summer. More details coming soon.

Play bingo for your brain health
Incorporate brain healthy habits into your daily routine by playing Brain Health Bingo. Download and print the game card, review the instructions and have fun!

Come work with us
The Wisconsin ADRC and its campus partners are seeking applicants to fill several open positions.

Like our newsletter? Pass it on.

Share Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center content with your network by forwarding this email to them.

Was this email forwarded to you? Subscribe to get "Headlines" delivered to your inbox.

Stay connected with us.

Facebook

Twitter

YouTube

Spotify

Website