UW shows strong presence at AAIC 2021
The Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) attracts scientists and clinical researchers from across the world to come together to share new ideas to advance the goals of prevention, treatment and care improvement of Alzheimer’s disease. This year’s event took place last month in Denver, Colorado, and UW Alzheimer’s disease researchers shared more than 80 scientific presentations. Highlights include:
- Amy Kind, MD, PhD, gave a plenary address at the conference, discussing the social
 determinants of health and how they could impact brain health in different populations.
- Leonardo Rivera-Rivera, PhD, Tobey Betthauser, PhD, and Megan Zuelsdorff, PhD, presented cutting-edge research on brain and blood vessel health, genetic factors and the age when Alzheimer’s disease begins, and how life experiences shape brain health and risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
- Nickolas Lambrou, PhD, presented research on depression and cognitive disability among transgender and gender nonbinary adults.
- Dorothy Farrar Edwards, PhD, presented research findings that showed people are more likely to participate in clinical trials if invited by someone of the same race.
The next AAIC conference is scheduled for July 31 through August 4, 2022, in San Diego, California, and online. Learn more
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Black Leaders for Brain Health
African American leaders from local churches, civic organizations, academia and health groups are lending their insight — their lived experience — to UW Alzheimer’s disease research. The committee, Black Leaders for Brain Health, is a collaboration between the Nehemiah Center for Urban Leadership Development and the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC), and it connects local African American leaders with scientists and researchers in the fields of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias and cognitive aging. Learn more
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Mind Readers book club to discuss lifestyle changes that can support brain health
Join the Mind Readers book club and host Lindsay Clark, PhD, on September 22 at 6 p.m. for a discussion via Zoom with Michelle Braun, PhD, author of High-Octane Brain: 5 Science-Based Steps to Sharpen Your Memory and Reduce Your Risk of Alzheimer's. Hear about common misconceptions around aging, three possible brain health trajectories and how to maximize your brain health. Participation is free and everyone is welcome to attend. Register
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Creativity in Dementia Caregiving
Anne Basting, PhD, author of Creative Care: The Power of Imagination in Dementia Caregiving, joins the Dementia Matters podcast to discuss her caregiving approach rooted in creative engagement and imagination. Basting describes a new way of caregiving that helps caregivers and families meet patients and loved ones where they’re at to have meaningful connections and spark joy in the later years of life. Listen to the podcast
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ICYMI: Aducanumab Q & A
Experts from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health recently shared insight and answered audience questions about aducanumab (marketed as Aduhelm) via a Facebook Live presentation. Learn how this new treatment for Alzheimer’s disease targets amyloid protein buildup, possible side effects of taking the drug and the issue of equal representation in the studies that contributed to aducanumab's approval. Watch the recording
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Celebrating 20 years of the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer's Prevention (WRAP)
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WRAP is 20! As part of our year-long anniversary celebration, we will share research updates presented during the study's 2020 Virtual Info Sessions. In this month’s video, Rebecca Koscik, PhD, WRAP scientist, provides a look into patterns of cognitive aging, trajectories for dementia and lifestyle risk scores.
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Join virtual and in-person events
 Science of Sleep and Older Adults
August 24, 1:30 p.m.
The National Institute on Aging (NIA) hosts this Facebook Live Q & A and shares how to get better sleep as an older adult.
Sunday Summer Concert
August 29, 5 p.m.
Enjoy live music from the Sally de Broux & Laurie Lang Band at Allen Centennial Garden. Free and open to all.
Culture and Equity in Dementia Care
September 8, 13, 21 and 28
Explore dementia issues from the perspectives of Wisconsin’s Black, Tribal and Latino communities in this free virtual series.
Healthy Living with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI): Exercise Your Way to Better Brain Health
September 17, 9:30 a.m.
Presented by Max Gaitan, MEd, and Sarah Lose, MS, exercise physiologists at UW–Madison and members of Dr. Ozioma Okonkwo's lab in the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center.
Alzheimer's and Dementia Walk in Dane County
September 18, 7:30 a.m.
Recognize people impacted by dementia and raise funds for the Alzheimer’s & Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin (ADAW) programs and services.
Solomon Carter Fuller Brain Health Celebration
October 22 and 23
Annual event to build awareness of Alzheimer’s disease in the African American community. Held virtually via Zoom, free and open to all.
Get Movin' exercise classes
Mondays & Wednesdays, 6–7 p.m.
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 1–2 p.m.
Free and open to the public, join Get Movin' exercise classes with instructor Venus Washington in-person or from home.
Wisconsin ADRC YouTube channel
Recordings of our podcast, special events, presentations, programs and classes.
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