National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month: Early diagnosis provides valuable information about treatment and planning for the future
November is Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, a time to learn more about this progressive brain disease, understand the benefits of prevention strategies and recognize the importance of early screening.
Getting a timely and accurate diagnosis is important because:
- The symptoms might be reversible or treatable
- Certain treatments are more effective when started early
- Some dementia conditions may not get worse and having that awareness may decrease anxiety
- Understanding the type of changes happening with a dementia condition can help avoid other medical issues
- Early diagnosis allows the person and their family to educate themselves, seek support, and make informed decisions and plans
- Early diagnosis allows the person and their family to focus on quality of life, independence and their wishes
If you have concerns about memory loss, thinking skills or behavioral changes in yourself or a loved one, contact your primary care provider or one of the clinics in the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Institute-Affiliated Dementia Diagnostic Clinic Network located across the state.
|
|
|
'Healthy Living with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI): Medications, Supplements and Vitamins'
Holly Altenberger, PharmD, from O’Connell Pharmacy, joins Nathaniel Chin, MD, for a discussion on managing medications, supplements and vitamins. The class will take place December 10, 9:30–11:30 a.m. Join the conversation via Zoom and have your questions answered by the experts. Participation is free and everyone is welcome to attend. Register
Healthy Living with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is a quarterly support and education series for people with MCI and their families. This class is co-sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association Wisconsin Chapter.
|
|
|
|
University Place on PBS Wisconsin presents "Alzheimer's Disease in Latinos" with Maria Mora Pinzon, MD, MS.
|
|
Alzheimer's disease in the Latino community
Maria Mora Pinzon, MD, MS, appeared on University Place on PBS Wisconsin and described issues that make diagnosing and treating Alzheimer’s disease challenging in the Latino community. Watch the recording of "Alzheimer’s Disease in Latinos" online anytime.
Additionally, Mora Pinzon was a recent guest on Dementia Matters and discussed the Spanish-language BrainGuide she helped create, some of the resources it offers and why it is important to make it available to Spanish speakers. Listen to the podcast
|
|
|
Global challenges in dementia diagnosis
Alzheimer’s Disease International’s (ADI) World Alzheimer’s Report 2021 found that 75% of people with dementia are undiagnosed, equating to 41 million people across the globe. Serge Gauthier, CM, MD, co-author of the report, joins Dementia Matters to take a deep dive into the report, share recommendations for improving dementia diagnoses, discuss new therapies like aducanumab and more. Listen to the podcast
|
|
|
Commit to connect
Connecting with others helps with feelings of isolation and can boost self-esteem. Making regular social contact with friends, neighbors, family and acquaintances allows one to converse, engage in activities together and think about topics we may not think of independently — all factors that can help our brains and bodies stay active and bring a smile to someone's face. Azura Memory Care offers some easy ways to make yourself and someone you know feel good.
|
|
Celebrating 20 years of the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer's Prevention (WRAP)
|
|
|
|
WRAP is 20! As part of our year-long anniversary celebration, we are sharing our final research update presented during the study's 2020 Virtual Info Sessions. In this video, Sterling Johnson, PhD, discusses developments in biomarker research and details future areas of study for the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer's Prevention.
Note: This video mentions biomarker visits. For more information on participating in biomarker visits, watch this short video series.
|
|
Join virtual and in-person events
 Memories Matter Livestream
ICYMI: Alzheimer’s disease experts from UW–Madison discuss advances in research, health equity and patient care.
Mind Readers book club
Recommended reading list and recordings about a variety of stimulating books related to Alzheimer's disease, science, prevention and wellness.
Virtual Badger Talk — "Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias"
November 17, 10 a.m.
Cynthia Carlsson, MD, MS, will present an overview about how Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias are diagnosed and managed as well as updates in current research and dementia care.
Tandem Press Friday Jazz Series
November 19, December 10, 5 p.m.
Performances by students from the UW–Madison Mead Witter School of Music’s Jazz Studies Program. Free, in-person or via livestream.
Full Moon Night Walk
November 20, 6:30 p.m.
Naturalists will lead this walk through the UW Arboretum under the Deer Running Moon.
Amazing Grace Chorus® Sing Along
November 20, December 4, 11, 18, 10 a.m.
Sing along from home with this Milwaukee-based community chorus made up of people living with dementia and their caregivers.
Beginning Irish Gaelic
November 23, 30, December 7, 14, 7 p.m.
Free, online community language classes for beginners. These free language classes are sponsored by UW–Madison's Language Institute.
Indoor Walking Group
December 1, 10 a.m.
Sharing Active Independent Lives (SAIL) social gathering at West Towne Mall.
Let’s Connect: Dementia & the Holidays
December 1, 10 a.m.
Learn to navigate caregiver stress and get tips on how to make visits meaningful for people with dementia.
Stepping On
Mondays, December 13–January 31, 2 p.m.
Learn information and strategies to avoid the risk of a fall. Contact Laura Armstrong with questions and/or to register for this free online workshop at 262-928-4059.
|
|
|
|
