Mask up and stay healthy in the new year
The omicron variant of the coronavirus is spreading quickly. While reports show it is less lethal than previous variants of COVID-19, it is more transmissible. Wearing a mask indoors in public spaces and in crowded outdoor spaces is key in helping lower the risk of transmission, regardless of vaccination status. With pandemic-related guidelines regularly evolving, we have received many questions about the best masks to wear for protection against and stopping the spread of the virus. Our recommendations are as follows:
First choice: N95 and KN95 masks are the most effective. N95 masks should be NIOSH-approved, which means they are regulated by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health to filter at least 95% of airborne particles. KN95 masks are constructed to the Chinese standards for respirator masks and can be considered equivalent to U.S. N95 masks. There have been reports of unauthorized N95 and KN95 masks; learn how to identify a NIOSH-approved respirator mask. The White House announced it will distribute 400 million N95 masks for free starting next week. Learn more
Second choice: Surgical, disposable masks that are FDA cleared and rated by ASTM, the American Society for Testing and Materials.
Third choice: Cloth masks that are made from two or more layers of washable, breathable fabric. Wearing a disposable mask underneath, or adding a mask filter (even a coffee filter), can increase the effectiveness of a cloth mask.
Overall, wear a mask that fits securely and covers your nose, mouth and chin without gaps and is comfortable without frequent adjustments. Neck gaiters, bandanas, scarves, ski masks and face shields are not recommended. Learn how to select, properly wear, clean and store masks with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If you’re wondering if a mask is really working, try putting it through the candle test. While the candle test has not been in scientific studies, it can be helpful in determining how much airflow and respiratory droplets get through your mask when breathing.
If you feel like you have symptoms of COVID-19, please stay home and isolate until you’re feeling better and/or request free at-home testing kits from the state of Wisconsin or the federal government.
On behalf of the staff and scientists at the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, we wish you health and happiness in 2022.
Nathaniel Chin, MD
Medical Director, Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC) and Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer’s Prevention (WRAP)
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Wisconsin ADRC receives grant to study SuperAgers
Wisconsin is one of five new international sites studying SuperAgers, or people over the age of 80 who have superior memory capacity. Ozioma Okonkwo, PhD, an investigator in the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and an internationally renowned expert on risk and resilience factors for Alzheimer’s disease, is the principal investigator of the Wisconsin site of “Study to Uncover Pathways to Exceptional Cognitive Resilience in Aging (SuperAging).” He received a grant from the National Institute on Aging (NIA) to support this work. Okonkwo hopes to understand the factors that enable SuperAgers to remain cognitively sharp and discover ways to help us all maintain optimal brain health into late life. Learn more
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Get outside more in 2022
Getting fresh air can decrease stress and improve your mood, an important factor in overall brain health. The UW–Madison Arboretum regularly hosts free garden strolls, nature walks and full moon night walks led by naturalists. Check out its event calendar to find upcoming opportunities.
Additionally, Access Ability Wisconsin provides free use of all-terrain wheelchairs to enjoy the outdoors in designated parks throughout the state. Learn more on its website.
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Listen to ‘Dementia Matters’ on the radio or online
Dementia Matters is a podcast about Alzheimer’s disease and other causes of dementia produced by the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. Host Nathaniel Chin, MD, interviews leading scientists and caregiving experts to bring listeners the latest in Alzheimer's disease news, research and caregiver resources.
If you live in the Madison, Wisconsin area, you can hear Dementia Matters on Fridays at 4 p.m. CT and again at 10 p.m. CT during the Science Friday segment on WMUU Radio, found at 102.9 FM on your radio dial — or streaming worldwide.
Visit our website to find past and current episodes of Dementia Matters and for other ways to listen.
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Books can benefit brain health
Reading can exercise the brain, reduce stress, improve sleep, help age-related cognitive decline and more. Looking for inspiration on something to read? Visit the Mind Readers book club web page and find a recommended reading list and recordings about a variety of stimulating books related to Alzheimer's disease, science, prevention and wellness.
Save the date: Our next Mind Readers book club event is coming up on March 23, and we will discuss The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot. We encourage you to read the book and join the conversation. Sign up for the Mind Readers email list to receive event updates.
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Join virtual and in-person events
 Get Movin' exercise classes
Mondays & Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m.
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 1 p.m.
Free and open to all, join Get Movin' online exercise classes with instructor Venus Washington.
Virtual Memory Café: What’s New in 2022
January 21, 10 a.m.
Alzheimer's & Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin hosts an inclusive space where people living with dementia and their family care partners can relax, learn, be creative and socialize.
SAIL Indoor Walking Group
January 21 and 28, 10:45 a.m.
Sharing Active Independent Lives (SAIL) social gathering at West Towne Mall. To join, register online or call (608) 230-4321.
Saturday Science: Engaging with Nature Through Aldo Leopold’s Legacy
January 22, 9 a.m.
Take a virtual field trip to the Aldo Leopold Nature Center to learn from naturalists how to use science to explore the world around you.
6th Annual ‘We’re Off to a Good Start!’ Black Men’s Health Event
January 22, 11 a.m.
Moderated by Aaron Perry of the Rebalanced-Life Wellness Association, this year’s theme is colon cancer screening and early detection.
MLK Symposium – An Evening with Nikole Hannah-Jones
January 25, 6:30 p.m.
An evening of reflection on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., with Nikole Hannah-Jones, Pulitzer Prize-winning creator of The 1619 Project.
"Plants and Human Well-Being": Virtual Badger Talk
January 27, 6:30 p.m.
Presented by Irwin Goldman, a professor in UW–Madison's Department of Horticulture.
National Caregivers Day
February 18
A day to honor those who give their time and energy to help loved ones live better lives.
Why Do They Do That? Understanding Symptoms and Situations of Dementia
February 24, 4 p.m.
Presented by Teepa Snow, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA, and hosted by Azura Assisted Living & Memory Care.
Come work with us
The Wisconsin ADRC and its campus partners are seeking applicants to fill several open positions.
Healthy Minds Innovations
Research shows that meditation can help us become more resilient and decrease our distress. Find hundreds of free meditations from UW–Madison’s Healthy Minds Program guides.
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