Celebrating a new year and highlights from our annual conference
Dear colleagues,
As we continue into 2021, we are celebrating the promising news of expanded vaccine distribution at hospitals and clinics throughout the state. Despite the very difficult situation we have all faced during COVID-19, I hope the continued vaccine distribution allows our communities to be safer and healthier for all residents.
As we, like all of you, shifted to offering more virtual services and programming, WAI hosted our 18th Annual Update in Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias November 5-6 over WebEx. The virtual event welcomed 388 attendees, our largest attendance yet. While we missed meeting in person, we were glad the online platform opened the event to a larger audience. And we were especially heartened to see many familiar colleagues for the conference, pre-conference workshop and clinic network meeting. Please read on to find updates from the event and links to videos of select presentations related to clinical care.
This is the third edition of our electronic newsletter for clinicians and health care providers of dementia diagnostic services. We know the realities of working in dementia care are ever changing and challenging, particularly now. This newsletter offers news and information on general dementia care, dementia care in the time of COVID-19, and updates on related research.
I hope you will stay connected with us and our community of dementia care professionals. All the best to you and thank you for reading.
Cynthia Carlsson, MD, MS
Louis A. Holland, Sr., Professor in Alzheimer's Disease
Director, Wisconsin Alzheimer's Institute
University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
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Clinical Management and Treatment
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 Highlights from the WAI's 18th Annual Update: Sharing information and resources for memory care
The Wisconsin Alzheimer's Institute's 18th Annual Update in Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias, held in November 2020, virtually hosted 388 healthcare professionals to learn about updates in clinical care and research, and share resources for support. Read more
ICYMI: Watch videos from the program on the WAI YouTube channel:
Want more? Email us if you would like to view a recording of the entire event.
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Upcoming Events
Who Me, Biased? The Reality and the Solutions to Unconscious Bias in Medicine
March 9, 2021, Noon
This free, virtual event will be presented by Narjust Duma, MD, MPH, assistant professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Medical Oncology and Palliative Care, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. The event is hosted by Women in Science & Engineering Leadership Institute (WISELI), Alliance of Women in Alzheimer's Research in Wisconsin (AWARE-WI), and the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center Research Education Component (REC).
Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Research Day
March 17, 2021 - March 18, 2021, Noon to 5 p.m.
The annual Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Research Day is designed to encourage collaboration and promote scientific thought among faculty, students and researchers from a wide range of disciplines. In 2021, this free two-day event will be held virtually.
Save the Date: WAI-affiliated Dementia Diagnostic Clinic Network Spring Meeting
May 21, 2021
Madison, Wisconsin
The Spring Meeting will be held May 21, 2021. The meeting is free, but open only to members of the network. Learn about becoming a WAI-affiliated Dementia Diagnostic Clinic.
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Highlighted Studies Currently Recruiting Patients
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Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center Clinical Core
The Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (ADRC) Clinical Core is looking for study participants with a diagnosis of dementia due to Alzheimer's disease or Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), or people age 45-65 with or without a parental history of Alzheimer's disease. View a printable Clinical Core recruitment flyer for study details, or learn how providers can refer patients to research studies at the Wisconsin ADRC.
Swallowing in Dementia: Identifying those at risk for dysphagia
Identifying dysphagia in those with dementia is not always easy. Often if asked, “Do you have trouble swallowing?” an individual or their caregiver will answer no. However, they may answer differently when asked, “Do you cough when you eat or drink?” or “Do you feel like food sticks in your throat?" If you know of someone with a memory impairment and concern for dysphagia, please email the Swallowing and Salivary Bioscience lab for information about swallow screening and a related research study. Read more.
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UW Dementia Research News
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National Dementia Research News
Novel gene loci tied to risk of Alzheimer's disease in African Americans
The molecular pathways that cause Alzheimer’s disease appear to be similar in African Americans and non-Hispanic whites, but there are differences in some of the genetic loci within these pathways, according to recent results from a large genome-wide association study (GWAS). The research, funded in part by National Institute on Aging, identified several novel DNA regions, or loci, unique to African Americans with Alzheimer’s disease.
Large-scale global study to investigate links between COVID-19 and cognitive decline
There is evidence COVID-19 will have long-term effects on the brains and nervous systems of survivors as they age. On January 5, researchers announced a large international study to investigate the correlation between the coronavirus and cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
Problems managing money may predict dementia years before diagnosis
A cohort study that included more than 80,000 Medicare beneficiaries found that a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia was associated with higher rates of missed payments and subprime credit scores as early as 6 years prior to diagnosis. In addition, increased delinquency and subprime credit score rates were more prevalent among single Medicare beneficiaries in census tracts with lower education levels.
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Caregiving During COVID-19: Links and Resources
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Dementia Caregiver's Isolation Toolkit
A guide from Wisconsin Alzheimer's Institute
Avoiding consumer scams during COVID-19
Federal Trade Commission
Women, Caregiving and COVID-19
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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