Welcome to our new e-newsletter.

Wisconsin's population is growing older, and so are the demands on health care providers in the dementia care field. In an effort to support memory care professionals across the state, the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Institute are launching this quarterly e-newsletter with updates on clinical trends, information on recent research findings, news about research and educational opportunities, and clinic profiles. University of Wisconsin memory care physicians, neuropsychologists, social workers, and other professionals will contribute articles about evidence-based best practices and clinical innovations pertaining to diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.

Doctors, nurses, and other professionals connected to the WAI-affiliated Dementia Diagnostic Clinic Network will receive the e-newsletter via email. If you have topic ideas or requests for content, email us. Thank you for reading!

Cynthia Carlsson, MD
Louis A. Holland, Sr., Professor in Alzheimer's Disease
Director, Wisconsin Alzheimer's Institute

Clinical Management and Treatment

Best Practices in the Care of Patients with Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia
About 90% of people with dementia suffer from behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) at some point in their illness. These symptoms include aggression, hallucinations, paranoia, depression, anxiety, irritability, apathy, and sleep disturbance, among others. Treating these patients can be challenging. Geriatric psychiatrist and dementia care expert Art Walaszek, MD, offers best practies in the care of patients with BPSD. Read more

UW Dementia Research News

Were's the Connection? The Role of Synapses in Memory and Alzheimer's Disease

Hypertension, Obesity Escalate Memory Loss in People at Risk for Alzheimer's Disease

Cardiorespiratory Fitness Attenuates Association between Poor Sleep and Alzheimer's Disease Risk

Addressing Disparities in Alzheimer's Disease and African-American Participation in Research: An Asset-Based Community Development Approach

Featured Clinic Profile

Rhinelander Memory Clinic Provides Diagnosis, Resources to Seniors in Northern Wisconsin
The providers at the Northern Wisconsin Memory Diagnostic Clinic use a multidisciplinary and multi-organizational approach to diagnose patients and help them overcome the isolation and resource issues that are common in rural communities. Read more

National Dementia Research News

Health Care Utilization and Cost Outcomes of a Comprehensive Dementia Care Program for Medicare Beneficiaries
A national research team set out to determine the health care utilization and cost outcomes of a comprehensive dementia care program for Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries. The study showed comprehensive dementia care may reduce the number of admissions to long-term care facilities, and depending on program costs, may be cost neutral or cost saving.

WHO Guidelines: Risk reduction of cognitive decline and dementia
In May, the World Health Organization (WHO) released a 96-page guide that provides a public health approach to reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. The report's Executive Summary succinctly describes 12 lifestyle recommendations to help people maintain brain health.

Alzheimer's Association International Conference 2019: 5 top news stories
The Alzheimer's Association Washington State Chapter blog offers a recap of the most significant news from the world's largest meeting dedicated to advancing dementia science.

Upcoming Events

Save the Date: Core Skills Training and Clinic Network Meeting
May 15-16, 2020
Madison, Wisconsin
Open only to members of the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Institute-affiliated Dementia Diagnostic Clinic Network. Core Skills Training will be held Friday, May 15, and the Clinic Network Meeting on Saturday, May 16. Network clinics will receive registration information in early 2020.

Solomon Carter Fuller Brain Health Brunch
March 14, 2020
Madison, Wisconsin
This event is held annually to build awareness of Alzheimer's disease in the African American community.

Save the Date: Breaking the Silence
April 3, 2020
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Held each year during Minority Health Month, this public health educational event addresses Alzheimer's disease in communities of color. More information will be available on the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Institute website in early 2020.