University of Wisconsin–Madison

Author: crauwerdink

The Link Between Neighborhood Disadvantage and Health Outcomes

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Social determinants of health play a big role in our overall well-being. Unfortunately, too often we fail to recognize the impacts that these factors have on our brains and overall health. Dr. Amy Kind and her research team at the University of Wisconsin developed a tool called the Neighborhood Atlas to visualize neighborhood disparities and help facilitate change. Guest: Dr. Amy Kind, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Geriatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Director, VA Dementia Care Clinic, Investigator, Wisconsin ADRC

Delirium and Its Pertinence to Dementia

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Delirium can be caused by a range of conditions and can take on many different forms. One consistency, however, is its relation to an increased risk for developing dementia. Dr. Elizabeth Chapman speaks on the connections between these conditions and offers some useful tips to help prevent delirium. Guest: Dr. Elizabeth Chapman, geriatrician at UW Health specializing in acute care geriatric medicine and delirium in hospitalized patients

National Priorities for Dementia and Health Disparities Research

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Dr. Cerise Elliott gives a look at the structure and function of the National Institutes of Health and its work relating to Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia. She also emphasizes the importance of diversity in research and of recruitment and retention as Alzheimer’s disease-related research moves forward. Guest: Dr. Cerise Elliott, Senior Research Program Analyst at the National Institute on Aging

Identifying and Managing Dementia in the Hospital Setting

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Research in dementia care has traditionally examined community and nursing home settings, leaving a gap in research on care for dementia patients during hospital stays. After identifying a need for improvement in caring for hospital patients with dementia, our guest developed a new approach that helps hospital staff better recognize dementia and address it. Guest: Dr. Andrea Gilmore-Bykovskyi, PhD, RN, Researcher, Assistant Professor of Nursing at the University of Wisconsin-Madison

A Look Inside a Brain with Alzheimer’s Disease

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The only true way to confirm a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is through a brain autopsy after death, but advancements in neuroimaging are giving scientists a clearer picture of what’s happening in the brain while patients are still alive. Guest: Samantha Allison, PhD, Researcher at the Wisconsin ADRC and WRAP study

The Potential for Predicting Alzheimer’s Disease Through a Blood Test

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Dr. Howard Federoff, a ground-breaking researcher of brain disorders, discusses his research relating to predicting Alzheimer’s disease through a blood test and shares his lifestyle habits for brain health. Guest: Dr. Howard Federoff, MD, PhD, Researcher and Professor of Neurology at University of California, Irvine College of Medicine

What It Takes to Become a Dementia Friendly Hospital

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The William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin, was recently recognized as the first Dementia Friendly VA hospital in the country. We hear from Dr. Mary Wyman and Margaret Flood on the importance of Dementia Friendly and what it takes to reach this designation. Guests: Dr. Mary Wyman, clinical psychologist, and Margaret Flood, clinically licensed social worker, VA Caregiver Support Coordinator

How Biomarkers and Brain Imaging Are Used to Detect Early Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease

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Alzheimer's disease-related changes occur in the brain more than 15 years before a person experiences the memory and personality changes associated with the disease. By studying the disease in its earliest stages, scientists hope to find treatments that can prevent or delay the onset of dementia and memory loss. Guest: Sterling Johnson, PhD, Clinical Neuropsychologist, Professor of Geriatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Associate Director of the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Principle Investigator of the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer's Prevention (WRAP) Study

Identification and Treatment of Swallowing Disorders in Older Adults

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As we age, swallowing foods and liquids can become harder to do. When someone has trouble swallowing, it is defined as dysphagia. Dr. Nicole Pulia discusses dysphagia and its signs, effects, treatments, and relation to Alzheimer’s disease. Guest: Nicole Pulia, PhD, CCC-SLP, Assistant Professor of Geriatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health

Support After Diagnosis: Dementia Care Specialists and Dementia Friendly Communities

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After a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia, patients and caregivers can turn to local agencies and associations for education and support. Dementia friendly communities represent an international movement to help businesses, the general public, and government agencies better recognize and support people living with dementia. Guest: Joy Schmidt, dementia care specialist, Aging and Disability Resource Center of Dane County

New Study Looks at Fish Oil for Alzheimer’s Disease Prevention in Veterans

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Veterans are at a higher risk for Alzheimer’s disease than the general population. A new clinical trial is looking at the effect prescription fish oil has on brain health in veterans and will determine whether the supplement could be used as an effective prevention treatment for the disease. Guest: Cynthia Carlsson, MD, MS, geriatrician, William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, and investigator, Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center

Holiday Thank You

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On behalf of the entire Dementia Matters team, thank you for listening to our podcast, and have a happy new year!

The Effects of Hormone Replacement Therapy on Alzheimer’s Disease

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How does hormone replacement therapy affect a woman’s risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease? Dr. Carey Gleason, a researcher at the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, joins us to offer her insight on menopausal hormone therapy and the many factors patients and their physicians should consider in the decision-making process. Guest: Carey Gleason, PhD, Clinical Psychology, Associate Professor and Researcher, Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center

Connecting the Gut Microbiome to Alzheimer’s Disease

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Examining the bacteria that live in our guts and the role it plays in health is an exciting frontier in scientific inquiry. Researchers are now looking at the gut microbiome for answers about Alzheimer’s disease. Guest: Nick Vogt, MD/PhD Student, Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Research Investigator, Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center

The Importance of Sleep for a Healthy Life

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Sleep plays an important role in our day-to-day lives and has a huge impact on our memory and thinking. Learn more about why we need to sleep and some of the negative impacts that poor sleep can have on our brains. Guest: Steven Barczi, MD, Geriatric Sleep Physician, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health