University of Wisconsin–Madison

Category: Dementia Risk, Diagnosis and Early Detection

The Power of Disclosure: How Explaining Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease Impacts Life Afterward

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In the advancing field of dementia research, the rise in genetic and biomarker testing for Alzheimer’s disease creates a need for conversations around how to disclose disease risk to research participants who may be years away from experiencing the symptoms of the disease. Guest Dr. Shana Stites discusses her research that examines public perception of the disease, associated stigma and discrimination, and how the research and medical communities can support people who learn about their Alzheimer’s disease risk profile.

Guest: Shana D. Stites, PsyD, MS, Penn Memory Center, University of Pennsylvania Health System

Key to Alzheimer’s Disease Cure May Lie in Early Detection

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Research has shown Alzheimer’s disease can be present in the brain decades before symptoms arise. Dr. James Lah discusses how he believes Alzheimer’s disease prevention should start in young and middle adulthood and shares with us what his vision of a cure might look like.

Guest: Dr. James Lah, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Neurology, Alzheimer’s Disease Investigator, Emory University

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

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

Obtaining a Memory Assessment and the Role of a Neuropsychologist in Memory Care

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The thought of going in for a memory evaluation can be intimidating. Learn more about what you can expect with the evaluation process and get an idea of which behaviors are more concerning than others. In addition, learn why online assessments fall short when it comes to properly diagnosing memory concerns.

Guest: Lindsay Clark, PhD, neuropsychologist, UW Health Memory Assessment Clinic, and investigator, Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center

Early Diagnosis Key to Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment

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Recent research shows Alzheimer’s disease can be present up to two decades before symptoms occur; a phenomenon known as preclinical Alzheimer’s disease. Comparing the disease to a burning building, some scientists believe treatment needs to happen well before significant foundational damage occurs.

Guest: Paul Aisen, MD, Professor of Neurology and Director of the Alzheimer’s Therapeutic Research Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California