University of Wisconsin–Madison

Alzheimer’s Prevention Initiative investigates genetic risk of Alzheimer’s disease

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Research data collected from participants around the world has grown our understanding of genetic risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Guest Jessica Langbaum, PhD, is the co-director of the Alzheimer’s Prevention Initiative at Banner Alzheimer’s Institute, which conducts clinical trials in people at high risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease. Langbaum discusses some recent findings in genetic predisposition for Alzheimer’s disease, the psychological consequences of learning one’s risk, and testing interventions to delay or prevent the onset of symptoms. 

Guest: Jessica Langbaum, PhD, Banner Alzheimer’s Institute

Zip Codes Are More than a Number: Study Finds Link between Neighborhoods and Memory-related Brain Structures

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A recent study showed that research participants in the most highly disadvantaged neighborhoods had smaller hippocampal areas compared to research participants in more advantaged neighborhoods. The study’s first author explains the results and the tools researchers used to measure neighborhood disadvantage.

Guest: Jack Hunt, PhD, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health Medical Scientist Training Program

Caregiver Coping Skills and Communication Strategies for a Pandemic

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COVID-19 Special Series

The pandemic has placed a significant strain on the mental, social, and physical wellbeing of many caregivers, as well as individuals with cognitive decline. Our guest discusses COVID-19’s impact on underserved communities, offers communication tips, and reminds people to practice self-care.

Guest: Andrea Gilmore-Bykovskyi, PhD, RN, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Nursing

Mindfulness: What Is It, What Are the Benefits, Where to Begin

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COVID-19 Special Series

Stress, fear, and anxiety are common responses to the uncertainty during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, with the regular practice of mindfulness, the meditative process of bringing your attention to your body in the present moment, has been seen to help calm the worry. Our guest joins us to discuss using mindfulness methods to maintain and mange an overall wellbeing.

Guest: Vincent Minichiello, MD, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health

Long Distance Caregiving and Connecting: How to Remain in Close Contact with Your Loved Ones while Following Physical Distancing Recommendations

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COVID-19 Special Series

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic visiting and communicating with people living with memory loss, whether at home or in a care facility, has become more difficult. Our guest joins us to outline the different ways to communicate remotely, how rural communities are adapting to this change and methods to help caregivers cope. 

Guest: Becky DeBuhr, MS, Program Director, Alzheimer’s & Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin

The Ins & Outs of Telemedicine: Quick Tips for Patients

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COVID-19 Special Series

The field of telemedicine offers a diverse range of medical support services through telecommunication. Under the global pandemic, many providers have moved to telemedicine to assist their patients. Our guest discusses the advantages and disadvantages to using video and phone doctor visits and offers tips for best use of the services.

Guest: Steve Barczi, MD, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health

Care & Support Services Offered by the Alzheimer’s Association

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COVID-19 Special Series

This episode discusses the work done by The Alzheimer’s Association, an organization focused on providing community education and assistance to all affected by Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias. Our guest details how care and support services have quickly adapted to keep families and loved ones safe, healthy, and connected under quarantine.

Guest: Kate Kahles, Program Manager, Alzheimer’s Association Wisconsin Chapter

A Glimpse Into the National Family Caregiver Support Program

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COVID-19 Special Series

The National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP) offers information, support, and resources to assist family caregivers (spouse, adult child, other relative, friend or neighbor) with their concerns related to caregiving. COVID-19 has impacted many resources and supports. Funding is available to help. This episode delves into what the program offers and ways to support caregivers and care recipients especially during the pandemic.

Guest: Jane DeBroux, Caregiver Program Coordinator, Dane County Area Agency on Aging

Maintaining Mental Health During a Pandemic Part 2: Anxiety, Depression, Stress Management & Coping

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COVID-19 Special Series

This episode continues our conversation with Art Walaszek, MD, focusing on the psychological and behavioral effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our guest helps us understand the fears and anxieties that are heightened during this time and recommendations to help best handle the increased stress.

Guest: Art Walaszek, MD, Geriatric Psychiatrist, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health

Maintaining Mental Health During a Pandemic Part 1: Consequences of Isolation & Tips to Prevent Them

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This episode begins our pivot to addressing the important issues facing individuals during the current COVID-19 pandemic. We will speak to researchers and doctors discussing the present and future impact of the pandemic on those with cognitive impairment and those without. We are starting with a two-part series on the psychological and behavioral consequences of the pandemic. Our guest, Art Walaszek, MD, speaks on the effects of social distancing and how individuals or caregivers can stay healthy during this time.

Guest: Art Walaszek, MD, Geriatric Psychiatrist, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health

Predicting Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease Today and Tomorrow

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This episode offers an overview of the current tools doctors use to examine Alzheimer’s disease risk in their patients, as well as new techniques in development. Our guest discusses the science behind risk testing for dementia, as well as the potential for a low-cost risk test.

Guest: Sanjay Asthana, MD, associate dean for gerontology at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health and director at the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center

DNA Is Not Your Destiny: Genetics and Alzheimer’s Disease Risk

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This episode explores genetic risk factors for early- and late-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Host Nathaniel Chin and guest Corinne Engelman discuss the research looking into genetic risk for Alzheimer’s disease and the uncertainty that comes with genetic testing.

Guest: Corinne Engelman, MSHP, PhD, associate professor, Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health

Bonus Episode: Current Research into Frontotemporal Dementia

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In this bonus episode, we continue our conversation with Dr. Howie Rosen on Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD). On last week’s episode, Dr. Rosen spoke on the genetic risk factors, trajectories and family caregiving experiences of FTD. Now, our conversation turns to the research looking into how the disease affects self-awareness, biomarkers and early detection, as well as ways people can volunteer for a research study.

Guest: Howard “Howie” Rosen, MD, behavioral neurologist at the University of California San Francisco Memory and Aging Center

Understanding and Managing Frontotemporal Dementia

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Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a type of dementia caused by degeneration in the temporal and frontal lobes of the brain. Our guest discusses the symptoms, risk factors, prevalence, and course of the disease, along with information on how a doctor diagnoses FTD and what families and caregivers can do after diagnosis.

Guest: Howard “Howie” Rosen, MD, behavioral neurologist at the University of California San Francisco Memory and Aging Center