Wisconsin Alzheimer's Institute

03/31/2026

Got summer plans? Our 2026 WAI Summer Externship in Dementia Care is accepting a few more applicants. The paid, flexible, summer externship is open first-year medical students enrolled at the UW School of Medicine and Public Health or students in the DNP program at UW–Madison School of Nursing.

Here's what a recent student said about completing the program:

"Participating in the WAI externship was a profoundly meaningful experience both professionally and personally. I was able to learn from patients, caregivers, and entire care teams to better understand multiple dimensions of dementia. We engaged with emerging research, current community resources, as well as the future of dementia care in Wisconsin. It furthered by desire to work in psychiatry and I know the insights shared with me during these past weeks will inform my future career in many ways."

More testimonials & a quick application at https://wai.wisc.edu/student-externship/

Help us spread the word by sharing this post on your page or with a M1 or DNP student you know. Thank you!

03/18/2026

We're grateful for Mr. Clifton's commitment to people impacted by Alzheimer's disease, and to UW Health for this nice spotlight on his work!

03/12/2026

Registration is open for this year's Solomon Carter Fuller Brain Health Brunch!

🌟 Join us on April 25 for the annual Solomon Carter Fuller Brain Health Brunch! 🌟

🧠 Free and open to all, you're invited to a special event dedicated to brain health, wellness and awareness around Alzheimer’s disease — learn, connect and celebrate with us!
👉 Register now: adrc.wisc.edu/scf2026

Enjoy a complimentary brunch, connect with community members, explore a health & wellness fair, hear an inspiring keynote address from Dr. Susan Flowers Benton and experience a special performance by the Precious Memories Choir.

This annual celebration honors the legacy of Dr. Solomon Carter Fuller, a pioneer in Alzheimer’s research whose contributions continue to shape the field today.

03/11/2026

Nathaniel Chin, MD, will present a keynote talk, and several experts from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health will lead workshops at this year's Alzheimer’s Association Wisconsin State Conference.

03/04/2026

The WAI Regional Milwaukee Office is so incredibly grateful to our 🎉Champion Bader Philanthropies, Inc. and Community Partners -Green Bay Packers Foundation, Alzheimer’s Association Wisconsin Chapter My Choice Wisconsin by Molina Healthcare Ascension Azura Memory Care & Assisted Living Aurora Health Care and Community-Academic Aging Research Network - CAARN whose steadfast support has allowed us to continue hosting our 12th Annual Minority Health Month: Breaking the Silence Event at NO-COST to our attendees.

THANK YOU for your belief and trust in the work we are doing!

This year's event:
DATE: April 17, 2026
TIME: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
WHERE: Italian Community Center - Milwaukee

Please use this link to register:

The Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Institute Regional Milwaukee Office presents 12th Annual Breaking the Silence: Addressing Dementia in High-Risk Populations Know Your Numbers: Centering Black Men’s Health and Wellness – PART 2 Friday, April 17, 2026 Grand Ballroom – Italian Conference Center 631 E....

02/25/2026

WAI associate director Dr. Sterling Johnson is co-author of a new Policy View paper with important potential implications. In the new issue of The Lancet Neurology, the paper offers recommendations in Alzheimer's treatments and prevention for people who are cognitively unimpaired, but at risk of developing symptoms. Read more on our news page: https://go.wisc.edu/4q1xmv

02/20/2026

Together, we can Break the Silence! Join us April 17, 2026 at The Italian Conference Center in Milwaukee.

02/20/2026

🎉 It’s almost here! Join the WAI Regional Milwaukee Office for the 12th Annual Breaking the Silence: Addressing Dementia in High-Risk Populations on April 17, 2026!

We had so much fun last year & we’re sharing photos from that amazing day so you can relive the energy, community, and joy. This year brings a brand‑new lineup of speakers, a resource fair and breakfast, and a performance from The Amazing Grace Chorus® to kick off the morning.

✨ This free community event in recognition of Minority Health Month continues our important conversation on addressing dementia in high-risk communties, bulding awareness and health, and culturally responsive care. You won’t want to miss it!

✔️ Check out event details and register here:
https://wai.wisc.edu/breakthesilence/

We hope to see you there—together, WE CAN BREAK THE SILENCE! 💛

02/06/2026

Please join Lorenzo's House for their 🌟" BRING THE LIGHT"🌟 event on March 5, 2026. This incredible organization brings together and empowers sons, daughters, children and families affected by younger-onset dementia (YOD).

DATE: March 5, 2026
TIME: 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm
WHERE: Edgewater Hotel, Madison

Please use this link to register for the event:
https://www.lorenzoshouse.org/we-bring-light-madison-event-03-05-26

01/01/2026

🎉 Happy New Year from Wisconsin Alzheimer's Institute! 🎉
As we welcome 2026, it’s the perfect time to set intentions for healthy aging. Resolutions don’t have to be overwhelming. In fact, it's the small, consistent steps that can make the biggest difference for your mind and body.

✅ Here are 5 tips to try this new year:
Start small: Choose one or two realistic goals.
Move more: A daily walk or stretching routine boosts heart and brain health.
What did you say? Addressing hearing loss is an important strategy for brain health
Stay connected: Call a friend, join a local group, or make an effort to socialize

What’s one healthy habit you’re focusing on this year?

12/23/2025

For many older adults, the holidays can be a lonely time. And since research has shown loneliness and social isolation are a risk factor for dementia, combatting that loneliness is important for healthy aging. The National Council on Aging has four tips for seniors to stay more connected with loved ones during the holiday season:

1. Make communication a priority
2. Encourage and facilitate social acitivities through local organizations
3. Explore hobbies and other areas of interest
4. Identify opportunities to combat loneliness at any time

Read the full NCOA toolkit with tips for seniors to decrease loneliness here:

Loneliness can cause depression and other mental health declines. Use these 4 tips for staying connected with loved ones during this holiday season.

12/19/2025

🧀 Could cheese be good for your brain?

A new Swedish study suggests that people who regularly eat high-fat cheese and cream may have a lower risk of dementia. Dr. Cynthia Carlsson, Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Institute Director, shared her thoughts on the study with Everyday Health.

“We have to put the potential benefits in context of overall lifestyle," she said. "I wouldn’t necessarily make any quick diet changes and start eating more high-fat cheese, but the study shows these foods may not have as many negative effects as we thought.”

With the holidays here, it’s nice to know a little indulgence might not be all bad, but as with so many things in life, balance is key.

Read the full interview and find a link to the study here: https://wai.wisc.edu/2025/12/19/dr-cynthia-carlsson-discusses-swedish-study-about-cheese-and-brain-health/