University of Wisconsin–Madison

Tag: Alzheimer’s disease

Flex that Memory Muscle: Three Partners Promote Healthy Aging

“Today we’re continuing to focus on strategies that help us maintain and even improve our brain health,” says University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Nursing student Laura Block. “Today’s brain health strategy is sleep,” says Block, standing before an attentive group in a mirrored gym room. “We don’t know exactly why humans need such a long …

Crafting Tools for Dementia Friendly Care and Communities

Charlie holds up a prescription bottle and looks at the pharmacist, confused. “You are not due for a refill on your metoprolol,” says the pharmacist. “I refilled this medication for you Tuesday. Remember?” “I need a refill,” Charlie responds. “The bottle is empty.” Charlie’s son asks, “Do you know where the bottle is that you …

Helping Students See the “Invisible Patient”: Family Caregivers

“If Alzheimer’s is bad, ignorance of the disease is worse,” says family caregiver and former Wisconsin Governor Martin Schreiber. Since his wife Elaine was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s 14 years ago, Schreiber has struggled with his own ignorance. “There were moments of joy I passed up because I didn’t know about the disease. The world …

This Is Your Brain on Physical Activity

Regular physical activity is powerful. It reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers. It improves mental health and increases the likelihood that people will live longer and more independent lives. The benefits of physical activity are so wide-ranging that Elisa Torres, PhD, RN, began her research looking at its impacts …