ADRC News

Congratulations to Dr. Ryan Dougherty, who successfully defended his doctoral dissertation earlier this month and earned his PhD in ​kinesiology with a neuroscience minor. Dr. Dougherty worked in the labs of Ozioma Okonkwo, PhD, in the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, and Dane Cook, PhD, in the School of Education’s Department of Kinesiology. His research interests revolve around modifiable lifestyle factors that can be targeted to delay the onset of age-related cognitive decline and...

Mindfulness is defined as a mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations. The state of mindfulness can be an extremely helpful resource for coping with our current shelter-at-home during COVID-19 by calming the mind and body. It is taking time to check-in and do a non-judgmental evaluation of yourself to see how you are doing and feeling – to...

By Kate Lange, MPH; Eileen Partridge, DNP, AGPCNP-BC; and Cynthia Carlsson, MD, MS

Hypertension is the leading risk factor for disability and premature death worldwide (Lim et al., 2012). High blood pressure can result in the complications of heart disease, heart failure, stroke, peripheral arterial disease, kidney disease, retinopathy, and death. In 2005, high blood pressure was associated with one of every six preventable deaths in the United States (Danaie et al., 2009). This modifiable risk...

Two Bendlin lab members earned their PhDs last month after they defended their theses in virtual dissertation defense presentations. Both Jack Hunt and Nick Vogt are in the University of Wisconsin Medical Scientist Training Program, which provides integrated graduate training in scientific research and clinical medicine, leading to a combined MD-PhD degree.

Jack Hunt

"Using Fragile X Syndrome Stem Cells as a Drug Discovery Platform and Investigating the Role of Neighborhood Disadvantage in Neurodegeneration and...

A recent study from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Nursing and College of Engineering found that the terminology caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (AD) use to describe symptoms of AD differs greatly from the terminology clinicians use. The study focuses specifically on symptoms of AD, known as neuropsychiatric symptoms, which include symptoms such as depression, apathy, delusions, hallucinations, agitation, and aggression, among others. "Nomenclature Used by Family Caregivers to Describe...

We all need to stay active while we shelter-at-home during COVID-19. This is very important for both physical and mental health wellness. Staying active can help alleviate stress, lower blood pressure, and aid in the improvement of mood and a better night’s sleep. In light of the changes COVID-19 has placed on society, this may have become more difficult for some people (especially those of us who have had our gym memberships put on hold). It...

In research, it is understood that neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease are a result of more than just genetics. Even amongst genetically identical twins, the age of onset of Alzheimer’s disease can vary greatly. Clinically, there’s been up to a documented 18-year difference of onset between twins.

Barabara Bendlin, PhD, an Alzheimer's disease researcher at UW-Madison, is interested in the environmental aspects of risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease. One area Bendlin is studying...

Individuals with elevated levels of amyloid and tau proteins in the brain exhibited a cognitive decline rate three times faster than those with just one or no elevated biomarker levels, according to a study from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. Amyloid and tau are measurable substances in the brain that are biological markers (or biomarkers for short) for Alzheimer’s disease.

The study, “Amyloid and tau imaging biomarkers explain cognitive...

Our free series of Get Movin' exercise classes have moved online. Classes are taught by personal trainer Venus Washington. You can join classes from home through the Venus Inspires personal trainer Facebook page, the Foundation for Black Women's Wellness Facebook page, or the Venus Inspires YouTube Channel. Keep your body moving!

With the arrival of COVID-19 (coronavirus), we are all experiencing many changes in our daily lives. These changes are especially affecting how we shop at the grocery store and how we are eating. Now more than ever, eating healthy is important. 

Healthy eating affects brain health and aids in preventing Alzheimer’s disease. A recommended diet to follow for brain health is the MIND diet. This diet has been associated with postponing the onset of Alzheimer’s...