Wisconsin Alzheimer's Institute

A Message from the Director

Mark Sager, MD I have spent the better part of my career working on behalf of people with Alzheimer’s disease and their families. My mission as a clinician, educator and researcher has been to preserve the wisdom, memories and companionship of the growing population of elderly persons and those of future generations. This debilitating illness affects not just individuals but also families, communities, the health care system, the state and the nation. Today, people are working together to share knowledge and deal with the many issues—medical, social and financial—that arise when Alzheimer’s is diagnosed.

Alzheimer’s disease is recognized as a major health problem and is the subject of intense research due to the increasing population of elderly persons in our world today. Through science we are beginning to understand how it can be prevented and for those who develop symptoms, how the progression of the disease can be slowed. There is hope now for those affected with Alzheimer’s disease.

The Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Institute (WAI) is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of people and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease. It is a unique resource within the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health offering education, services and research to the entire state of Wisconsin. Our programs are multi-faceted because we know that a broad and collaborative approach is necessary to improve the quality and availability of services needed. Science is our hope for a cure, but as we work toward this breakthrough, WAI’s dementia diagnostic centers, public and professional education opportunities and public advocacy are serving those in need today. The WAI recognizes the need for public and professional education about the potential benefits of early diagnosis and treatment and we are committed to doing something about it.

Mark Sager, MD
Director, Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Institute
University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health

The Urgency of Our Mission

In 2008, it is estimated that there are as many as 5.2 million Americans currently living with Alzheimer's disease, and that number is expected to grow to as many as 16 million by 2050.

Every 71 seconds, an American develops Alzheimer's disease. By mid-century, an American will develop the disease every 33 seconds.

One in six women and one in 10 men who live to be at least age 55 will develop Alzheimer’s disease in their remaining lifetime.

Approximately 10 million of the 78 million U.S. baby boomers who were alive in 2007 can expect to develop Alzheimer’s disease.

African-Americans are more likely than Caucasians to have Alzheimer's disease.

The number of African-Americans entering the age of Alzheimer risk (age 65 or older) is expected to more than double to 6.9 million by 2030.

70 percent of people with Alzheimer's disease live at home, cared for by family and friends.

In 2007, 9.8 million family members, friends and neighbors provided unpaid care for a person with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia.

The direct costs to Medicare and Medicaid for care of people with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias and the indirect costs to business for employees who are caring for people with Alzheimer's disease amount to more than $148 billion annually.

Source: Alzheimer's Association (2008). 2008 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures.

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A Message from the Director

The Urgency of Our Mission