Wisconsin Alzheimer's Institute

Mission

The Wisconsin Alzheimer's Institute is committed to creating a public health environment in which Alzheimer's disease and related dementias are widely recognized, well understood, aggressively and appropriately treated, and in which those who are afflicted and those who care for them receive the education, quality services and support they need to effectively cope with this devastating chronic disease.

As a center within the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, we will actively support the Wisconsin Idea and be recognized leaders in affecting change by initiating efforts and partnering with others to educate, research, advocate and develop service programs that have excellence, innovation and significant potential to improve current practice. We will act as a source of information, as a facilitator of collaboration and as a catalyst for efforts to substantially impact the quality of life for persons and families affected by Alzheimer's disease.

History

Established in 1998 as a center within the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, the WAI was unique from the beginning. The original concept came from a coalition of service providers, community-based organizations, educational institutions and advocates organized by the Bureau on Aging and Long-Term Care Resources and the Helen Bader Foundation in Milwaukee. The WAI’s statewide service orientation was mandated by the Wisconsin Legislature in 1995 by WI Act 464. These efforts make WAI truly a public/private partnership. The mission of the WAI must be collaborative and encompass service, outreach and advocacy as well as the Medical School’s traditional education and research activities.

The WAI receives its core funding from the State of Wisconsin, the UW School of Medicine and Public Health and the Helen Bader Foundation. These funds are flexible and can be used as needed to explore and develop new program areas. The WAI has attracted over $5 million in additional funding to support programs that, in the few years since WAI ’s inception, are having a statewide impact.

The efforts of Wisconsin's small rural communities and growing urban centers, the nationally recognized UW School of Medicine and Public Health, and the academic and research environment of the entire University make the WAI a community enterprise built on the Wisconsin Idea of extending the benefits of UW-Madison to the borders of the state and beyond.

In 2003, the WAI celebrated 5 years of excellence in Alzheimer's research, outreach and education. Click here to view the 1998-2003 WAI Report.

The Urgency of Our Mission

In the U.S. approximately 5-10% of the population aged 65 and older has AD. In Wisconsin, this number is expected to increase by 58% from 103,000 to 163,000 persons over the next 25 years.

19 million Americans say someone in their family has the disease.

50% of persons with AD are undiagnosed and therefore, untreated.

Families delay seeking help for almost three years after the onset of cognitive symptoms.

50% of nursing home residents have AD or a related disorder.

Family and friends provide almost 75% of home care. Costs for at-home care average $12,500 each year with families paying almost the entire cost out-of-pocket.

About the WAI:

Program Areas:

Research Opportunities:

About Alzheimer's

Mission

History

The Urgency of Our Mission