Wisconsin Alzheimer's Institute

Outreach Activities at the WAI

For more than a century, the University of Wisconsin has been guided by the Wisconsin IDEA, a tradition first stated by UW President Charles Van Hise in 1904. Van Hise declared that he would "never be content until the beneficent influence of the University reaches every family in the state."

The outreach program of the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Institute brings the University’s expertise to local Wisconsin communities for the assessment of need and the development of services for persons with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers. This is done through partnerships with many organizations including the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services, local Alzheimer’s Association Chapters, County Aging Units and Human Services agencies, local and regional medical systems as well as other organizations that serve persons with dementia.

Outreach activities include:
• Dementia diagnostic clinic development
• Dementia diagnostic clinic network maintenance
• Memory Screening Initiatives
• Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Office of Rural Health Outreach Grant to the Greater Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Association
• Dementia Care Leaders Intensives

Clicking on the links below will take you to further information on current WAI outreach programs.

WAI-Affiliated Dementia Diagnostic Clinic Network

Memory Screening Initiatives

Rural Health Outreach Grant

Dementia Care Leaders Intensives

Please contact Barbara Lawrence at the WAI, 608-829-3302 or blawrence@wisc.edu for more information on WAI outreach activites.

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:

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About Alzheimer's

Outreach Activities at the WAI

The Urgency of Our Mission