Wisconsin Alzheimer's Institute

Sarah Sweney, Research Specialist

Phone: 608-829-3311
Email: sameade@wisc.edu
Mailing address: Wisconsin Alzheimer's Institute, 7818 Big Sky Drive, Suite 215, Madison, WI 53719

Position

Research Specialist, Wisconsin Alzheimer's Institute

Education

Bachelor of Science, 2004 (Biology), University of Wisconsin-Madison

Role at the WAI

Sarah is responsible for neuropsychological testing of participants in the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer’s Prevention (WRAP) and coordination of WRAP in the Milwaukee area.

Current WAI Projects

Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer's Prevention

Background

Prior to joining the WAI, Sarah was a clinical research study coordinator with the Wisconsin Comprehensive Memory Program (WCMP) where she was responsible for the coordination of two Alzheimer's disease treatment studies.

Her past research experience also includes an independent project on the correlation between neuropsychological test performance and subjective memory complaints, as well as a project on the relationship of dietary soy intake to neuropsychological test performance.

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

Sarah Sweney, Research Specialist

The Urgency of Our Mission