Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Wisconsin Comprehensive Memory Program (WCMP)?

The Wisconsin Comprehensive Memory Program (WCMP) is a unique program combining academic, clinical, and research expertise from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health and the Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center (GRECC) of the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin. Established in August 2001 under the leadership of Dr. Sanjay Asthana, this group of individuals is dedicated to creating a total systems approach to Alzheimer's disease (AD) diagnosis, treatment, education, and research. The expertise of the faculty and staff is augmented through their affiliations with the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Institute (WAI) and numerous community resources.

The primary mission of the WCMP is to provide comprehensive care for older adults with dementia, by offering services that include:

• Detailed cognitive testing for early detection of memory disorders
• Multidisciplinary diagnostic clinical evaluations
• A review of treatment options
• Education and referral services for caregivers and families and
• Research opportunities for patients, families, and caregivers.
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How do I find out if I, or a loved one, can participate in a study?

Each study has specific criteria for who can participate. Once you contact the WCMP by telephone or email, staff will complete a brief pre-screening questionnaire with you over the telephone to help determine if you, or the potential participant, are eligible for a study, or if further memory testing is recommended to clarify a diagnosis. You will be asked about the memory symptoms, medical history, and medications of the potential participant. If it appears that there is a specific study you or a loved one may be eligible for, you will be provided with more information on that particular study. If it does not appear that you are able to participate in any current studies, you will be offered the opportunity to join the WCMP Registry.
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How can I make a donation to the Wisconsin Comprehensive Memory Program (WCMP)?

As the Wisconsin Comprehensive Memory Program strives to develop new treatment strategies and to further research on Alzheimer's disease and related memory disorders, financial support is much appreciated. If you would like to make a donation to the Wisconsin Comprehensive Memory Program, please make checks payable to the UW Board of Regents.

Please mail donations to the following address:
The Wisconsin Comprehensive Memory Program
c/o Dr. Sanjay Asthana
2870 University Avenue, Suite 106
Madison, WI 53705
memory-research@medicine.wisc.edu

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What is Alzheimer's disease?

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, neurological disorder characterized by a decline in cognitive function that results in dementia (impaired memory, thinking, and reasoning). Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of memory loss (dementia), affecting approximately 4 million people in the United States. Unless a cure is found the number of persons affected in the US alone could reach 14 million by the year 2050.
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Do we know what causes AD?

Scientists still are not certain. Several risk factors, such as age and family history, have been identified as potential risk factors, but cannot alone cause the disease. Each year, scientists are uncovering important new clues about potential causes of the disease, which is helping to find better diagnostic and treatment options.
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What are the first signs of AD?

Individuals who exhibit several of these symptoms should see a physician for a complete examination.

1) Memory loss that affects job skills. It's normal to occasionally forget an assignment, deadline, or colleague's name, but frequent forgetfulness or unexplainable confusion at home or in the workplace may signal that something's wrong.

2) Difficulty performing tasks of independent living. Busy people get distracted from time to time. For example, you might leave something on the stove too long or not remember to serve part of a meal. People with Alzheimer's might prepare a meal and not only forget to serve it but also forget they made it.

3) Problems with language. Everyone has trouble finding the right word sometimes, but a person with Alzheimer's disease may forget simple words or substitute inappropriate words, making his or her sentences difficult to understand.

4) Disorientation to time and place. It's normal to momentarily forget the day of the week or what you need from the store. But people with Alzheimer's disease can become lost on their own street, not knowing where they are, how they got there, or how to get back home.

5) Poor or decreased judgment. Choosing not to bring a sweater or coat along on a chilly night is a common mistake. A person with Alzheimer's, however, may dress inappropriately in more noticeable ways, wearing a bathrobe to the store or several blouses on a hot day.

6) Problems with abstract thinking. Balancing a checkbook can be challenging for many people, but for someone with Alzheimer's, recognizing numbers or performing basic calculations may be impossible.

7) Misplacing things. Everyone temporarily misplaces a wallet or keys from time to time. A person with Alzheimer's disease may put these and other items in inappropriate places - such as an iron in the freezer or a wristwatch in the sugar bowl - and then not recall how they got there.

8) Changes in mood or behavior. Everyone experiences a broad range of emotions - it's part of being human. People with Alzheimer's tend to exhibit more rapid mood swings for no apparent reason.

9) Changes in personality. People's personalities may change somewhat as they age. But a person with Alzheimer's can change dramatically, either suddenly or over a period of time. Someone who is generally easygoing may become angry, suspicious, or fearful.

10) Loss of initiative. It's normal to tire of housework, business activities, or social obligations, but most people retain or eventually regain their interest. A person with Alzheimer's disease may remain uninterested and uninvolved in many or all of his usual pursuits.
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Does everyone who forgets have Alzheimer's disease (AD)?

No. Everyone's memory is different, and we remember certain things better than others. It is not unusual for individuals to misplace their car keys, however, when it begins to affect your activities of daily living (work or social life), it is more than memory loss due to normal aging.

What are the potential treatments for Alzheimer's disease (AD)?

There is no medical treatment currently available to cure or stop the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Four FDA-approved drugs - tacrine (Cognex®), donepezil (Aricept®), and rivastigmine (Exelon®), and galantamine (Reminyl® or Razadyne®), memantine (Namenda®) - may temporarily relieve some symptoms of the disease and potentially stabilize its progression.
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Is there a genetic basis for AD?

Researchers are exploring the role of genetics in the development of Alzheimer's, but most agree the disease is likely caused by a variety of factors. Approximately 19 million Americans say they have a family member with Alzheimer's disease.
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Should people with a family history of AD be worried?

The evidence is not clear. There are two types of the disease. Early onset is the type of Alzheimer's disease that occurs at a much younger age, such as the 40's or 50's. Early onset of Alzheimer's disease has a family connection. Late onset of the disease occurs in people over the age of 65 and is much more common that early onset of the disease. Late onset of the disease may not have a family connection.
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Is there a blood or brain scan that can diagnose AD?

Early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is very important, but there is no single, comprehensive diagnostic test for Alzheimer's disease. Instead, physicians or other specialists rule out other conditions through a process of elimination. They usually conduct physical, psychological, and neurological exams and take a thorough medical history. A diagnosis of probable Alzheimer's disease can be obtained through evaluation with approximately 90 percent accuracy. The only way to confirm a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is through autopsy.
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What are the potential treatments for AD?

There is no medical treatment currently available to cure or stop the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Four FDA-approved drugs - tacrine (Cognex®), donepezil (Aricept®), and rivastigmine (Exelon®), and galantamine (Reminyl® or Razadyne®), memantine (Namenda®) - may temporarily relieve some symptoms of the disease and potentially stabilize its progression.
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Are there treatments available that can either prevent or cure AD?

There is currently no cure, but Alzheimer's research is being tackled from many sides. There are many private and federal agencies that are funding research to learn more about the disease process and to find compounds that will alleviate symptoms and prevent or cure the disease.
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"Honestly, we can't wait any longer to step up the research."
—NANCY REAGAN

What are the latest findings in AD research?

There are currently several studies examining Alzheimer's disease. Some studies are examining the cause of the disease and preventing it, while others are trying to improve the accuracy of diagnostic tests. For more information on research nationwide, please go to the Alzheimer's Research Forum website at http://www.alzforum.org/home.asp. For a listing of clinical trials enrolling patients with Alzheimer's disease, please go to the Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral Center (ADEAR) Clinical Trials webpage at http://www.alzheimers.org/clintrials/. There is HOPE for treating Alzheimer's disease.
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