Background
Nine million Americans say someone in their family has AD. Fifty percent of persons with AD are undiagnosed and therefore, untreated. Families delay seeking help for almost three years after the onset of cognitive symptoms. Fifty percent of nursing home residents have AD or a related disorder. Family and friends provide almost seventy-five percent of home care. Family out-of pocket costs for at-home care average $12,500 each year.
Purpose
The Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Institute has developed a registry of adult children of persons with AD who have agreed to participate in research designed to:
- identify preclinical markers of AD, and
- assist in the development and evaluation of interventions designed to slow disease progression.
This registry will support genetic, epidemiological and clinical studies to identify and evaluate those factors which may delay or prevent the onset of AD.
Population Served
AD currently affects between five to ten percent of the population aged 65 and older and is the most frequent cause of institutionalization for long-term care in the United States.
Timeline
The Registry started in 2001 in Madison, and intends to follow participants through 2018.
Funding Sources
- Northwestern Mutual Foundation
- Helen Bader Foundation
- UW Institute for Clinical and Translational Research
Partner Organizations
- University of Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public Health
- Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Institute
- The Center for Urban Population Health
Principal Investigator
Mark Sager, M.D., Professor of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public Health Director, Wisconsin Alzheimer's Institute
Local Contact Information
Nia Norris, M.A.
Associate Research Specialist
Center for Urban Population Health
1020 N. 12th Street, Suite 4180
Milwaukee, WI 53233
(414) 219-5159
nia.norris@aurora.org
