Black History Month: Remembering Dr. Solomon Carter Fuller
In honor of Black History Month in February, we remember Dr. Solomon Carter Fuller's vast contributions to the field of Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Fuller is recognized as the first African American psychiatrist. In 1904, he traveled to Munich, Germany as one of five foreign doctors chosen to work with Dr. Alois Alzheimer at the Royal Psychiatric Hospital.
Upon returning to the United States, Dr. Fuller published the first papers in English on “presenile dementia,” which would later be referred to as Alzheimer’s disease. He performed vital research into the physical effects of Alzheimer’s disease on the brain. Dr. Fuller faced racism during his career, and acknowledgment and celebration of his work during his lifetime was scarce. Despite this, he was a pioneer in medicine, and today we recognize his career as a cornerstone in building a diverse and inclusive medical profession.
This year, the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC) will honor Dr. Fuller at the Solomon Carter Fuller Brain Health Celebration, which raises awareness of the disease in the African American community. The event will take place on April 14 and 15. Save the dates and watch the webpage for more information.
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FDA approves Alzheimer’s disease drug Leqembi
On January 6, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Leqembi (lecanemab-irmb) via the Accelerated Approval pathway to treat Alzheimer’s disease. Nathaniel Chin, MD, recorded an overview of the new drug and highlighted its clinical trials' second and third phases. Listen to the recording
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WATCH: 'New era of treating Alzheimer's': Wisconsin doctors, researchers celebrate FDA approval of new drug
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Dr. Cynthia Carlsson discusses the FDA approval of Leqembi
Cynthia Carlsson, MD, MS, was recently interviewed by CBS 58 News in Milwaukee about the FDA approval of Leqembi, which showed a reduction of clinical decline in a study of people with early Alzheimer’s disease. "What was impressive about this study is that it improved the amyloid levels in the brain, lowered those. It improved their cognition, improved their function, improved their quality of life, all of these things we really care about, as well as what the brain looks like," Carlsson said. Learn more
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Dr. Sanjay Asthana appointed to serve on the National Advisory Council on Aging
Sanjay Asthana, MD, has been invited by the US Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to serve a four-year appointment on the National Advisory Council on Aging. Learn more
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Celebrate, appreciate and inspire caregivers
February 17 is National Caregivers Day, a day to recognize nearly 15 million Americans who provide unpaid care to an older adult. It’s an opportunity to express gratitude to those who give their time and energy to help loved ones live better lives, share helpful resources and remind caregivers to take care of themselves. The National Institute on Aging compiled a list of the most popular caregiving topics of 2022, and its website provides a full range of caregiving information articles and free publications.
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Healthy habits for a new year
Nathaniel Chin, MD, kicked off 2023 by discussing modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease, commenting on building healthy lifestyle habits for the new year, and reflecting as Dementia Matters celebrates five years of production. Listen on our website or wherever you get your podcasts.
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More events and information
 The Alzheimer's & Dementia Conversations: Changing the Face of Research
February 1, 2:30 p.m.
A free live webinar hosted by the Alzheimer’s Association will discuss the underlying factors contributing to the lack of representation in clinical trials and best practices for increasing diversity.
Wise Wisconsin Winter Series 2023
February 1 through March 8
The free program series on Wednesdays at 9 a.m. will cover topics ranging from age-related hearing loss to container gardening.
Memory Book Workshops
February 3, 10, 14, 21
This workshop is designed especially for older adults as part of the Madison Public Library’s Live Well @ Your Library series.
re:mancipation Opening Celebration
February 4, 5 p.m.
The Chazen Museum of Art invites the public to a free celebration with renowned contemporary artist Sanford Biggers.
2023 Lunar New Year Celebration
February 5, 12 p.m.
Chinese Lion Dance performance by the Zhong Yi Kung Fu Association.
Indoor Plant Care During Winter
February 8, 12 p.m.
Wisconsin Horticulture presents this free webinar to learn how to keep indoor plants thriving through late winter and more.
Living Well With Chronic Conditions Winter Workshop
Begins February 8
Presented by the Alzheimer’s Association Wisconsin Chapter, this free, seven-week series is designed for persons living with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), early-stage Alzheimer's disease or related dementia, and their care partners.
Social Cinema: Stories of Struggle & Change
February 8 through March 8
The University of Wisconsin–Madison Havens Wright Center’s Annual Film Series explores contemporary social topics from critical perspectives. Free and open to all.
Second Annual Black Men’s Brain Health Conference
February 8 and 9
Scientists and community leaders will come together at this free virtual event to raise awareness about brain science research and improve brain health among Black men. Co-sponsored by the National Institute on Aging (NIH), Alzheimer's Association and NFL Alumni.
Which Legal Documents Are Needed When Alzheimer’s Touches Your Family?
February 9, 12 p.m.
Free webinar hosted by the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America to address issues people may encounter and a few simple, helpful legal documents related to Alzheimer’s disease.
Moonshine
February 24, 3:30 p.m.
A traditional performance celebrating Black History Month featuring dance, spoken word and contemporary experimental performance. Free and open to the public.
Brain Health Bingo
Show your brain some love by incorporating brain-healthy habits into your daily routine.
Get Movin’ exercise classes
A gentle exercise program for every fitness level held in person and online via Zoom. Classes are free and open to the public.
Mind Readers book club
The next book club discussion will take place in early 2023 and cover Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams by Matthew Walker, PhD. Visit the webpage to learn more about the book and sign up for updates.
Wisconsin ADRC YouTube channel
Find recordings of past program events, including the Mind Readers book club, Healthy Living with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), Dementia Matters and much more.
SAGEConnect
Free phone buddy program open to all self-identified LGBTQ+ elders.
Become a Memorable Friend
Contributions to the UW Initiative to End Alzheimer’s support prevention and treatment strategies, help people recognize symptoms, improve care and benefit researchers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison seeking a cure for Alzheimer’s disease.
Come work with us
The Wisconsin ADRC and its campus partners seek applicants to fill several open positions.
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