MIND MATTERS

The Bi-annual Newsletter for the Michigan Alzheimers Disease Center | Spring 2017

Michigan Alzheimers Disease Center

ABOUT US
The Michigan Alzheimers Disease Center
(MADC) is dedicated to the discovery of
new ways to diagnose, treat, and prevent
Alzheimers disease and other dementias.
We promote state-of-the-art clinical care,
conduct memory and aging research, and
provide education and wellness programs.
MADC Leadership
Henry Paulson, MD, PhD Director
Bruno Giordani, PhD Associate Director
Benjamin Hampstead, PhD
Clinical Core Leader
Judith Heidebrink, MD, MS
Clinical Core Co-Leader
Receives $9 Million Grant from NIH
Last fall, the Michigan Alzheimers
Disease Center (MADC) was awarded
a $9 million grant from the National
Institute on Aging/National Institutes of
Health (NIH), which will be distributed
over the course of five years.
There are 31 NIH funded Alzheimers collaboration, but it has also created a new
Disease Centers in the United States, of Research Education Component (REC) Core.
which the MADC is the only one linking The REC Core will focus on the development
three major research universities; of a cross university curriculum through

Roger Albin, MD
University of Michigan (U-M), which five junior investigators each year will
Research Education Component Core Leader Michigan State University and Wayne receive training and mentoring in cutting
Peter Lichtenberg, PhD State University. This cross university edge dementia research from prominent
Research Education Component Core Co-Leader
collaboration will create vast opportunities experts in the field. These trainees will
Hiroko Dodge, PhD
Data Management and Statistical Core Leader for the advancement of novel research learn about the many aspects of dementia
Ivo Dinov, PhD Data Management and in Alzheimers disease and related research through an individualized mentoring
Statistical Core Co-Leader
dementias, as well as opportunities for plan. They will have the opportunity to
Andrew Lieberman, MD, PhD
Neuropathology Core Leader community engagement across the state. establish crucial skills in grant preparation
Scott Roberts, PhD
Outreach and Recruitment Core Leader
and team leadership, as well as to learn
This grant has not only allowed the about how to incorporate community
MADC to establish and maintain this engagement in recruitment and retention of
MADC Website
research participants.
alzheimers.med.umich.edu

UMHS Michigan Health Blog The REC Core is led by Roger Albin, MD, a
healthblog.uofmhealth.org
physician-scientist at U-M, whose extensive
Interested in research experience in clinical research makes him an
participation?
ideal core leader.
Stephen Campbell
E-mail: stepcamp@med.umich.edu
Phone: 734-763-2361 With the NIH grant funding, the MADC will
Questions about education or host an annual research symposium and
wellness programs? community health fair, the first of which will
Erin Mobley
E-mail: elmobley@med.umich.edu
take place in Ann Arbor on June 1-2, 2017. See
Phone: 734-615-5319 page 10 for more information on these events.
Interested in making a donation?
Michelle Davis
E-mail: bardma@umich.edu
Meet This Years Trainees
Phone: 734-763-3555 Roger Albin, MD, REC Core Leader on page 4
 MIND MATTERS
Note from the DIRECTOR
Greetings from a newly minted University of Michigan Road Scholar just back
from his travels! Thats right, I was one of two dozen U-M faculty selected by
the University to tour Michigan for a full week. We visited cities from Detroit to
Sault Ste. Marie, Traverse City to Lansing, learning about the diverse people and
activities that make this state great.
Why did I do it? As director of a center striving for a state-wide reach, I wanted to
learn more about the people we serve. I certainly did -- it was a great experience!
I returned home excited about the prospect of linking activities across the state in
our efforts to tackle the problem of dementia.
Dr. Hank Paulson
And there is indeed good reason to be excited: We were awarded one of the highly
Table of competitive National Institutes of Health (NIH) Alzheimers Disease Core Center (ADCC) grants

CONTENTS
this year. A unique feature of our center is that it directly links dementia activities at the
three major research universities in the state Michigan State University and Wayne State
About Us University, in addition to U-M. Through this unique partnership, we will be able to help people
1 MADC Receives $9 Million from all walks of life and all regions of the state. In the following pages I encourage you to
Grant from NIH learn more about our newly funded ADCC and its wide range of activities to better understand
2
and treat Alzheimers disease and related dementias.
Note from the Director
Another linkage unique to our center that makes me proud? The Carl Rinne Lewy Body
Whats New In Research:
3 Dementia initiative, now in its second year. We are expanding our outreach and care for this
Reveal Scan
underappreciated cause of dementia through new support groups among other activities,
4 MADC Receives $9 Million which you can read about on page 6.
Grant from NIH (cont)
The talents and creativity of our faculty and staff are key reasons why were already making a
The Carl Rinne Lewy Body difference in the lives of those with dementia. One great example is the work this semester of
5
Dementia Initiative a team of graduate students, including three members of our center, to develop The Evergreen
Experience, an adult day program connecting older adults with memory loss to meaningful
A Year in Review (cont)
6
Thank You to Our Donors
and stimulating activities on a farm. Pretty cool, right? The judges in the Innovation in Action
competition sure thought so, awarding the students a prize for their creative plan. Learn more
Share Your Story: about The Evergreen Experience on page 8.
7
Belle Isle Senior Events
There is much more in these pages so dont let me slow you down! As you read about
Staffing Changes us, keep in mind that the great work of our faculty and staff could not happen without you.
8 MADC Staff Develop Whether by participating in a research study, support group, wellness program, or by making
The Evergreen Experience a donation to allow these programs to take place, you are making things happen. And for that,
9 Be a Link
we are grateful!

Memory, Aging &

10 Expressive Art
Upcoming Events

Alzheimers Association Henry Paulson, MD PhD

11 Lucile Groff Professor of Neurology
International Conference
Director, Michigan Alzheimers Disease Center
12 Walk to End Alzheimers Co-Director, UM Protein Folding Diseases Initiative
2 Michigan Alzheimers Disease Center alzheimers.med.umich.edu

New Developments in Alzheimers Disease Research at the
University of Michigan: The REVEAL-SCAN Project
The Michigan Alzheimers Disease
Center is committed to memory
and aging research, clinical care,
education and wellness. We are
currently looking for individuals
interested in research for several
studies that will help researchers
to better understand Alzheimers
disease and related dementias and
to inform them of future diagnostic
and treatment options. One such
study is the Risk Evaluation and
Education of Alzheimers Disease
Study of Communication Amyloid
Neuroimaging (REVEAL-SCAN) Project.
This project is one of many studies
now using biomarker tests to
identify individuals at-risk for
Alzheimers disease (AD). One of
these biomarkers is a protein called
amyloid that can build up and form
deposits called plaques in the brain.
Investigators believe that buildup
of amyloid in the brain may play a
key role in the later development
of AD. Doctors can measure
amyloid buildup in the brain using a
positron emission topography (PET)
scan. However, given the current
limitations of predictive testing and
The MADC is Committed to Memory & Aging Research, Clinical Care, Education and Wellness
Whats New
in Research?
This study involves the
of amyloid. Participants will have
AD treatments, there is much debate
about how and whether to disclose such
risk information to individuals without
any symptoms of AD.
The REVEAL-SCAN study, funded
by the National Institutes of Health,
examines the impact of disclosing
amyloid imaging results to individuals
with normal cognitive functioning.
These individuals are needed for
clinical trials, as they can help us
to better understand what might
cause, prevent, or delay the onset of
Alzheimers disease. These types of
studies bring about both challenges
and opportunities, which the REVEAL-
SCAN project hopes to further explore.
The results of the REVEAL-SCAN
project will provide guidance to clinical
investigators on how best to disclose
amyloid imaging results to interested
individuals.
communication of amyloid PET brain
imaging results. 270 cognitively
normal individuals (approximately
25% African American), aged 65-80,
will take part. A brain PET scan is
conducted to detect the presence
the chance to meet with a study
clinician to learn their estimated
risk for Alzheimers disease and the
results of their PET scan.
Get involved!
The REVEAL-SCAN Project is
currently enrolling adults with
normal cognitive function ages 65
to 80 who have had at least one
first-degree relative (a parent or
sibling) with Alzheimers disease.
If you are interested in participating
in this study, please contact Brent
Doil at bmdoil@umich.edu or
734-763-2881.
If you are interested in learning
about other research opportunities
at the Michigan Alzheimers Disease
Center, contact the research team at
734-763-2361.
3
 MIND MATTERS
Michigan Alzheimers Disease Center Receives $9 Million Grant from NIH
Story continued from page 1

Meet This Years Trainees

Jessica Damoiseaux, PhD
Dr. Damoiseaux is an assistant professor in the Institute of Gerontology and the Department of Psychology at
Wayne State University. Her main research goal is to understand the changes in brain function and cognition
that accompany normal and abnormal aging. She is particularly interested in examining the influence of
biological and cognitive predisposition on cognitive and brain network connectivity changes in healthy older
adults. Her primary approach to study brain network connectivity is functional magnetic resonance imaging
(fMRI). In addition, she uses other neuroimaging techniques, such as structural MRI and diffusion tensor
imaging (DTI) to study brain structure and structural brain connectivity.

Jiayu Zhou, PhD

Dr. Zhou is an assistant professor at the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at Michigan State
University. Before joining Michigan State University, he received his PhD in computer science at Arizona
State University. Dr. Zhou has broad research interests in large-scale machine learning and data mining, and
biomedical informatics. He is especially interested in building high-performance machine learning models that
understand Alzheimers progression and identify signaling biomarkers from multiple data sources, including
medical imaging, genotypes, and other clinical information.

HwaJung Choi, PhD

Dr. Choi is an assistant research scientist in the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Michigan.
Her expertise includes health and family economics and demography. Dr. Chois research extensively examines
inter-relationships among older adults health, family, and contextual factors, and trends in older adults functional
and activity limitations. More recently, her research interests include healthcare utilization and healthcare costs
of Alzheimers disease and related dementias. In particular, Dr. Choi is interested in the influence of family-care
availability on healthcare utilization by older adults with Alzheimers disease and related dementias, and in
assessing the full array of care costs to individuals, family caregivers, and the public.

Ben Combs, PhD

Dr. Combs is a research assistant professor in Michigan State Universitys College of Human Medicine. He studies
the tau protein in order to better understand its role in the initiation and progression of Alzheimers disease and
related dementias. His work focuses on the proteins function in regulating axonal transport in neurons and how
pathological forms of tau can disrupt this process, leading to neurodegeneration and toxicity in disease. By gaining
a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms that underpin taus role in Alzheimers disease, he hopes to
identify better targets for future potential therapies. Dr. Combs graduated from Iowa State University with a B.S. in
Electrical Engineering and the University of Kansas with a Ph.D. in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology
before working as a postdoctoral research associate in Dr. Nicholas Kanaans lab at Michigan State University.

Wassim Tarraf, PhD

Dr. Tarraf is an assistant professor at the Institute of Gerontology and in the Department of Healthcare Sciences,
and a faculty member in the Masters of Public Health program in the Department of Family Medicine and Public
Health Sciences at Wayne State University. He is a health services researcher, policy analyst, and gerontologist
with a primary interest in research on minority aging and racial/ethnic healthcare disparities. His research evaluates
disparities in health, health behavior, and healthcare access and use among racial/ethnic minorities in the United
States, and investigates the social determinants of health and healthcare. Dr. Tarraf has served as a principal
investigator or co-investigator and statistical consultant on several university and federally funded projects.

4 Michigan Alzheimers Disease Center alzheimers.med.umich.edu

A Year in Review THE CARL RINNE LEWY BODY DEMENTIA INITIATIVE
In early 2016 the Carl Rinne Lewy
Body Dementia Initiative (LBDI)
kicked off and hit the ground
running. As the group celebrated
its first year this month with the
programs founder and donor,
Celebrating one year
Tamara Real, great successes of the LBDI with
were applauded and goals for year founder Tamara Real
two were discussed.

GOAL 1: 
Provide Support to Families
To help meet the Initiatives first goal
of providing support to families who
are living with a Lewy body dementia
diagnosis, the LBDI now provides three
Lewy body dementia specific support
groups in Southeast Michigan. These
monthly groups are held in Brighton,
Ann Arbor, and Southfield, and they
The MADC staff with
all offer concurrent groups that meet Dr. James Galvin
separately for those living with Lewy after his talk on LBD
body dementia and their caregivers,
families, and friends. This is the only
group of its kind in the country.

GOAL 2: WHAT IS LEWY BODY DEMENTIA?

Educate Primary
Healthcare Professionals
Toward the second goal to
build awareness of Lewy body
dementia among primary health
care professionals and provide
education, there were quite a few
accomplishments. In addition to the
Community Kickoff Event last June,
the Michigan Alzheimers Disease
Center co-sponsored the Movement
and Memory Disorders Update, a
CME conference for professionals
in October. Also in October, James
Galvin, MD, MPH, a leading expert in
Lewy body dementia and nationally
Lewy body dementia is a brain disease that impairs thinking and often
mobility. It is the third most common cause of dementia after Alzheimers
disease and vascular dementia, and accounts for up to twenty percent
of all dementia cases in the United States. Lewy body dementia is often
mistaken as Alzheimers disease or Parkinsons disease. An accurate
diagnosis is critical because people with Lewy body dementia have distinct
symptoms that require different treatment strategies.
recognized clinician-scientist from Dementia. While Dr. Galvin was in
Florida Atlantic University, presented town, he also gave a well-received
the first annual Carl Rinne Lewy Body community talk for families affected by
Dementia Initiative Lecture. As part of Lewy body dementia.
the University of Michigan Neurology
Grand Rounds series, he spoke on
Research Advances in Lewy Body
Story continued on page 6

The MADC is Committed to Memory & Aging Research, Clinical Care, Education and Wellness 5
 MIND MATTERS
A Year in Review: Lewy Body Dementia
The Carl Rinne Lewy Body Dementia Initiative Support Groups
continued from page 5
Ann Arbor
GOAL 3: When
Increase Awareness Across the State 2 Tuesday of each month 2:00-3:30 PM
nd

Where
The third goal of the Initiative is to focus on increasing awareness of Lewy
Huron Woods Towsley Health Building
body dementia across the state of Michigan. The LBDI provided information
5361 McAuley Drive
at resource tables at 17 general public events and 12 professional events,
Ann Arbor, MI 48106
distributing over 1,000 Initiative brochures. There were 8 Lewy body dementia
articles submitted to the University of Michigan Health Systems Health Blog,
Brighton
attracting more than 40,000
When
views on social media sites.
2 Wednesday of each month 6:00-7:30 PM
nd

Where
Finally, to celebrate Carl
242 Community Church Brighton Campus
Rinne, Tamaras late
7526 Grand River Ave
husband, while also
Brighton, MI 48114
increasing community
awareness and raising
Southfield
the funds needed to
When
expand support groups, the Initiative partnered with the UMHS Development
4th Thursday of each month 2:00-3:30 PM
Department to host a fundraising event at Karls Cabin in Plymouth, Michigan.
Where
The Sunday Afternoon of Jazz event featured live jazz music, great food, and
Alzheimers Association (MARS Building)
friends in a cozy atmosphere and raised nearly $9,000 for the Rinne Lewy Body
25200 Telegraph Rd
Dementia Initiative.
Southfield, MI 48033
The increase in awareness over the past year and the realization of the need for
For more information about Lewy body dementia
support, education, and research around Lewy body dementia has led to 143
support groups or other Carl Rinne Lewy Body
new donors to the initiative in 2016, bringing in over $52,000. The momentum
Dementia Initiative activities, contact Renee Gadwa
is high, and we are excited to continue making a difference in the lives of those
at rgadwa@med.umich.edu or 734-764-5137
touched by Lewy body dementia.

Thank you to our generous donors for being Victors for the MADC!

We envision a day when fear is lost and memories remain

The MADC is grateful for the generous donations provided by those who are passionate about dementia research,
education, and care. We couldnt do what we do without this support. Thank you to our donors for your contribution,
and for helping us to achieve our mission.
Interested in making a donation?
Contact Michelle Davis at 734-763-3555 or bardma@umich.edu
Interested in hearing more about brain donation at UM?
Contact the UM Brain Bank at 734-647-7648 or UMHSbrainbank@med.umich.edu

6
 S H A R E your S T O R Y
MADC Partners with Senior Power Days on
Belle Isle Park for Summer Events
This piece written by Stephanie Donaldson, Founder and CEO of Senior Power
Days on Belle Isle Park
My name is Stephanie Donaldson and
I am a proud advocate for seniors. I am
the Founder and CEO of Senior Power
Days on Belle Isle Park in Detroit.
Senior Power Days on Belle Isle Park is
a program that provides recreational and
educational programs for seniors from
Detroit, Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb
counties. Partnerships in the community
make my dream work and have been
proven most beneficial for our seniors.
It seems there are constant barriers to
resources in the community, especially for
seniors and especially in Detroit. I have
founded this program to help bridge the
gaps that exist in education and resources.
SAVE THE DATES!
The MADC is Committed to Memory & Aging Research, Clinical Care, Education and Wellness
Several years ago, I attended a
seminar hosted by the Wayne State
University Institute of Gerontology.
While exploring the vendors, I came
upon a table where Dr. Edna Rose,
the MADC Minority Recruitment
Specialist, was talking about research
in the area of dementia. I have a small
family one sister and one daughter
and coming from a small family I
want them to be ready and have the
resources they need if I should become
diagnosed with this disease. Also, if I
should develop Alzheimers disease,
I dont want to curse God but I want
to understand.
Stephanie Donaldson,
Founder and CEO of Senior Power Days
African Americans and Hispanics,
according to the Alzheimers
Association, are twice as likely as
whites to develop the disease. I have
learned, even worse, that minorities
are less likely to get diagnosed. There
is still a major distrust of physicians
and researchers among some African
Americans and I hope that education
and sharing my story in my community
will help dispel some of that distrust.
I want to thank Dr. Edna Rose, Arijit
Bhaumik and the MADC team for
their encouragement and continued
support in working with the African
American community. I look forward to
partnering with the MADC this summer
for Senior Power Days on Belle Isle
Parks Health Fair to be held at the
Belle Isle Casino in September as well
as the other events that Senior Power
Days on Belle Isle has to offer.
7
 STAFFING CHANGES
MIND MATTERS
at the Michigan Alzheimers Disease Center!
Please welcome our new team members and acknowledge a couple of changes in roles at the Center:

Arijit Bhaumik, BA, CCRP

MADC Research Administrator
Email: arijit@med.umich.edu
Phone: 734-936-8281
MADC Staff Develop The
Ari has served as a key member of the MADC for nearly twelve years. In his new role as the MADC Evergreen Experience as part
Research Administrator, he will manage the day-to-day research and recruitment operations of the of Innovation in Action
Center, interact daily with research staff from all Cores, and supervise research staff and the off-site Competition and Take 3rd Place
activities for the MADC at the University of Michigan Detroit Center. The Innovation in Action competition
Ari has been involved in clinical research, specifically in clinical studies and trials of neurologic diseases. through the University of Michigan
He earned his Bachelors degree in Clinical Psychology and Counseling at Richmond University, London, UK, School of Public Health challenges
and studied Cognitive Psychology at the post-baccalaureate level at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, students to create solutions to real-
Canada. He is also a certified clinical research professional. Aris expertise lies in clinical research protocol world problems. In its third year, the
management and working with cross-generational populations. He recently completed an intensive year- program equips students with a toolkit
long research administration training course provided by the University of Michigan, Office of Research and supportive environment to establish
and Sponsored Projects. The course gave him a deep understanding of highly intricate grants that involve new skills and use their creativity and
multiple investigators at many universities, complex budgets, and multiple sub-awards. passion to make an impact. At the end
of this 5-month competitive experience,
Renee Gadwa, BS, MBA teams pitch their ideas to a panel of
judges from across the nation and
MADC Outreach and Education Program Manager
compete for a chance to win up to
Email: rgadwa@med.umich.edu $10,000 to implement their program.
Phone: 734-764-5137
In March, a team of graduate students,
including three members of the MADCS
Renee is responsible for the management, performance and completion of Outreach and Recruitment Outreach and Education team Melissa
Core activities at the MADC and in the community. She leads a wide range of MADC educational Daily, MPH, Erin Mobley, MSW, MPH,
events, including health fairs, lectures and community presentations, and oversees all outreach, and Ashley Miller, MPH competed
recruitment, and education programs in the community. Renees job also focuses on the development, and took third place with their program,
implementation and evaluation of the activities and programs of the Carl Rinne Lewy Body Dementia The Evergreen Experience, taking home
Initiative. Renee has nearly ten years of experience in dementia care, education, and support in the a $5,000 prize.
long term care setting, and has been a member of the MADC team since late 2015. She earned her
Bachelors degree in Health Science and Psychology from Grand Valley State University and her MBA in The Evergreen Experience is a hands-
Healthcare Management from Southern New Hampshire University. on, agriculture-based adult day
program for those with memory loss
Erin Mobley, MSW, LLMSW connecting older adults to meaningful
MADC Community Outreach Coordinator and stimulating activities on a farm. The
Email: elmobley@med.umich.edu Evergreen Experience will be launching
Phone: 734-615-5319 this summer in partnership with Dawn
Farm in Ypsilanti and The Eisenhower
Hoop House at The Farm at St. Joseph
Mercy Hospital in Ypsilanti.
Erin is the MADCs new Community Outreach Coordinator. Erin graduated in December of 2016 from
If you would like more information on
the University of Michigan Schools of Public Health and Social Work with a focus in geriatrics. She
The Evergreen Experience program
started at the MADC as a Public Health intern in 2014, and we are happy to welcome her aboard as a
or would like to register for the
full time employee. Erin is responsible for assisting in the planning and implementation of outreach and
pilot this summer, please contact
recruitment core activities at the MADC and in the community, as well as planning and implementing
mievergreenexperience@gmail.com or
the activities of the REC Core. She is also responsible for providing education and support for those
Erin Mobley at 734-615-5319.
with dementia, recruiting for MADC supported studies, and exploring opportunities for programs that
blend education and wellness.

8 Michigan Alzheimers Disease Center alzheimers.med.umich.edu


We need you! The MADC is currently recruiting adults with and without memory changes to participate in our research studies.
We have 12 different studies for which you may be eligible.
Drug Treatment Studies
RVT-101: This is a Phase 2, double-
blind, randomized, placebo-controlled
crossover study evaluating the effect of
RVT-101 on gait and balance in people
ages 55-89 with Alzheimers disease,
Lewy body dementia, or Parkinsons
disease dementia. Contact Christine
Minderovic at cmindero@med.umich.edu
or 734-998-8420.
Brain Stimulation Studies
Promoting adaptive neuroplasticity
in mild cognitive impairment (Merit):
Examining the benefits of two types of
treatments for memory impairment
cognitive rehabilitation and electrical
brain stimulation. Study is looking for
adults with mild cognitive impairment
over the age of 50. Contact Oliver
Calhoun at occ@med.umich.edu or
734-764-7282.
NeuroRehabilitation Study: Examining
cognitive rehabilitation techniques,
including transcranial electrical
stimulation (TES) and magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain,
to see the benefit on cognitive abilities.
This study is looking for adults 50
years of age and older with or without
cognitive complaints. Contact Alina
Lesnovskaya at askaya@med.umich.edu
or 734-764-4709.
Neuroimaging and Biomarker
Studies
Examination of the earliest symptoms
and biomarkers of FTLD MAPT carriers:
Investigating the earliest clinical
features of frontotemporal dementia in
an effort to improve early detection of
the disease. Study is looking for adults
age 18 and older with a family member
who has frontotemporal dementia.
Contact Stephen Campbell
at stepcamp@med.umich.edu or
734-763-2361.
The MADC is Committed to Memory & Aging Research, Clinical Care, Education and Wellness
BE A LINK
Volunteer for Research
Risk Evaluation and Education of
Alzheimers Disease the Study of
Communicating Amyloid Neuroimaging
(REVEAL-SCAN): The purpose of this
study is to learn about the best ways to
communicate educational information
about amyloid imaging brain scans
and risk information about the chance
of developing AD. Study is enrolling
cognitively normal adults ages 65 to
80, have/had at least one first-degree
relative (i.e., parent or siblings) with
Alzheimers disease. Contact Brent Doil
at bmdoil@umich.edu or 734-763-2881.
Lifestyle Intervention Studies
University of Michigan Memory and
Aging Project (UM-MAP): Investigating
changes in cognitive functioning over
time to learn more about normal aging
and neurodegenerative diseases. Study is
looking for adults with or without cognitive
changes over the age of 55. Contact
Stephen Campbell at stepcamp@med.
umich.edu or 734-763-2361.
ACT-OUT: This study takes place
at Wayne State University and is
investigating participation in activities
and places outside the home of older
adults with dementia to examine what
people do and where they participate
in everyday life as they age. This study
involves completing a survey and
answering interview questions. The
study is looking for adults over the age
of 55 who are living with dementia.
Contact Susan Lawrence, PhD at susan.
lawrence2@wayne.edu or 313-577-1217.
Community Urban
Electroencephalography Study (CUES):
Investigating new markers for detection
of the earliest signs of cognitive
changes in healthy African Americans
who may be at risk for developing
memory or other thinking problems.
Study is looking for African American
adults age 65 and older. Contact
Stephanie Nava at senava@med.umich.
edu or 734-615-0612.
Mind n MOTION: Investigating the use
of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
and multifactorial balance control training
as a method for reducing fall risk. Study
is looking for adults with mild cognitive
impairment age 55 and older. Contact
Laura Rice-Oeschger at lerice@med.
umich.edu or 734-936-8332.
Enhancing Safe Mobility among Older
Drivers: Investigating how older drivers
might change their driving behavior over
time and what influences any changes
that might occur. Study is looking for
healthy adults age 65 or older. Contact
Jennifer Zakrajsek at jzak@umich.edu or
734-615-4740.
Decision Making for Cardiovascular
Therapy in Adults with Mild Cognitive
Impairment (MCI DeM): Investigating
what adults with cognitive impairment
and the friends or family involved in
medical care think about health risks and
preferences for medical treatment if they
were to become seriously ill because of
a heart attack or stroke. Study is looking
for adults age 65 or older who have a
diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment
and are fluent in English. Contact Bailey
Green at greenba@med.umich.edu or
734-647-3971.
Caregiver Studies
Health-Related Quality of Life in
Caregivers: Investigating important
issues associated with health-related
quality of life for care partners
and caregivers of individuals with
mild cognitive impairment and the
effectiveness of a widely used caregiver
intervention. Study is looking for care
partners and caregivers (spouses, family
members, or friends) of someone with
mild cognitive impairment age 18 and
older. Contact the study coordinator at
734-936-7360.
For a complete list of studies and for more information,
contact Stephen Campbell at 734-763-2361 or visit our
website, alzheimers.med.umich.edu
9
 MIND MATTERS
Summer
2017
UPCOMING EVENTS
1st Annual Research Symposium:
Beyond Amyloid
Thursday, June 1, 2017 7:30 am 4:00 pm
University of Michigan North Campus
Research Complex Building 18 Dining Hall
2800 Plymouth Road Ann Arbor, MI
Please register online at
madcc.eventbrite.com
The Michigan Alzheimers Disease Core
Center is hosting its first annual research
symposium Beyond Amyloid. Keynote
lectures will be complemented by shorter talks
from investigators across our three partnering
Michigan research universities University
of Michigan, Wayne State University, and
Michigan State University.
The theme of this years symposium is that of our
ADCCs overall theme: the non-amyloid contributions
to brain dysfunction and neuronal cell death in
Alzheimers disease and related dementias.
Keynote Presenters include:
Suzanne Craft, PhD
Co-Director, Sticht Center for Healthy Aging Director
Alzheimers Disease Core Center
Wake Forest University
Leading expert on the relationship between
metabolic disorders and dementia
Karen Hsaio Ashe, MD, PhD
Edmund Wallace and Ann Marie Tulloch Chairs in
Neurology and Neuroscience
University of Minnesota
Internationally renowned investigator of
Alzheimers disease and related dementias.
10
MADC Wellness Initiative
Spring Caregiver Wellness Day
Health and Aging Fair Friday, June 9, 2017 10:00 am 3:00 pm
Friday, June 2, 2017 8:30 am 12:00 pm Matthaei Botanical Gardens
University of Michigan North Campus 1800 N. Dixboro Road
Research Complex Building 18 Dining Hall Ann Arbor, MI
2800 Plymouth Road Ann Arbor, MI
Registration is FREE but required
This event is open to the public and registration Register online at:
alzheimers.med.umich.edu/wellness-initiative
is not required. Please contact Erin Mobley at
or by calling the MADC at 734-936-8803
734-615-5319 or elmobley@med.umich.edu
with any questions.
Following the June 1 Research Symposium, the Twice yearly, the MADC Wellness Initiative holds
Michigan Alzheimers Disease Core Center will Caregiver Wellness Day Retreats. These are free,
hold its first annual Health and Aging Fair. Join half-day wellness, creativity, and social retreats
us for this half day event to learn about local for care partners of adults living with memory
community health organizations, current research loss held at the scenic and calming University
in dementia and resources for seniors. The event of Michigan Matthaei Botanical Gardens in Ann
will feature presentations by multiple MADCC Arbor. We welcome all newcomers and returning
staff as well as Dr. Suzanne Craft, PhD, from participants to the retreat this June to enjoy lunch,
Wake Forest University. chair massages, and restorative activities. This
Springs retreat features guest facilitators Beth
Spencer, LMSW, and Carolyn Rose Stone, MFA.
MEMORY, AGING & EXPRESSIVE ARTS
Course Completes Successful Semester
The Michigan Alzheimers Disease Center is a proud sponsor of the 2017
Memory, Aging and Expressive Arts (MAEA) course through the University
of Michigan Stamps School of Arts and Design. Led by Anne Mondro,
Associate Professor at the University of Michigan Stamps School of Arts and Design, the MAEA course
introduces students to key issues in memory and aging and explores the use of expressive arts as an outlet.
Students who participated in the course this semester learned from an interdisciplinary
team of professionals in Psychology, Neurology, Public Health, Social Work, and Art. MADC
personnel Nancy Barbas, MD, MSW, Laura Rice-Oeschger, LMSW, and Scott Roberts, PhD
helped develop the curriculum and served as guest faculty this semester, leading several class
sessions focused on topics such as diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimers disease and related
dementias, caregiving issues, and the public health impact of the disease.
Most importantly, the students learned from those with memory loss themselves, and used the
semester to build relationships, using expressive arts as a vehicle in the process.
The course concluded at a beautiful exhibition held on April 13, 2017 at University of Michigan
Matthaei Botanical Gardens in Ann Arbor where each student/elder team showcased their work
to University of Michigan staff and faculty, families, and friends.
MADC Investigators to Take Part in 2017 Alzheimers
Association International Conference

T
he Michigan Alzheimers Disease Center will be well
represented at the upcoming Alzheimers Association
International Conference (AAIC), the worlds largest international
conference focused on dementia research. This July, the AAIC will
convene in London, England and bring together investigators from over
70 countries to present their latest findings in basic and translational
research related to diagnosis, prevention and treatment of Alzheimers
disease and other dementias. Presentations from MADC researchers
will include the following:

B
 runo Giordani, PhD, will present his research on computerized neuropsychological testing in the identification of mild
cognitive impairment compared to healthy older adults in a sample of African American and Caucasian seniors. Other topics
include spatial navigation in older adults with and without mild cognitive impairment, and an examination of factors that
influence change in scores on neuropsychological testing in African American seniors with subjective memory complaints.

S
 cott Roberts, PhD, will present on an ongoing clinical trial, the REVEAL-SCAN study, designed to examine the impact
of providing amyloid neuroimaging results to cognitively normal older adults interested in learning more about their risk of
Alzheimers disease.

H
 iroko Dodge, PhD, chairs the Professional Interest Area Clinical Trials Advancement and Methods and will present an
educational workshop focusing on modern clinical trial methods.

Scott Counts, PhD, Associate Professor of Translational Science and Molecular Medicine, Michigan State University, and
Co-investigator in the MADCs Neuropathology Core, will present his research on mitochondrial unfolded protein response
(mtUPR) dysfunction during the progression of Alzheimers disease.

In addition, the MADCs Isadore & Margaret Mezey Fund will support conference attendance for two junior investigators.
Established with the generous support of the Mezey family, the Fund sponsors participation at national or international
conferences for junior investigators with a keen interest in dementia-related research. At last years AAIC meeting in Toronto,
the following investigators were supported by a Mezey Fund award:

Sarah Garcia, PhD, a post- Jenny Ostergren, PhD, who

doctoral neuropsychology fellow
at the University of Michigan
Health System/VA Ann Arbor,
presented research focused
on the identification of early
cognitive changes in older
adults using two commonly used
computerized tests at the MADC.
This research will help inform
clinicians of the best methods for
clinical diagnosis and prevention.
recently completed her doctorate
in Health Behavior & Health
Education at the UM School of Public
Health, presented on demographic
and psychosocial factors associated
with formal help-seeking behavior
among older adults with subjective
memory complaints. This research
will help inform future public and
patient education efforts designed to
promote early diagnosis of dementia.

The MADC is Committed to Memory & Aging Research, Clinical Care, Education and Wellness 11
2101 Commonwealth Blvd., Suite D
Ann Arbor, MI 48105

MICHIGAN ALZHEIMERS
DISEASE CENTER SUPPORTS
ALZHEIMERS ASSOCIATIONS
WALK TO END ALZHEIMERS

The MADC participated in the

Alzheimers Associations Ann Arbor/
Ypsilanti Walk to End Alzheimers on
Sunday October 9, 2016.
The MADC team at the 2016 Walk to End Alzheimers at Washtenaw Community College.
This walk, occurring at numerous sites
across the country, is the worlds largest
event to raise awareness and funds for
Alzheimers care, support, and research. This year, Erin Mobley, MADC If you would like more information on the
This event brings together teams from Community Outreach Coordinator, and walk, please contact Erin Mobley at
many different organizations in the Ashley Miller, MADC Summer Intern, 734-615-5319 or elmobley@med.umich.edu.
community those touched by the will sit on the Walk to End Alzheimers
disease personally, social and religious planning committee.
groups, businesses, and more to
celebrate a year of fundraising and If you are interested in creating a team The 2017 Walk to End Alzheimers will be
to walk for this important cause. The for the Walk to End Alzheimers this year, held at Washtenaw Community College
MADC raised $9,211 for the 2016 Walk, sign up on the Alzheimers Association in Ann Arbor on Sunday, October 8, 2017
placing second out of 123 teams. website at www.alz.org/walk. at 12:00 pm.