Research supporting prevention

Dr. Cynthia Carlsson’s Work to Stop Alzheimer’s Before It Starts

Dr. Cynthia Carlsson’s research is shaping the future of Alzheimer’s disease prevention by identifying those at risk and testing therapies before cognitive decline begins. Her work would not be possible without the generous support of donors committed to stopping the disease. As the Louis A. Holland, Sr. Professor in Alzheimer’s Disease and director of the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Institute, Dr. Carlsson has dedicated her career to understanding why some individuals at risk for dementia maintain their cognitive strength while others do not.

Dr. Carlsson is investigating how vascular health influences cognitive decline. Examining risk factors—such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, and inflammation—and exploring how treatments like statins or purified fish oil can improve blood flow in the brain and slow the early changes that lead to Alzheimer’s. She and her team are also leading major studies to discover the effectiveness of several new oral medications aimed at slowing memory loss nearly two decades before symptoms occur.

Because of your ongoing support, Dr. Carlsson’s research is transforming hope into action. Her groundbreaking research to advance therapies as early interventions is bringing the world closer to what once seemed impossible: preventing Alzheimer’s disease before it takes hold.

Share Your Story

Did UW Health, the UW School of Medicine and Public Health, or the Carbone Cancer Center have a life-changing impact on you or someone you love? Be part of the Wisconsin Medicine story by inspiring others with your story. Share it now.