Support the Center

Despite recent advances in understanding Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, there is still much we do not know about the causes of dementing disorders, and how to slow or prevent them altogether. Clinicians and scientists need to take a broader view of the causes of dementia and the potential routes to better therapy. To increase our understanding of the disease, we need to look at all points on the disease continuum, including in underrepresented minorities. Our research focus seeks to identify, understand, and modulate the many factors beyond amyloid that contribute to brain dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. These factors are understudied and present great opportunity for progress.

To optimize research, we developed cores that specialize in clinical research; data collection and analysis; neuropathological resource management and investigation; community education and outreach; and future clinician and scientist training. We also direct the Michigan Brain Bank, which collects and stores brain tissue from individuals followed clinically or in research studies at the University of Michigan and other institutions. Disease tissue is a crucial resource that allows scientists at the University of Michigan and across the country to answer questions about the causes and mechanisms of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Lastly, we hold close partnerships with the University of Michigan Detroit Center, Wayne State University, and local churches and community groups in the city of Detroit to recruit African Americans to research.  From this work, we set the foundation to perform breakthrough discovery.

Inextricably linked to our research enterprise, we’re pursuing a leading-edge, multidisciplinary approach to dementia care. As a top-ranked center, we’re recognized for our treatment of Alzheimer’s disease as well as Lewy body dementia, Parkinson’s disease dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and vascular dementia. We provide patients with the most advanced therapies, including access to a broad range of clinical trials. We support individuals and families affected by memory loss by partnering with the Cognitive Disorders Program at the University of Michigan Geriatrics Center. The program brings together experts in neurology, nursing, neuropsychology, and social work to provide high-quality care.

We’re revolutionizing care at every turn, committed to putting patients and their loved ones first. To ensure patients receive the right care, at the right time, and in the right place, we’re exploring novel ways to care for them in the comfort of their own homes or communities.

Our motivated and talented team partners across the medical school, university, and state. By providing support to faculty at all levels, we can create the optimal environment for continual progress, and fuel the development of talented junior faculty and fellows in the field.

A key priority is to establish professorships that will enable us to recruit neurodegenerative disease experts who will help advance our research efforts. Additional faculty support will enable us to invest in world-class researchers across numerous departments and across the research continuum.

At the University of Michigan, we’re training the next generation of clinician-scientists. Taught by some of the top minds in neurodegenerative research, they’re immersed in a broad array of clinical cases, research opportunities, and leadership experiences.

We are committed to improving knowledge and awareness of dementia through collaborative education and outreach efforts. To support this commitment, we established partnerships with several University of Michigan departments and programs; other educational institutions, including Wayne State University and Michigan State University; and community organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Association and Lewy Body Dementia Association. Our partnerships enable us to provide, support, and promote educational programs for individuals experiencing memory loss and their care partners across the state.

We aim to make it easier for patients to understand their disease. Each month, we publish a newsletter that details our latest research breakthroughs, educational events, and new research studies recruiting participants. Our goal is to increase the flow of information so our patients and their families feel supported, and our healthcare professionals have the resources they need to provide the best research and care possible.

To support our goal of advancing research and clinical practice, we develop, implement, and evaluate innovative means to recruit and retain research participants. We also create and disseminate comprehensive educational resources that inform the community about the risk and protective factors associated with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

Wellness is an integral part of our vision as a center.  As we work toward cures, we support patients and their families in living well with memory loss.

Our innovative wellness programs emphasize stress resilience to ensure continued health and well-being for those with, or caring for someone with, Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Since its inception, our Wellness Initiative has hosted over 70 monthly programs, 10 wellness retreats, and numerous in-depth, multi-session classes.

In addition to our community offerings, we share these programs at conferences and educational events around the state. We also partnered with Michigan State University and Wayne State University to launch THRIVE, an innovative, hybrid network of in-person and virtual training classes devoted to educating dementia care partners on wellness and self-care.

Annual gifts provide immediate unrestricted support enabling us to respond quickly as opportunities arise

Annual gifts provide critical funds that are vital for the success of our center and the lives of those who count on us. They help us meet emerging challenges and contribute toward groundbreaking research that leads to lifesaving therapies, visionary care initiatives that help patients and families make their way through potentially challenging times, and much more.

Annual gifts may be made to the Innovation Fund (364608) or to any specific area of interest.

Endowments lend special strength to our efforts by providing funds that can last for generations

An endowed gift creates an invaluable legacy that provides sustainable funding for generations to come. An endowment can be used to support a scholarship, fellowship, professorship, or research fund already in place or to establish a new one, which you may wish to name for yourself or in honor of another person.

To learn more about establishing an endowed fund, contact Allison Clark at 734-763-1638 or Michael Harders at 734-763-1402.

Estate and planned gifts create lasting commitments to advance our work beyond your lifetime

Make a difference in the future of health care. Our staff can guide you through the many ways you can support the Michigan Alzheimer's Disease Center, such as making a gift that will pay you an income for life or by including the Michigan Alzheimer's Disease Center in your will or trust. We can help you determine which option best fits your personal situation.

To learn more about planned gifts to the MADC, contact Jane Langeland, Director, Gift Planning, at 734-998-7587 or jlangela@umich.edu.

For more information, visit https://giving.medicine.umich.edu/ways-to-give/estate-planned-gifts

Corporate and Foundation Giving is a unique partnership to accelerate advances in healthcare through institutional support

The Michigan Alzheimer's Disease Center is an ideal partner for foundations and corporations seeking a mutually beneficial relationship with a world-class, academic healthcare organization. Support for the Michigan Alzheimer's Disease Center helps the center build upon its reputation for outstanding patient care, research, and education. Awards from private and corporate foundations enable us to attract exceptional students and faculty, maintain state-of-the-art clinical and research facilities and programs, and continue groundbreaking research.

Corporations can also partner with the Michigan Alzheimer's Disease Center by sponsoring fundraising events and through innovative employee-giving initiatives.

To learn more about corporate and foundation giving, please contact Joe M. Piffaretti, senior director of corporate and foundation relations at 734-763-1318 or piffaret@med.umich.edu.

Designate your gift to honor a family member or loved one going through a difficult time

Perhaps you’re a grandparent who wants to celebrate the courage of your grandchild; a father who is grateful for the care provided by our staff; a mother who wants to be sure other families have an easier road to travel; or a community member who recognizes how much it means for patients to have access to wellness, music, and art when they are striving to regain their health.

Tribute gifts may be made in honor of someone battling disease, in gratitude to a loved one, or in recognition of a birthday, wedding, anniversary, or other occasion. Memorial gifts may be made in memory of a loved one who has passed away.

To make a memorial or tribute gift, please select the tribute gift option on our online giving form. To reach a member of our team, contact Allison Clark at 734-763-1638 (office) or 734-678-3981 (mobile), Michael Harders at 734-763-1402, or email UMHSTributes@umich.edu.