University of Wisconsin
Madison, WI
Cynthia Carlsson, MD, MS
Site PI
Dr. Cynthia Carlsson is a geriatrician at the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin, where she treats veterans with dementia and memory issues. She is the Clinical Core leader in the Wisconsin ADRC. She also serves as director of the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Institute. Dr. Carlsson's research focuses on the effects of vascular risk factors and their treatments on cognition and biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease in persons at risk for dementia. Vascular risk factors in midlife, such as high cholesterol and elevated blood pressure, have been associated with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease decades later however it is unknown whether treating vascular risk factors will reduce the risk of dementia.
Cynthia Carlson
Site Co-PI
Ben Farral, BS
Site Liaison
Ben Farral began his career in clinical trials in Alzheimer's Disease in 2014 as the Study Coordinator running the A4 Trial for Dr. Cynthia Carlsson’s AD Clinical Trials Program at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. UW Madison has run ATRI/ACTC studies continuously and officially joined ACTC as a member site in summer of 2023, at which time he was appointed the Site Liaison.
ChaNelle Baines
Community Engagement Specialist
ChaNelle is a healthcare professional and community advocate focused on supporting older adults and underrepresented communities. She serves as a Community Outreach Coordinator with the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC) Clinical Trials Program at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she empowers individuals from diverse backgrounds to engage in Alzheimer’s research and develops outreach materials and provides program support across Wisconsin. ChaNelle began her career as a Medical Assistant in Southern California, working in Urgent Care, Geriatrics, Primary Care, Pulmonary, and Holistic Medicine. She earned a B.A. in Psychology and Healthcare Administration from Azusa Pacific University and strengthened her passion for memory care while serving as the primary caregiver for both of her grandparents.