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.
Alesia Cole, MSN, RN, APNP, ACRP-CP
Site Co-PI
Alesia Cole is the co-lead of the clinical trials program and ADRC lumbar puncture service at the University of Wisconsin – Madison and has been with the school for 8 years. She is certified as an Adult Nurse Practitioner with the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and a Certified Professional with the Association of Clinical Research Professionals. She obtained her bachelor's and master’s degrees in nursing from Marian University – Wisconsin. In addition to clinical care, her professional areas of interest include program management and she is currently enrolled in an MBA program.
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.