A recent Wisconsin Watch article highlights the impact of the New Friends program at the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Institute, which pairs people living with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias to mentor University of Wisconsin–Madison students and help prepare them for careers in health care. Through regular meetings over the course of a semester, students gain insight into the lived experiences of cognitive change, living with memory loss, and the realities of caregiving. Since launching in 2012, the program has connected more than 300 students with mentors, helping prepare future physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers, and other professionals to better support individuals and families affected by dementia.

On behalf of the New Friends program leaders, we thank the hundreds of students and mentors who have participated in the program since its start in 2012. And to the participating caregivers and people living with memory changes especially, we thank you for your generous commitment to shaping and inspiring future professionals.

“How Alzheimer’s and dementia patients teach Wisconsin’s next generation of health care workers” was published in Wisconsin Watch on Oct. 21, 2026.