Wisconsin program pairs dementia patients with future healthcare workers
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In Wisconsin, the New Friends program at the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center connects people with early-stage Alzheimer’s and dementia with students at UW-Madison who are training to become healthcare professionals.
For 14 years, the program has paired mentors living with cognitive changes with future nurses, doctors, therapists, and social workers. These pairings aim to provide students with firsthand experience and break down misconceptions about dementia, while also combating loneliness for the mentors.
Bill Ducett, a 78-year-old with mild cognitive impairment, has mentored eight students over three years, sharing his experiences and regaining a sense of purpose. The program’s structure allows for flexible meetups, from home visits to outings, and encourages students to consider the logistical challenges faced by people with disabilities. Program leaders note that students often enter with strong medical knowledge but limited understanding of the human side of dementia.
Through New Friends, students learn to communicate effectively and provide empathetic care. More than 300 students have participated since 2012, and research shows the program increases their comfort level and positive perceptions of people living with dementia. The program has also inspired some former students to start similar initiatives in other parts of Wisconsin.
