The Alzheimer's Disease Research Center at USC

USC ADRC

The USC Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (USC ADRC) studies Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias to find better ways to detect, treat, and prevent them. We lead research, support patient care, and train the next generation of dementia scientists.

Here you can find studies and clinical trials that need volunteers, refer patients to research, and learn about our work.

ADRC Goals

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Leadership

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History & Significance

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Partner Institutes

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ADRC Research Studies

PPG II

TRC-LATE

ADVCID

DVCID

ADAD

SCAN

VCD

VCSGT

CLARiTI

DHA2BRP

DVR

Vascular and Genetic Risk Factors for Alzheimer’s Disease II (PPG II)

How do genes and changes in the brain’s blood vessels affect Alzheimer’s risk? This study follows English- and Spanish-speaking adults 45 and older using memory tests, brain scans, and blood and spinal fluid tests.

Trial-Ready Cohort for Limbic-Predominant Age-Related TDP-43 Encephalopathy (TRC-LATE): An Observational Study

This study aims to better identify LATE, a recently recognized brain condition that causes memory loss in older adults, and to build a group of participants ready for future clinical trials.

Quantitative Cerebral Blood Vessel Imaging Biomarkers for AD and VCID (ADVCID)

This study develops new imaging measures of blood vessel health to clarify how vascular problems contribute to Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.

Diverse Vascular Contributions to Cognitive Impairment and Dementia (DVCID)

This multi-center study examines injury to the brain’s white matter, the wiring that connects brain regions, and how it affects thinking and health.

Studies of Autosomal Dominant Alzheimer’s Disease (ADAD)

Our clinicians and scientists study families with rare, inherited forms of Alzheimer’s disease to understand the disease and test ways to prevent or treat it.

Standardized Centralized Alzheimer’s & Related Dementias Neuroimaging (SCAN)

standardizes how brain MRI and PET scans are collected across the national network of Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers so researchers worldwide can combine and share the data.

Vascular Cohort Study (VCD)

This ADRC-funded study follows adults over 60 to learn how blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol affect the brain’s blood vessels and the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Biomarkers of ABCA1-Mediated Functions in Alzheimer’s (VCSGT)

long-term study tracks how diabetes affects the brain’s networks and how those changes relate to memory and thinking.

Consortium for Clarity in ADRD Research Through Imaging

Many people with dementia have more than one underlying cause. CLARiTI adds standardized brain imaging across the national ADRC network to help researchers see how those causes overlap.

DHA Delivery to Brain Pilot Study (DHA2BRP)

Studies of the omega-3 fatty acid DHA and brain health have produced mixed results. This pilot study examines how DHA intake relates to thinking skills, especially in people who carry the APOE4 gene variant.