The Alzheimer's Disease Research Center at USC

Studies of Autosomal Dominant Alzheimer’s Disease (ADAD)

For decades investigators at the USC ADRC have been engaged in research into genetically-determined neurodegenerative diseases. With a particular focus on familial Alzheimer’s disease inherited as an autosomal dominant trait (ADAD), clinicians and scientists at USC are engaged in observational studies to better understand and clinical trials to assess ways to prevent or treat ADAD. The USC ADRC provides the infrastructure for ongoing multi-disciplinary collaborations in ADAD involving medical doctors, neuropsychologists, geneticists, imaging specialists, and neuropathologists.

Model-based cerebrovascular markers (DVR)

Researchers have found that people with mild cognitive impairment and mild Alzheimer’s disease show different dynamic responses to changes in blood carbon dioxide compared to healthy people. The DVR project studies how changes in the dynamic regulation of brain blood flow and cortical oxygenation (called together cerebral perfusion) relate to cognitive function and memory impairment.

Diverse Vascular Contributions to Cognitive Impairment and Dementia (DVCID)

This multi-center study aims to identify the extent and characteristics of white matter injury that influence cognitive and health outcomes. Based on the findings, the ultimate goal is to increase the understanding of precision medical management and planning needed by patients with white matter lesions.

Trial Ready Cohort, Limbic Predominant Age-Associated TDP-43 Proteinopathy (TRC-LATE): An Observational Study

The goals of TRC-LATE are to be able to better identify Limbic Predominant Age-Associated TDP-43 Proteinopathy (LATE), a recently identified brain change responsible for memory changes in the elderly.  The study is a multi-site study lead by investigators at UC Irvine that leverages the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC) infrastructure to perform clinical assessments, neuropsychological testing, and neuropathologic evaluations at autopsy. Participation in TRC-LATE also includes annual MRI, FDG-PET imaging every two years, annual blood collection, ecological momentary assessment and participation in recruitment science and trial planning studies

Quantitative Cerebral Blood Vessel Imaging Biomarkers for AD and VCID

The goal of this study is to develop a class of novel vascular metrics to characterize cerebrovascular dysfunction in AD and VCID, which could offer valuable insight into the role of vascular dysfunction in the pathogenesis of VCID/AD.

ADRC Consortium for Clarity in ADRD Research Through Imaging

Many cases of dementia involve multiple underlying causes, known as multi-etiology dementia (MED). This complexity is often overlooked in large research studies and clinical trials. Because most studies focus on single diseases, they may miss important insights into how different types of dementia interact. CLARiTI changes that by bringing standardized imaging into the ADRC consortium, allowing researchers to better understand the biological markers of dementia.

Vascular Cohort Study (VCD) [Includes VCD Pilot, VCD, VCS-II]

For many years, the central scientific theme of the USC ADRC has focused on vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Epidemiologic studies have demonstrated that traditional cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus, are linked to increased risk of AD, especially among under-represented ethnic groups. The Vascular Cohort Study (VCD) is a longitudinal study directly funded by the ADRC that interrogates the health of the neurovascular unit (NVU) using novel imaging and CSF biomarkers. Using dynamic contrast enhancement (DCE)-MRI, our Imaging Core has developed a novel Ktrans measure of permeability of the blood brain barrier (BBB), one of the essential functions of the NVU. Using the Meso Scale Discovery Platform, the Biomarker Core has developed a new panel of vascular, BBB, and NVU biomarkers including cell-specific markers of pericyte, neuronal, and astroglial injury, inflammatory biomarkers, as well as AD standard Aβ and tau biomarkers that can be obtained using small quantities (0.5 ml) of CSF. Criteria for participant enrollment include age > 60 years, no or mild cognitive impairment, and presence of low, medium or high cardiovascular risk based on blood pressure, lipids, and glucose. Participants are followed annually by the Clinical Core using the NACC Uniform Data Set.

DHA Delivery to Brain Pilot Study (DHA2BRP)

Observational studies suggest a link between DHA and cognitive health, but randomized control trials show conflicting results. The DHA2BRP study investigates the relationship between DHA intake and cognitive function, particularly in individuals with the APOE e4 gene variant.

Biomarkers of ABCA1 mediated functions in Alzheimer’s (VCSGT)

VCSGT is a longitudinal study aimed at investigating the impact of diabetes on brain connectivity. By tracking participants over time, the study seeks to understand how diabetes influences the brain’s neural networks and contributes to cognitive changes. This research could provide valuable insights into the relationship between diabetes and brain health, potentially guiding future prevention and treatment strategies.

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

The purpose of this study is to learn how genetic risk factors and changes in the brain’s vascular system may be related to an increased risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease. This study will look at biological markers for Alzheimer’s disease risk found in the blood and spinal fluid (CSF) and changes in the brain’s structure over time. We hope that the knowledge gained from this study will help us to detect the early development of Alzheimer’s disease and possibly identify new ways to treat dementia.

English- or Spanish-speaking men and women of 45 years or older are eligible for this study. Participants will receive medical examinations, tests of memory and daily function, MRI brain scans, blood tests, and a test of spinal fluid. Study participants receive a small financial compensation for visits to USC.