The USC Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center at the USC Keck School of Medicine offers state-of-the-art clinical services. With complimentary valet parking and additional locations in Rancho Mirage and Downey, we provide convenient access for all patients.
We provide comprehensive diagnostic evaluations, ongoing treatment monitoring, and access to the latest clinical trials focusing on Alzheimer’s disease. Our multidisciplinary team includes neurologists, gerontologists, and specialized nursing staff, ensuring high-quality care and support.
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Current Studies Open for Enrollment
If you or someone in your family would like to participate in a clinical trial evaluating a new treatment designed to lower the risk of Alzheimer’s dementia and prevent memory loss, please refer to the list below of current studies accepting participants.
Diabetic Brain
GeneScreen
Brain Research Study
BenfoTeam
Brain Omega-3
ADNI 4
PPG II
Diabetic Brain
Type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) increases the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, but the reasons why are not fully understood. To reduce the risk for cognitive decline in those with T2DM and to identify possible intervention targets, it is essential to comprehend how T2DM affects the brain and cognition.
The Diabetes Brain Study aims to understand the relationship between metabolic and Alzheimer’s risk and brain measures in 200 Latino middle-aged adults, who face a higher risk for T2DM and AD than non-Latino whites. Participants will have blood tests, medical exams, memory tests, and MRI imaging to reveal how cognitive decline occurs in T2DM patients, with and without AD pathology, and to identify brain imaging biomarkers for future interventions.
USC GeneScreen, or the USC Alzheimer’s Preventative Registry, connects Los Angeles' diverse community to innovative Alzheimer’s research at USC. It matches participants with USC researchers based on their genetic profiles, focusing on the APOE gene, which affects Alzheimer’s risk.
Individuals who join the GeneScreen registry get tested for the APOE gene. The results of this genetic test help match them with specific research studies tailored to their genetic background. These studies explore various aspects of Alzheimer’s prevention, treatment, and understanding.
The Brain Research Study aims to understand how our brains change as we age. Donating your brain could help unlock the mysteries of complex disorders, keeping families healthier for generations to come. Currently, only an autopsy can definitively diagnose certain brain diseases. After a participant passes, an autopsy will be performed to determine with certainty whether the donor had Alzheimer’s disease and/or another form of dementia. All USC participants, including those with and without cognitive impairment, may qualify to donate their brains if they meet the eligibility criteria.
BenfoTeam scientists have found that thiamine (vitamin B1) does not enter the brains of people with early Alzheimer’s disease despite having a sufficient supply of thiamine in their blood.
Fortunately, there is also evidence that this problem with thiamine in the brain may be overcome by increasing the amount of thiamine in the blood far above usual levels. The BenfoTeam trial is testing a lab-made version of thiamine, benfotiamine. BenfoTeam tests if increasing thiamine in the blood slows cognitive decline in people with early Alzheimer’s disease, including mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia.
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for maintaining normal brain function, but the extent to which the Omega-3s we consume reach and benefit the brain remains uncertain. Research in animal models has shown that specific genes, such as the APOEℇ4 gene, may regulate how effectively Omega-3s are delivered to the brain. The Omega-3 Brain Study was designed to investigate this process more closely by measuring Omega-3 levels in the brain by analyzing participants' cerebrospinal fluid and blood samples.
The next phase of the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI), ADNI4, is now recruiting participants with or without memory issues to help us continue investigating essential questions concerning the early detection of mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease.
Nearly two decades of research have led to better methods for early detection of mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease – making ADNI one of the most important research studies in the field. ADNI4 aims to discover, standardize, and validate measures like blood tests and brain scans to improve our understanding of the research process and inform clinical trials in the field. ADNI4 also boasts a smaller time commitment for participants than previous ADNI studies, maximizing what can be completed remotely.
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.
Read more about joining the PPG study here: English | Spanish
Please call Nadine Diaz, DSW, MSW at (213) 821-7158 for more information.
Located at the heart of the USC Keck School of Medicine, our facility is equipped to handle a comprehensive range of Alzheimer's disease-related health services. Our efficient referral system provides seamless access to research studies and clinical trials.
Cooperation with Physicians
We value our relationship with referring physicians and strive to create a cooperative environment. Our center provides detailed feedback on patients’ health status, which physicians can use to enhance their care strategies.
Referral Process
Physicians can refer patients by calling, emailing, or using our online referral portal. We ensure a straightforward and responsive process to facilitate patient participation in our studies.
