At USC ADRC, our research initiatives are guided by our commitment to understanding Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders (ADRD) from a multifaceted perspective. Our projects span the spectrum from genetic studies to clinical applications, focusing on the identification, treatment, and prevention of neurodegenerative diseases.
This program aims to address the critical need for research into age-related diseases causing dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the leading cause of cognitive decline in older adults, affecting over 5 million Americans. It focuses on investigating vascular contributions to dementia and AD by testing the neurovascular hypothesis, which proposes that cerebrovascular dysfunction is a key factor in cognitive decline. Using advanced molecular and imaging techniques, the researchers will conduct parallel studies in humans and animal models, advancing understanding and identifying potential therapeutic targets for dementia and AD treatment.
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Direct: (213) 821-7158
Clinic: (323) 442-7600
Contact to learn more: Nadine.Diaz@med.usc.edu
The purpose of this study is to learn how vascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or high blood sugar may also be related to increased risk for developing Alzheimer's disease. This study will look at biological markers for AD risk found in the blood and cerebral spinal fluid of individuals who have either high or low levels of vascular risk factors.
Contact to learn more: Helena.Chui@med.usc.edu
The VCS-GT study is a longitudinal cohort 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.
Contact to learn more: hyassine@usc.edu
As awareness of dementia increases, it is becoming common to see individuals presenting for clinical assessment with minor cognitive complaints. Neuroimaging studies frequently identify "incidental" WMH, usually ascribed to "microvascular disease" by radiologists, raising patient concerns about their brain health and future risk for dementia. To date, however, we are not aware of any studies that have comprehensively examined the impact of individual and combined MRI measures of white matter injury on cognitive performance among a diverse, non-demented, stroke free population with cognitive complaints over an extended period of observation. To address this important gap in scientific knowledge, the Diverse Vascular Cognitive Impairment project was funded by the NINDS to recruit 2250 Americans from non-Hispanic White, Black/African or Hispanic/Latino heritage to participate in a 6-year study that includes cognitive and diagnostic assessment, blood sampling for DNA and fluid biomarkers as well as 3 MRI measures. The goals of this study are to:
1) Identify the extent and characteristics of white matter injury that influence cognitive and health outcomes;
2) Evaluate Mechanisms of progression of White Matter (WM) Injury on Cognition and Health Outcomes; and
3) Based on these findings, build and validate a predictive risk model with the ultimate goal of increasing the understanding of precision medical management and planning needed by patients with white matter lesions, both for need for care as well as inclusion criteria for future therapeutic studies.
The DVR study focuses on using model-based cerebrovascular markers derived from hemodynamic data to diagnose mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). These markers are also explored as potential predictors of disease progression, offering valuable insights into early detection and the advancement of cognitive decline. By analyzing cerebrovascular dynamics, the study aims to enhance diagnostic accuracy and improve forecasting of disease trajectory.
Contact to learn more: marmarelis.v@gmail.com
The DHA2BRP study aims to investigate the relationship between DHA intake and cognitive function, particularly in individuals with the APOE e4 gene variant. While observational studies suggest a link between DHA and cognitive health, randomized control trials show conflicting results. Preliminary data suggest that APOE e4 carriers may have lower DHA levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) compared to non-carriers. The study hypothesizes that APOE e4 carriers have impaired delivery of DHA to the CSF following supplementation. To test this, researchers will measure DHA in red blood cell membranes and CSF, including apoE particles, in a pilot group of 16 APOE e4 carriers and 16 non-carriers at baseline and after 24 weeks of supplementation.
Contact to learn more: hyassine@usc.edu
The Standardized Centralized Alzheimer’s & Related Dementias Neuroimaging (SCAN) initiative is a multi-institutional project that was funded as a U24 grant (AG067418) by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) in May 2020 with the goal of standardizing the acquisition, curation, and analysis of PET and MR images acquired through the NIA Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC) Program. The National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center (NACC) Data Platform enriches the SCAN dataset by linking with the longitudinal Uniform Data Set and other data modalities at NACC.
ADRCs upload SCAN-compliant images to a portal hosted by the Laboratory of Neuro Imaging (LONI) at the University of Southern California where they are de-identified and defaced by the Aging and Dementia Imaging Research (ADIR) laboratory at Mayo Clinic. The PET and MRI laboratories at the University of Michigan and the Aging and Dementia Research (ADIR) Laboratory at Mayo Clinic then process for quality assurance and harmonization. Following this, the PET laboratory at UC Berkeley and the MRI laboratories at Mayo Clinic and UC Davis analyze the images to produce MRI volumes and PET Standardized Uptake Value Ratio (SUVR) data. Recently, SCAN methods have been applied to the ADRC Consortium for Clarity in ADRD Research Through Imaging (CLARiTI).
Contact to learn more: Helena.Chui@med.usc.edu
Exploring the role of genetic factors like APOEℇ4 ε4 in Alzheimer's disease, including its impact on cognitive decline and biomarkers. Our research delves into the genetic underpinnings that increase risk or provide resilience against ADRD.
Developing cutting-edge imaging techniques and biomarkers to detect early signs of Alzheimer's and monitor disease progression. This includes advanced MRI sequences and PET scans to study brain structure and function.
Conducting rigorous clinical trials to evaluate new treatments, including anti-amyloid therapies and novel pharmaceuticals. We focus on translating basic research findings into clinical applications that can significantly impact patient care.
Addressing the diverse needs of our community through studies that examine how social, environmental, and health system factors influence ADRD risk and outcomes. This includes engaging underrepresented populations in research to ensure broad applicability of our findings.
The ADRC supports ATRI/ACTC to provide informatics, develop biomarkers, recruit participants from URG and train the next generation of clinical ADRD researchers.
The ADRC works closely with the INI to develop new MR imaging sequences as well as to evaluate these in participants who have undergone previous standardized imaging among other measures.
The ADRC-INI encourages training to cultivate experts in neuroimaging, advance brain imaging modalities, and informatics, analytics, and AI approaches in addition to supporting national initiatives (Laboratory of Neuroimaging-LONI).
The ADRC REC works with RCMAR to cultivate and support demography research, addressing disparities supporting URM scientists.
The newly founded CPBH bridges ADRD research with our clinical enterprise, focused on APOE e4, and supports the mission of the ADRC by providing institutional support to develop a registry, recruit translational physician scientists, and promote memory clinic growth.