The USC ADRC’s research initiatives are guided by our commitment to understanding Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders (ADRD) from a multifaceted perspective. Our projects range from genetic studies to clinical applications, focusing on identifying, treating, and preventing neurodegenerative diseases.
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.
Contact to learn more: Nadine.Diaz@med.usc.edu
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.
Contact to learn more: Helena.Chui@med.usc.edu
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.
Contact to learn more: hyassine@usc.edu
This 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.
Contact to learn more: cdecarli@ucdavis.edu
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.
Please call Nadine Diaz, DSW, MSW at (213) 821-7158 for more information.
Contact to learn more: Nadine.Diaz@med.usc.edu
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.
Contact to learn more: hyassine@usc.edu
Researchers at the NIA-funded ADRCs have been collecting different types of PET and MR images using various acquisition methods for many years. Because of this, image data could not be easily combined across ADRCs, resulting in lost opportunities for scientific collaboration. The goal of SCAN is to standardize PET and MRI data collection from across the ADRC Program so that it can be combined and shared with researchers worldwide via the NACC Data Platform.
Contact to learn more: Helena.Chui@med.usc.edu
Exploring the role of genetic factors like APOEℇ4 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 our community's diverse needs through studies on how social, environmental, and health system factors influence ADRD risk and outcomes. This includes engaging underrepresented populations in research to ensure the broad applicability of our findings.
The ADRC supports ATRI/ACTC in providing informatics, developing biomarkers, recruiting participants from underrepresented groups, and training the next generation of clinical researchers.
The ADRC works closely with the INI to develop new MR imaging sequences and evaluate these in participants who have undergone previous standardized imaging, among other measures.
The ADRC-INI encourages training to cultivate experts in neuroimaging, advanced brain imaging modalities, informatics, analytics, and AI approaches while supporting national initiatives (Laboratory of Neuroimaging-LONI).
The ADRC REC works with RCMAR to cultivate and support demography research, addressing disparities.
The newly founded CPBH bridges ADRD research with our clinical enterprise and supports the mission of the ADRC by providing institutional support to develop a registry, recruit translational physician-scientists, and promote memory clinic growth.