The USC ADRC is organized into eight cores. Each provides specialized expertise, data, or resources that support research across the center.
The USC ADRC is organized into eight cores. Each provides specialized expertise, data, or resources that support research across the center.
The Administrative Core sets the center’s direction, manages resources and regulatory requirements, and keeps the cores working together. It also connects the ADRC with partners at USC and nationally and supports mentorship, development projects, seminars, and public education.
The Biomarker Core collects, analyzes, and shares blood, plasma, cerebrospinal fluid, and DNA samples that can reveal clues about dementia risk, progression, diagnosis, and treatment targets. By linking these samples with clinical, imaging, and genetic data, the core supports discovery at USC and around the world.
The Clinical Core works directly with research volunteers, following them over time to track changes in memory, thinking, health, biomarkers, and brain structure. It also maintains a registry of people interested in research and connects them with studies at USC and across national networks.
The Data Management and Statistical Core turns complex research information into reliable knowledge. It integrates clinical, imaging, biomarker, and neuropathology data; provides statistical expertise for study design and analysis; and trains researchers in statistics and informatics. ADRC data are archived and shared through the Image and Data Archive (IDA), run by the Laboratory of Neuro Imaging (LONI) at the Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute (Stevens INI) at the Keck School of Medicine of USC.
The Imaging Core provides the brain imaging expertise needed to study dementia in living participants. Drawing on Stevens INI expertise, the core supports high-quality MRI, including ultra-high-field 7T MRI, and PET imaging, with standardized protocols, quality control, and advanced analysis. It also trains investigators in modern neuroimaging methods.
The Neuropathology Core studies donated brain and nervous system tissue, which provides the most definitive information about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Its tissue bank supports research at USC and beyond, and its findings are linked with clinical, genetic, biomarker, and imaging data.
The ORE Core connects the ADRC with participants, caregivers, health care providers, and communities across Los Angeles County. As a bilingual and bicultural resource, it builds community partnerships and helps ensure ADRC research reflects the diversity of Los Angeles.
The Research Education Component prepares early-career scientists for independent careers in dementia research through mentorship, training, development project funding, and access to ADRC resources. Trainees work across fields such as medicine, neuropsychology, imaging, biostatistics, genetics, gerontology, and informatics.