The USC Alzheimer Disease Research Center, located at the USC Keck School of Medicine, offers state-of-the-art clinical services next to the University Hospital. With free valet parking and additional locations in Rancho Mirage and Downey, we provide convenient access for all patients. Our center conducts a wide range of research studies aimed at advancing the understanding and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders.
Clinical Offerings
“>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.
Current Studies Open for Enrollment
If you or a family member are interested in participating in a clinical trial that tests a new treatment aimed at reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s dementia and preventing memory loss, please see the list below for current studies open for enrollment.
Diabetic Brain
GeneScreen
Brain Research Study
BenfoTeam
Brain Omega-3
ADNI 4
PPG
Diabetic Brain
Type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) increases the risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), 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 important to understand how T2DM affects the brain and cognition.
The overall goal of the Diabetes Brain Study is to gain an understanding of how metabolic and Alzheimer’s risk relate to brain measures and cognition in 200 Latino middle-aged adults, an understudied group that is at higher risk for both T2DM and AD compared with non-Latino whites.
Participants will undergo blood tests, medical exams, memory tests, and MRI imaging to provide insights into the mechanisms underlying cognitive decline in T2DM patients with and without AD pathology and provide brain imaging biomarkers to guide potential future interventions.
Participation in any study is entirely voluntary. Registry members are not obligated to join a study even if they are identified as suitable candidates based on their genetic results. This flexible approach allows participants to stay informed about relevant research opportunities while maintaining full control over their involvement.
USC GeneScreen, known as the USC Alzheimer’s Preventative Registry, is aimed at connecting the diverse community of Los Angeles with cutting-edge Alzheimer’s research conducted at the University of Southern California (USC). This registry is designed to link participants with USC researchers based on their genetic profile, particularly focusing on a gene called APOE, which is known to influence 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.
Arrange for a priceless gift that is uniquely yours to give when you pass on. The purpose of this study is to understand the changes the occur in our brains as we age, and 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 these diseases. An autopsy of the brain will be performed after the participant passes to determine with certainty whether or not the donor had Alzheimer’s disease and/or another form of dementia.
All participants enrolled at USC may qualify to donate their brain if they meet eligibility criteria including both participants with or without cognitive impairment.
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 boosting the amount of thiamine in the blood far above usual levels. Benfotiamine, a lab-made version of thiamine, is the drug being tested in the BenfoTeam trial.
BenfoTeam tests if increasing thiamine in the blood slows cognitive decline in people with early Alzheimer’s disease, including Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and mild dementia.
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for maintaining normal brain function, but the extent to which the Omega-3s we consume actually reach and benefit the brain remains uncertain. Research, particularly in animal models, has shown that certain genes, such as the APOEℇ4 gene, may play a role in regulating how effectively Omega-3s are delivered to the brain.
The Omega-3 Brain Study was designed to investigate this process more closely. The study aimed to measure Omega-3 levels in the brain by analyzing cerebrospinal fluid and blood samples from participants. To assess the impact of Omega-3 supplementation, participants were randomly assigned to receive either 2 grams of DHA (a type of Omega-3 fatty acid) or a placebo. The study was conducted as a double-blind trial, meaning neither the participants nor the research team knew who was receiving the DHA or the placebo, ensuring unbiased results. This phase of the study continued until June 2024, when both the participants and researchers were unblinded.
Following the unblinding, the study entered an extension phase, where participants are no longer required to take any supplements. Instead, they are asked to complete an annual memory exam to track cognitive function over time. The current focus of the study is to observe the long-term effects of the DHA supplementation on cognitive health, providing valuable insights into the potential role of Omega-3s in brain function and disease prevention.
The next phase of Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) research, ADNI4 is now recruiting participants with or without memory issues to help us continue investigating important questions concerning 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 (Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative) one of the most important research studies in the field. The next chapter – ADNI4 – aims to discover, standardize, and validate different measures like blood tests and brain scans to improve our understanding of the research process and inform clinical trials in the field. It will focus more on engaging participants from demographically diverse and underrepresented groups to more closely reflect the diversity of our country and those affected by Alzheimer’s disease. ADNI4 also boasts a smaller time commitment for participants than previous ADNI studies, maximizing what can be completed remotely.
Vascular Contributions to Dementia and Genetic Risk Factors (PPG) [Includes PPG, PPG-AA, PPG-II]
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.
Read more about joining the PPG study here: English | Spanish
Located at the heart of USC Keck School of Medicine, our facility is equipped to handle a comprehensive range of Alzheimer’s-related health services. We aim to provide seamless access to our research studies and clinical trials through an efficient referral system.
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.
