As an Alzheimer’s crisis looms, the director of USC’s aging institute focuses on prevention
María Aranda will bring her expertise as a researcher and a social worker to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Task Force on Alzheimer’s Prevention and Preparedness.
NIH funding for USC Alzheimer’s research grew by more than 400% in 4 years
Funding from the National Institutes of Health — the world’s largest public funder of biomedical research — was $68 million last year, a substantial increase from $13 million in 2015.
Averting Alzheimer’s through exercise, clean air and an active social calendar
November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, and USC scientists are researching healthy lifestyle choices and certain drugs that might reduce the risk of developing the disease.
USC study connects air pollution, memory problems and Alzheimer’s-like brain changes
Women in their 70s and 80s who were exposed to fine particle pollution had declines in memory and physical brain changes that were not seen in women who breathed cleaner air.
Facebook Live: The state of Alzheimer’s research
Christian Pike of the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology and USC health policy expert Julie Zissimopoulos as they discuss the latest research into the disease.
Alzheimer’s disease impacts women in higher numbers and different ways
As Alzheimer’s Awareness Month begins, USC researchers examine how the disease affects men and women, including theories on estrogen depletion and higher life expectancy.
Scientists propose new approach to Alzheimer’s research to address environmental risks
USC and Duke researchers propose the Alzheimer’s Disease Exposome to address gaps in understanding how environmental factors interact with genetics to increase or reduce risk for the disease.
Tiny region of the brainstem has big effects on brain aging
USC Leonard Davis Professor Mara Mather, co-author of a new study on the locus coeruleus, explains its role in the onset of Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline.
Vast majority of dementia patients don’t receive specialty diagnosis or care
A new USC study has found that most older Americans do not meet with a dementia specialist and the use of dementia specialty care is particularly low for Hispanics and Asians.
USC scientists shift goals in Alzheimer’s research to focus on prevention
Amid mounting discoveries about Alzheimer’s complex list of triggers, USC Dornsife researchers turn their attention to preventive measures.
Healthy blood vessels may be the answer to Alzheimer’s prevention
USC research into Alzheimer’s — which will be on display at the upcoming Alzheimer’s Association International Conference — has uncovered much about the disease, including establishing a link between cardiovascular health and a fully functioning brain.
Certain cells secrete a substance that may head off Alzheimer’s, USC study finds
The cells — known as pericytes — preserve neurons in the brain, which can keep dementia and other cognitive disorders at bay.
For Alzheimer’s and dementia patients, thoughtful design can have big impact
New research from a USC professor reinforces the value of designing to maximize natural light, especially for aging adults with a variety of health issues.
Untreated diabetes raises risk of Alzheimer’s disease, study finds
The USC Dornsife research underscores the importance of detecting diabetes and other metabolic diseases in adults as early as possible.
Diet reverses Alzheimer’s-like symptoms in lab model
The findings — focused on components contained in green tea and carrots — lend credence to the idea that certain readily available, plant-based supplements might offer protection against dementia in people.
USC Alzheimer’s researchers find new culprit and potential treatment target for disease
Brain changes associated with leaky capillaries suggest new, potential drug targets as well as a way to diagnose the disease sooner.
Culturally tailored text messages improve Alzheimer’s education among African-Americans
The work is critical: Older African-Americans are far more likely to have the disease or other dementias than their white counterparts; they’re also diagnosed later, after the disease has progressed.
USC institute launches a global study of how the brain ages
The ENIGMA World Aging Center will help pinpoint factors that contribute to healthy aging versus those that increase a risk for Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s.
USC scientists map brain region linked to Alzheimer’s and other diseases
Researchers show structures, nerve connections and functions in vivid detail as part of the most detailed atlas yet of the brain’s memory bank.
Institute gets millions for research on Alzheimer’s disease, brain mapping and more
Federal grants support several projects, including a new archive for nationwide data sharing.
Study finds Latinos’ increased dementia risk linked to lower education levels
Roybal Institute research underscores the role that education plays in determining risk for Alzheimer’s disease as Latinos grow older.
Researchers uncover previously unknown dementia risk factor
The study provides insights on how the conditions and other diseases of aging might one day be treated and prevented.
A game like no other: Healing Spaces targets Alzheimer’s, dementia patients
The game — alum Gabriela Gomes’ MFA thesis project — is a multisensory experience created to help adults suffering from neurodegenerative diseases to relax and connect with their caregiver.
Traditional Chinese hangover cure seen as potential Alzheimer’s disease treatment
Japanese raisin tree’s leaves may help USC researcher in the fight against Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, PTSD, anxiety and other conditions.