We have a number of projects and collaborations underway. Some of our major undertakings are listed below.
Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center Project 2 – Metabolic factors in Alzheimer’s disease
Helena Chui, MD – University of Southern California
We aim to discover how insulin, insulin-like growth factor, and cholesterol efflux capacity relate to AD pathology and brain structure, connectivity, and function in cognitively intact older adults and those with mild cognitive impairment.
Participants will receive medical examinations, tests of memory and daily function, MRI brain scans, blood tests, and a lumbar puncture to sample cerebrospinal fluid. If you are 55+ years old and have either normal cognition or mild cognitive impairment, you may be eligible. We are particularly interested in recruiting people who have non-insulin dependent type II diabetes or who are prediabetic. Please contact Meseret Alemu for more information (323-442-7555; malemu@usc.edu).
Inflammation, Growth Factors, Physical Activity, and Brain Integrity
Paul Thompson, PhD – University of Southern California
We are investigating in non-demented older adults how three key processes (inflammation, brain growth factors, and physical activity) relate to brain structure and decline. Physical exercise boosts the ability of growth factors to promote regeneration in the hippocampus, which is important in memory. Inflammation decreases that ability. Our work will help provide a mechanistic understanding of brain aging and Alzheimer’s disease.
Health Disparities in Alzheimer's Disease among Mexican Americans
Sid O'Bryant, PhD - University of North Texas
Arthur Toga, PhD - University of Southern California
The Delivery of the Essential Omega-3 Fatty Acid DHA to the Brain
Hussein Yassein, MD - University of Southern California
An Alzheimer's Blood Test for Primary Care
Sid O'Bryant, PhD - University of North Texas
Kristine Yaffe, MD - University of California, San Francisco
Amyloid Burden Among Mexican Americans
Sid O'Bryant, PhD - University of North Texas
Arthur Toga, PhD - University of Southern California
Urban Air Pollution and Alzheimer's Disease: Risk, Heterogeneity, and Mechanisms
Caleb Finch, PhD - University of Southern California
Jiu-Chiuan Chen, MD, ScD - University of Southern California
Model-Based Cerebrovascular Markers Extracted from Hemodynamic Data for Diagnosing MCI or AD and Predicting Disease Progression.
Vasilis Marmarelis, PhD - University of Southern California
Sandra Billinger, PT, PhD, FAHA – University of Kansas
Helena Chui, MD - University of Southern California
Rong Zhang, PhD - University of Texas Southwestern