Alzheimer’s disease remains one of the most pressing neurological challenges of our time, affecting millions worldwide and unfolding through a complex interplay of amyloid buildup, tau pathology, inflammation, and vascular injury. While much progress has been made in understanding these processes, an important piece of the puzzle—how changes in the brain’s blood vessels contribute to the onset and progression of dementia—remains underexplored. A particularly informative window into this biology comes from people with Down syndrome, who carry a third copy of chromosome 21. Because chromosome 21 includes several genes involved in amyloid production and inflammatory signaling, nearly all adults with…

Brian Hitt, MD, PhD, was quoted in the New York Times cautioning readers about the dangers of the unregulated supplement market.  “The supplement industry is essentially unregulated, so you’re basically taking a gamble any time you’re taking one of those products,” says Dr. Hitt. To read the article, visit the NYTimes

We're excited to invite you to our upcoming Ask the Doc live stream featuring Craig Stark, PhD! 📊 Topic: Reimagining Clinical Trials for Alzheimer's Disease Using Novel Biomarkers 🗓️ Date: Wednesday, January 28, 2026 🕐 Time: 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM 💻 Format: Virtual Live stream Links YouTube Facebook  Dr. Stark will share insights on how innovative biomarkers may transform the landscape of Alzheimer's disease clinical trials. This is a unique opportunity to learn about cutting-edge research and approaches in the field. Interactive Q&A: Audience members will have the chance to ask Dr. Stark questions during the session. Come prepared…

The December to Remember Gala wasn't just about incredible philanthropy—it was also a celebration filled with spectacular entertainment! The Surftones brought the house down with their energetic performances, keeping everyone on their feet and in the holiday spirit! 🎸🌊 We were also treated to the angelic sounds of the UCI Voces Chamber Ensemble, masterfully conducted by Dr. Irene Messoloras. Their performances took our breath away! We're thrilled to welcome Dr. Messoloras as the newest member of the UCI MIND faculty—her talent and passion are already enriching our community. 🎵 Thank you to all our performers for making the evening truly…

Saturday's December to Remember Gala at the Balboa Bay Resort was a testament to the incredible generosity of our community! We are deeply grateful to every attendee who opened their hearts to support the vital work of UCI MIND.  A special thank you to the incomparable Zack Krone, whose exceptional talent as our emcee and auctioneer kept the energy high and the giving spirit flowing all evening long!   The evening began with the Quilter family's historic $50 million lead gift—and what happened next was truly extraordinary! Through the incredible generosity of our community, that gift grew to $80 MILLION!  We…

Image credits: Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG. On December 18, the Orange County Register published its “Most Influential People in Orange County for 2025” list. On it were UC Irvine Vice Chancellor for Advancement and Alumni Relations Brian Hervey, Ann and Charlie Quilter, and PatrickQuilter. Each of these individuals was central to the recent announcement that UCI has commenced planning for a new campus building that will bear Ann’s name and give UCI MIND a new state-of-the-art home. Brian, who oversaw the campus’s recent successful completion of the Brilliant Futures campaign was essential to the early stages of campus negotiations…

https://news.uci.edu/2025/12/12/uc-irvine-receives-12-million-to-test-novel-stem-cell-therapy-for-huntingtons-disease/?utm_source=uci-digest&utm_medium=email&utm_content=text

From left to right the Quilter family: Chris, Patrick, Charlie, Ann, Matt, and Patty Quilter UCI MIND is proud to celebrate a historic philanthropic gift from a local family whose commitment and generosity have transcended a traditional donor relationship with Orange County’s only Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. Guided by the visionary leadership of Professor and Director, Joshua Grill, PhD, the long-held goal of bringing UCI MIND’s entire research enterprise under one roof has now become a reality. On Sunday, December 7th, The Orange County Register, recognized the tremendous gift that the Quilter family has given to UCI MIND towards dementia…

Ann and Charlie Quilterphoto: Steve Zylius/UC Irvine With a $50 million lead gift from the Quilter family and approximately $30 million in new commitments, the University of California, Irvine’s Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders will begin planning to build a state-of-the-art research and care facility to enhance its position as a global leader in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias research and patient care... UC Irvine announced to the campus community Monday that $80 million dollars have been raised to build the Ann Hutchinson Quilter Hall for UCI MIND. To learn more about the the lead gift from the…