Contributed by Joshua D. Grill, PhD A recent article in the New York Times highlights an important set of conundrums regarding amyloid imaging for Alzheimer’s disease. Amyloid imaging can detect with relative certainty whether beta amyloid plaques, which are a pathological hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease, are accumulating in a person’s brain. Conundrum #1: Amyloid scans are not covered by insurance for people with cognitive problems. Research led by our friend Dr. Gil Rabinovici at UCSF has demonstrated that amyloid imaging can and does yield important guidance to clinical care. It can change diagnoses and instruct prescribing decisions (more on this >).…
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Facebook Live Series - ASK THE DOC: Alzheimer's Research Today! This monthly series features short talks and Q&A with experts from the University of California, Irvine Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (UCI MIND), 1 of 32 congressionally designated Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers in the nation. Join UCI MIND on Facebook (@UCIrvineMIND) the first Friday of every month from 9:00-9:30 AM PST to learn about advances in research to improve Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Episode 7: "Can brain scans be used to diagnose Alzheimer's?" This month, we're joined by Craig Stark, PhD. Dr. Stark earned a doctorate…
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iStock Recent stories, including one this week by Washington Post, have highlighted the possible impact of anticholinergic medications on dementia. Some studies note that these medications may have negative side effects that mimic dementia in older adults. Others show a possible increase in dementia risk when taking strong anticholinergics long-term. However, more research is needed to understand this potential link. It's important to speak with your doctor about all your medications regularly, discussing potential benefits, risks, and interactions, to help manage your health over time. To learn more about medications and Alzheimer's disease, view UCI MIND's recent Facebook LIVE episode with…
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Join national experts for the 30th Annual SoCal Alzheimer’s Disease Research Conference! Friday, October 25th Irvine Marriott Hotel How close are we to solving Alzheimer’s disease? What have we learned so far? Where do we go from here? For 30 years, the Annual SoCal Alzheimer’s Disease Research Conference has delivered the latest knowledge in dementia research and care to the Orange County community. In its Pearl Anniversary, join national experts as they explore what we have discovered and charge forward with hope for solutions! Prices will increase after September 1, 2019
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UCI MIND faculty member, Craig Stark, PhD was recently quoted in Science Magazine discussing the critical role scientists play in helping improve society. The article focuses on a push to better understand the science behind addiction, and how scientists are spreading evidence-based treatment knowledge through regional and national seminars. By regularly hosting seminars to gather scientific and legal experts, researchers can better inform the criminal justice system on how to improve substance abuse recovery rates in the incarcerated population. Dr. Stark, a neurobiologist who specializes in brain imaging at UCI, has presented at dozens of these legal seminars, speaking on…
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Tune in this Friday, August 2 @ 9AM for the next episode of our monthly Facebook LIVE series, "Can brain scans be used to diagnose Alzheimer's?" This month, we're joined by Craig Stark, PhD. Dr. Stark earned a doctorate in Cognitive Psychology from Carnegie Mellon University. He is a Professor of Neurobiology & Behavior, the James L. McGaugh Chair in Neurobiology of Learning & Memory, and serves as Director of the UCI Campus Center for Neuroimaging and the state-of-the-art Facility for Imaging and Brain Research (FIBRE). Dr. Stark’s research utilizes brain imaging and experimental psychology to increase understanding of long-term…
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