Researchers with the Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (UCI MIND) have discovered how a novel compound can reduce the accumulation of brain plaques seen in Alzheimer's without the side effects produced by current drugs used for the chronic neurodegenerative disease. In a study published online in the Annals of Neurology, neurobiologists Kim Green and Frank LaFerla found that the ST101 compound triggers a process that carves up amyloid precursor proteins into benign molecules. These precursor proteins, when intact, ultimately can form into beta-amyloid plaques, which are the hallmark lesions of Alzheimer's and believed to be the primary cause of dementia.…

Bruce Cook, The Crowd: The mind is tops at wine event One American develops Alzheimer's disease every 70 seconds, statistics report. According to Linda Scheck, who is with UC Irvine's Mind Institute, the Baby Boomer generation is entering the high-risk age group for being diagnosed with the disease with as many as 10,000 turning 65 every day. Medical science is concerned that the possible onslaught of Alzheimer's victims could become a national crisis in decades to come. In Orange County recently, the UCI Mind Institute, which focuses on memory impairment and neurological disorders, held a fundraiser called Saving Memories with…

UCI MIND graduate student Kara Neely, and Professors Green and LaFerla have discovered a key role for presenilin, a protein involved in the production of amyloid-beta, which forms the plaques in Alzheimer's disease.  In a study published in the February 23rd edition of the Journal of Neuroscience, the research team show that presenilin plays an integral role in the way that cells, including neurons, dispose of misfunctioning and broken proteins.  The accumulation of misfunctioning and broken proteins inside cells is thought to contribute to many neurodegenerative diseases, as well as to the aging process itself.  This research highlights an important…

Wine for the MIND - Saving Memories with Style attracted over 300 guests who enjoyed food, wine and fashion, all related to Alzheimer's.  It was a fantastic event, chaired by Jacqueline DuPont and a committee of dedicated volunteers.   Below are a selection of the photos - click on the thumbnails to see the photos and cycle through them.  

This event was a success!  Watch this space for further announcements about supporting research at UCI MIND.

Thank you for your support! Wine for the MIND - Saving Memories with Style was a success for UCI MIND!