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Dr. Joshua Grill discusses Alzheimer’s clinical trials during the pandemic with NPR

By Carousel Slider, Commentary, COVID-19, In the News
Alzheimer syndrom screening.The presentation is made by me based on real scientific knowledge in the public domain. (3-minute listen) After cases began emerging worldwide, thousands of clinical trials unrelated to COVID-19 were paused or canceled amid fears that participants would be infected. But now, some researchers are finding ways to carry on in spite of the coronavirus. "It's been a struggle of course," says Joshua Grill, who directs the Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders at the University of California, Irvine. "But I think there's an imperative for us to find ways to move forward."
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Maria Shriver named Variety’s Entertainment Philanthropist of the Year

By Commentary, In the News
Congratulations to Maria Shriver for being selected as Variety's Entertainment Philanthropist of the Year for her trailblazing Alzheimer’s advocacy! Maria Shriver UCI MIND is honored to partner with Shriver and her organization, the Women's Alzheimer's Movement (WAM), to unravel why 2 out of every 3 people with Alzheimer’s are women. Thanks to Shriver and other local philanthropists, the UCI MIND-WAM Women’s Initiative has now awarded $400,000 to UCI scientists for sex and gender disparities research. Variety: “So much of my work is about awareness, prevention, funding of research and trying to educate people about something they think they don’t have…
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The COVID-19 guide to holiday travel – and the case for why you shouldn’t go this year

By Carousel Slider, Commentary, COVID-19, In the News
"We'll likely continue to see a surge of cases in the fall and over the holidays," says Karen Edwards, a professor and epidemiologist at the University of California, Irvine. "If you must travel, be sure to follow all recommendations, including checking with destinations and events you plan to attend to be sure that travel to that destination or event is still possible. Cancel your trip if you have any symptoms of COVID-19 or concerns about risk of infection."
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Drs. Xu and Cotman receive $3M from NIH to map aging-associated brain changes

By Carousel Slider, Commentary, In the News
Irvine, Calif. – October 15, 2020 – The National Institutes of Health has awarded a team of researchers, led by the University of California, Irvine’s Xiangmin Xu, PhD, a five-year, $3 million grant for a project titled, “Single-Cell Analysis of Aging-Associated 4D Nucleome in the Human Hippocampus.” Now, as part of the 4D Nucleome consortium, Xu, a professor of anatomy and neurobiology and director of the Center for Neural Circuit Mapping at the UCI School of Medicine, together with MPIs, Carl Wayne Cotman, PhD, a professor of neurology and founding director of the UCI Institute for Brain Aging and Dementia,…
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Having Dementia Doesn’t Mean You Can’t Vote

By Commentary, COVID-19, In the News
“There are many misperceptions of what ‘capacity to vote’ is,” said Charles Sabatino, director of the American Bar Association Commission on Law and Aging. “Incapacity to follow a recipe and cook dinner doesn’t mean incapacity to vote. The inability to remember your grandchildren’s names doesn’t mean you can’t vote.” What is required — as the commission and the Penn Memory Center point out in a new guide — is the ability to express a preference. “Can you pick among the choices?” said Dr. Jason Karlawish, a geriatrician and co-director of the Penn Memory Center. “That’s it.”  
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You’re invited to the 11th Annual A December to Remember Gala

By Commentary, Community Events
You’re invited to the 11th Annual A December to Remember Gala benefiting Alzheimer's research at UCI MIND! This year’s virtual event will feature inspiring testimonials, an online auction, and engaging performances. Registration is complimentary. Meal delivery options are available for purchase for Orange County residents. For more information and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Linda Scheck at 949.824.3251 or LScheck@uci.edu. Learn More & Register: https://gala.mind.uci.edu  Add to Calendar: Apple  Outlook Google
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Mark your calendar for upcoming virtual events!

By Commentary, Community Events
Mark your calendar for upcoming virtual events! Wellness Wednesday: Healthy Brain Aging Live Q&A with Joshua Grill, PhD and Ruth Benca, MD, PhD moderated by Debra Hill, MD, UCI School of Medicine Alumni Board Wednesday, October 28, 2020 | 7:00 - 8:00 pm PDT Register online: Click here How does heart health impact the brain? Live Q&A with Daniel Nation, PhD Friday, November 6, 2020 | *1:00 - 1:30 pm PST* Tune in on Facebook: facebook.com/ucirvinemind Caring for the Caregiver Live Q&A panel on the unique challenges facing dementia caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic, moderated by Joshua Grill, PhD Tuesday, November 10, 2020 | 4:00 -…
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How CRISPR is revolutionizing our study of complex diseases, like Alzheimer’s

By Commentary, In the News
Contributed by Jean Paul Chadarevian & Amanda McQuade Dr. Emmanuelle Charpentier and Dr. Jennifer A. Doudna make history as the first all-female team to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their pioneering discovery of CRISPR-Cas9, a highly specific and efficient genome editing technology. Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer A. Doudna (Photo by /Invision/AP) Charpentier, Director at the Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology in Berlin, and Doudna, biochemist at the UC Berkeley, first described the CRISPR-Cas9 system in their 2012 publication in Science. CRISPR, or Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats, was first observed in the bacterial immune system.…
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Wellness Wednesday: Healthy Brain Aging

By Commentary, Community Events, Event Slider
Wellness Wednesday: Healthy Brain Aging October 28, 2020 7 - 8 p.m. PDT Via Zoom Join us for a live presentation and Q&A with UCI School of Medicine faculty and Alzheimer’s researchers, Joshua Grill, Ph.D., Director of UCI MIND, and Ruth Benca, M.D., Ph.D., Director of UCI Sleep Center. Learn about risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease and lifestyle strategies for maintaining a healthy brain as you age. The program will be moderated by Debra A. Hill '78, M.D., Co-President of the UCI School of Medicine Alumni Chapter.   Joshua Grill, Ph.D. Director of the Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (UCI…
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Helping People With Dementia Exercise Their Right to Vote

By Commentary, COVID-19, In the News
The novel coronavirus pandemic and a US Postal Service slowdown may not be the only hurdles facing people with dementia who want to vote in the 2020 general election. Nearly 6 million people in the US have some form of the condition, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates, and they represent almost 2.5% of the 253.8 million US residents who are of voting age. The oldest voters, those aged 60 years or older, are more likely to vote than younger age groups, according to the United States Elections Project; the lion’s share of people with dementia fall…
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Music, Magic and Memories

By Commentary, Community Events
Music, Magic & Memories December 5, 2020 5:30 - 7:00 PM Join UCI MIND for the 11th Annual A December to Remember Gala, an exciting new virtual experience on Saturday, December 5. The free, virtual event will feature engaging performances, inspiring testimonials, an online auction, and delicious dining options. Mark your calendar for a memorable night at home, all in support of the quest toward a cure for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. For more information and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Linda Scheck at 949.824.3251 or LScheck@uci.edu. Learn More & Register: https://gala.mind.uci.edu  Add to Calendar: Apple  Outlook Google
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This Week is FTD Awareness Week! Learn about AD-Related Dementias

By Commentary, In the News
Contributed by S. Ahmad Sajjadi, MD, PhD   Alzheimer’s disease is and will likely remain the commonest cause of dementia. A less well-known fact, however, is that there are also other dementia causing pathologies that are commonly referred to as Alzheimer’s disease related dementia (ADRD). While the scientific community is warming up to the idea that it should consider these other causes in all dementia related research, there is a pressing need for the wider community to be informed about them. These alternative causes of dementia are often age dependent. In people who are younger than 65 years old, a…
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VIDEO: Can we change our genes and risk for Brain Diseases? with Marcelo Wood, PhD

By Commentary, Community Events
ASK THE DOC! UCI MIND Facebook LIVE Video Series 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) to learn about advances in research to improve Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Can we change our genes and risk for brain diseases?   About the Speaker: Marcelo Wood, PhD is a Professor and Chair of Neurobiology and Behavior in the UCI School of Biological Sciences. He…
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5TH ANNUAL HUNTINGTON’S DISEASE EDUCATIONAL SYMPOSIUM

By Commentary, Community Events, In the News
5TH ANNUAL HUNTINGTON'S DISEASE EDUCATIONAL SYMPOSIUM SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3rd, 2020, 1:00 - 3:00 PM   Join us for the 2020 Huntington's Disease Educational Symposium! Due to health concerns over the current COVID-19 pandemic, this year we will be hosting a "virtual" educational symposium. There is no cost to participate, but you must pre-register. REGISTER HERE:  https://uci.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ekBdNftFT7OpZJmERKEBpg Once registered, you will receive an email confirmation with Zoom call-in details for the symposium. Questions? Please contact: Frances Saldana 714-393-8095 Franceshdcare@gmail.comor ucimedia@uci.edu   MODERATOR:    Peter Donovan, PhD, Professor, Developmental and Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences and Biological Chemistry, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine.…
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Portrait Of A Parent With Alzheimer’s

By Commentary, COVID-19, In the News
My 87-year-old mom has Alzheimer's disease in the midst of COVID-19. Right now, that means I can only see her when her Bronx nursing home connects us on Skype. Our Internet connection is sound, but mentally, she is in the grips of this disease. All she can do is just look at me for a few minutes at a time, as I try to get her to remember me. Ramona Latty, talking to her daughter Yvonne over Skype from her nursing home at the beginning of the pandemic. Courtesy of Yvonne Latty "Mommy, it's me, your daughter, tu hija," I…
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8 Top Tips for Preventing Alzheimer’s Disease

By Carousel Slider, Commentary, In the News
More than 5 million people of all ages are living with Alzheimer's in America and that number is expected to rise to nearly 14 million by the 2050. According to the Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Disease is the sixth leading cause of death in this country — killing more Americans than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined. However, research presented at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) shows clear data that improving lifestyle factors can influence the development and the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Here are eight ways to reduce your risk of this devastating disease: Add more fruits and vegetables…
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VIDEO: What role do immune cells play in Alzheimer’s disease? with Lindsay Hohsfield, PhD

By Commentary, Community Events
ASK THE DOC! UCI MIND Facebook LIVE Video Series 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) to learn about advances in research to improve Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. What role do immune cells play in Alzheimer's disease?   About the Speaker: Lindsay Hohsfield, PhD, is an Assistant Project Scientist in the lab of Kim Green, PhD. She earned her PhD from the…
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Today is World Alzheimer’s Day, #LetsTalkAbout Dementia

By Commentary, Community Events, Event Slider
Today, September 21, is World Alzheimer's Day. We invite you to join us for two special programs aimed to raise awareness and reduce stigma of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias #LetsTalkAbout Dementia: Join the BrightFocus Foundation at 6:21:20 AM PST (9:21:20 AM EST), for a special virtual event, Alzheimer’s Turning Point: The Quest for a Cure Continues. The event will feature new clips from the acclaimed documentary Turning Point and insightful interviews with leading BrightFocus-funded scientists, including UCI MIND director, Dr. Joshua Grill. Sign up at this link!  If you missed the live event, BrightFocus has posted the program at this…
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VIDEO: UCI Panel on COVID-19: Part 2

By Commentary, Community Events, COVID-19, In the News, Participants
The UCI Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Center, led by UCI MIND faculty member Dr. Aileen Anderson, hosted part 2 of their expert panel on the state of COVID-19 on September 1. Topics include: Introduction to SARS2-CoV/COVID-19 from Dr. Ming Tan Current status of testing for COVID-19 from UCI MIND faculty member, Dr. Ed Monuki Back to school, wearing masks and public health from Dr. Dan Cooper ASCC’s convalescent plasma and trials for COVID-19 from Dr. Daniela Bota View the complete panel recording below:
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Inaugural IMPACT-AD program launches this week

By Carousel Slider, Commentary, Community Events, In the News
Co-directed by Dr. Joshua Grill, director of UCI MIND, and Dr. Rema Raman, director of biostatistics at USC Alzheimer’s Therapeutic Research Institute, the inaugural class of IMPACT-AD launches this week. The novel program will educate 35 professionals and researchers at various career stages on conducting rigorous, cutting-edge Alzheimer’s clinical trials.
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Special Virtual Event on World Alzheimer’s Day

By Commentary, Community Events, Event Slider
Join the BrightFocus Foundation on September 21, World Alzheimer’s Day, for a special virtual event, Alzheimer’s Turning Point: The Quest for a Cure Continues. The event will feature new clips from the acclaimed documentary Turning Point and insightful interviews with leading BrightFocus-funded scientists, including UCI MIND director, Dr. Joshua Grill. The program begins September 21, 2020 at 9:21:20 AM EST (6:21:20 AM PST) - Sign up here!
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Tackling Dementia with Technology

By Commentary, Community Events
Thank you for attending our first-ever virtual research conference in partnership with Alzheimer’s Orange County. If you missed the livestream on September 10, you can access the recordings, as well as videos from past conferences, on our website: mind.uci.edu/events/conference  A special thank you to this year’s sponsors:
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PODCAST: Helping Others Through Acceptance

By Commentary, In the News
UCI MIND Leadership Council Member, Steve O'Leary, discusses his journey with Alzheimer's disease on Voices of Resilience hosted by Rick Milenthal. Steve changed his life, sold his business, and altered his priorities when his wife of 40 years was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s. After losing Patty just over three years ago, he’s dedicated his life to finding a cure and helping others navigate the devastating impacts of the disease. Click here to listen to the PODCAST >  
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See you tomorrow! “Tackling Dementia with Technology” #tech4alz

By Commentary, Community Events, In the News
The 31st Annual SoCal Alzheimer’s Research Conference goes LIVE tomorrow, September 10th at 8:00 AM PST. Join us to learn about the latest technology in Alzheimer’s research and care. Engage in live Q&A with world-renowned experts. Visit conference.mind.uci.edu for details and live viewing options. Thank you to our sponsors: Belmont Village Senior Living Aliso Viejo Biogen CalOptima CareAssist Services Caregiver Resource Center OC Caring Companions at Home Companion Hospice DevaWorld by mentia Granny's Place, Inc. Housecall Doctors Medical Group Independence at Home LivHome Optimal Hospice Care Syrentis Clinical Research
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SCRC Panel on COVID-19 – Sept. 1, 2020

By Commentary, Community Events
Don't Forget to Register! On September 1, join scientists from the Stem Cell Research Center as they continue the discussion on COVID-19, the status of testing for COVID-19, current studies and trials as well as going back to school, wearing masks and public health.   Register by clicking here. Learn more about the event here. You can also watch the livestream on their Facebook page. Register Here
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MIND Matters | Quarterly Newsletter | Summer 2020

By Commentary, Community Events, COVID-19, In the News, Participants
Message from the Director   Dear Friends of UCI MIND, Summer of 2020 has been unlike any summer before. We are all struggling to adjust to life amid a global pandemic that has been upending our lives for several months. Many of us have been unable to see our loved ones, others have lost our treasured family members. At the end of this newsletter, we offer some guidance from the Centers for Disease Control for caregivers of people living with dementia. Despite COVID-19, the work of UCI MIND continues. This includes important milestones. Most notably, the NIH selected UCI MIND…
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Supporting Research to End Alzheimer’s

By Carousel Slider, Commentary, In the News
In 1964, Keith Swayne, then a graduate student at UC Berkeley, went on a blind date with local school teacher Judy Kjellberg. He was head over heels, and just two weeks later, he proposed to her. Over the next 50 years, they raised a son and daughter, pursued their careers and engaged with the Orange County community through nonprofit work. Judy created the Orange County Community Foundation in 1989, laying the groundwork for it to grow into a change-maker with assets today in excess of $400 million, supporting various causes across the region. But during the final decade of their…
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VIDEO: Do all people with Down syndrome get Alzheimer’s disease with Eric Doran, MS

By Commentary, Community Events, COVID-19
ASK THE DOC! UCI MIND Facebook LIVE Video Series 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) to learn about advances in research to improve Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Do all people with Down syndrome get Alzheimer's disease?   About the Speaker: Eric Doran, MS, serves as manager for the UCI Down Syndrome Program, directed by Ira Lott, MD, professor emeritus of pediatrics…
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Do all people with Down syndrome get Alzheimer’s disease? Ask Eric Doran, MS

By Commentary, Community Events
Do all people with Down syndrome get Alzheimer's disease? Join UCI MIND for a live Q&A on Facebook with Eric Doran, MS this Friday, August 21st at 11:00-11:30 AM PST. How to Attend Live: Login (or create an account) at facebook.com. Click this DIRECT LINK or visit our Facebook page (@UCIrvineMIND) on Friday at 11 AM PST ("Like" and "Follow" our page in advance to receive notifications when we go live). Watch and participate in the live Q&A by typing your questions into the comments box.
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This brain protein may put the brakes on Alzheimer’s

By Carousel Slider, Commentary, In the News
Considerable: “Scientists have known for a long time that inflammation is a driver of Alzheimer’s disease, but inflammation is complex and involves many factors,” said UCI MIND faculty member Dr. Frank LaFerla, dean of UCI School of Biological Sciences at the University of California, Irvine, where the research was conducted. “That’s why we decided to look at TOM-1.” … “You can think of TOM-1 as being like the brakes of a car, and the brakes aren’t working for people with Alzheimer's,” LaFerla said. “This research shows that fixing the brakes at the molecular level could provide an entirely new therapeutic…
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UCI scientists get ‘initial hit’ in developing drug to treat COVID-19

By Commentary, COVID-19, In the News
When the coronavirus pandemic hit, almost everyone at UCI – and colleges across the nation – had to abandon campus. But UCI MIND faculty member James Nowick, professor of chemistry, was not a part of that exodus. That’s because his lab, which designs and constructs chemical molecules, had the right equipment to help in the global push to find treatments for COVID-19. A synthetic molecule called a macrocycle created in the laboratory of UCI chemistry professor James Nowick binds onto coronavirus particles and won’t let go. Adam Kreutzer, Rene Gauthier-Butterfield / UCI
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Study: People don’t freak out over Alzheimer’s biomarker data

By Carousel Slider, Commentary, In the News
MedPage Today: Is it safe to share Alzheimer's disease biomarker results with older adults who don't have cognitive impairment? In the short-term at least, the answer appears to be "yes," according to a study of Anti-Amyloid Treatment in Asymptomatic Alzheimer's Disease (A4) clinical trial candidates. Older Adults who learned they had elevated amyloid levels didn't experience more short-term depression, anxiety, or suicidality than those who learned they didn't have elevated amyloid, reported Joshua Grill, PhD, of University of California, Irvine, and colleagues in JAMA Neurology. ... This may be the largest study to date about delivering Alzheimer's biomarker information to cognitively unimpaired…
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FDA: Beware hand sanitizers tainted with methanol

By Commentary, COVID-19, In the News
Hand sanitizer has become an integral part of the COVID-19 health toolbox, especially when soap and water is not available. However, some brands of hand sanitizers pose a new threat to our health. Increased demand during the pandemic has caused shortages of well-known U.S. brands, and now many new companies are selling hand sanitizer products that contain methanol, commonly known as wood alcohol. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has recalled and imposed import bans on dozens of brands found to contain the toxic chemical. It also is working with major retailers to pull those products off shelves. Methanol…
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UCI MIND awarded $14.4 million NIH grant to continue critical Alzheimer’s disease research, education

By Carousel Slider, Commentary, In the News
UCI MIND, the Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders at UCI, has been awarded a $14.4 million grant from the National Institute on Aging, one of the National Institutes of Health, to sustain critical research and education as Orange County’s only Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. The NIA funds only 32 of these centers at major academic institutions across the U.S. They conduct groundbreaking research to improve the understanding, diagnosis, care and treatment for people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. “The value of the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center is immeasurable to both the campus and the community,” said Pramod…
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Dr. Joshua Grill Selected to Serve on HFC Scientific Advisory Board

By Commentary, In the News
Composed of thought leaders in the areas of Alzheimer’s disease, research, and brain health prevention, education, and risk reduction, HFC’s Science Advisory Board members come from a variety of prestigious institutions. These experts are at the forefront of groundbreaking research and clinical practice in the field. Inaugural members of the board include Dr. Megan Jones-Bell, Annie Fenn, M.D., Lisa Genova, Ph.D, Joshua Grill, Ph.D, Dr. Lisa Mosconi, Ph.D, Amanda Smith, M.D.,Dr, Wendy Suzuki, Richard S. Isaacson, M.D.   Josh Grill, Associate Professor, Psychiatry & Human Behaviorphoto: steve zylius/UCI
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Free COVID-19 antibody testing

By Commentary, COVID-19, In the News
The UCI Blood Donor Center is now offering free COVID-19 antibody testing for qualified donors who donate blood or platelets. This is exclusively available at the donor center in Orange, not at mobile drives. Testing is open to all, not just UCI employees. Antibody testing does not diagnose a current case of COVID. It may help determine whether a person was previously infected, but not in all cases. Please read this Q & A to better understand the COVID antibody test. The blood donor center is located in Pavilion 3 next to Occupational Health. Hours are Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri.…
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Call to action: Promoting Alzheimer’s Awareness to Prevent Elder Abuse Act

By Commentary, In the News
The Alzheimer’s Impact Movement and Alzheimer’s Association need your advocacy support: The Promoting Alzheimer’s Awareness to Prevent Elder Abuse Act (H.R. 6813/S.3703) is critical legislation which would require the Department of Justice to develop training materials to assist professionals who support victims of abuse living with Alzheimer’s and other dementia in order to improve the quality of their interactions with this vulnerable population and help protect them from elder abuse. Support for this legislation has been growing, but to keep up the momentum, it is critical that your Senators hear from you today. Please ask your Senators to co-sponsor and pass…
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Commentary on Flu and Pneumonia Vaccination and Reduced Risk of Alzheimer’s Dementia

By Commentary, In the News
Contributed by Hayk Davtyan, PhD Vaccines have become one of the most discussed topics during the COVID-19 pandemic. From development to distribution, the whole world has their eyes on a new vaccine. However, promising new data has now brought common vaccines even to the forefront of discussion in the study of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). At the 2020 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference this week (#AAIC20), newly presented data shows how flu and pneumonia vaccines may lower the risk for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Hayk Davtyan, PhD Previous studies have shown the possible connection between vaccination and reducing cognitive decline. Yet, there has…
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Dr. Ahmad Sajjadi Joins ACTC Early Career Project Evaluation Committee

By Commentary, In the News
Dr. Ahmad Sajjadi UCI MIND faculty member, Ahmad Sajjadi, MD, PhD, was recently named a member of the Alzheimer’s Clinical Trials Consortium (ACTC) Early Career Project Evaluation Committee (PEC). The ACTC is a clinical trials network designed to accelerate and expand studies for therapies in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. UCI MIND has been a member of the ACTC network since its inception in 2018. The PEC of the ACTC is an important early first step in determining what trials the network will take on and in this initiative will provide mentorship for early career members. Dr. Sajjadi is an Assistant…
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Will your brain stay sharp into your 90s? Certain factors are key

By Carousel Slider, Commentary, In the News
HealthDay - July 22, 2020 Maria Corrada, a professor of epidemiology at the Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders at the University of California, Irvine (UCI MIND), said, "Some of the characteristics found to be related to resistance and resilience to Alzheimer's pathology can be changed or modified -- pulse pressure, smoking, paid work and life satisfaction." … "We believe that there are things we can do with our lifestyle that can help us maintain good cognitive health," she said.
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UCI MIND leading new training for scientists on Alzheimer’s clinical trials

By Commentary, Community Events, In the News
The University of California, Irvine Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (UCI MIND) is leading a new annual multi-day course on clinical trials in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Josh GrillPhoto: Steve Zylius/UCI The course will be directed by Joshua Grill, PhD, Director of UCI MIND and Rema Raman, PhD, a professor of neurology at the Keck School and the Director of Biostatistics at USC Alzheimer’s Therapeutic Research Institute (ATRI). Other course faculty members include UCI MIND researchers Daniel Gillen, PhD and David Sultzer, MD. The launch of the training program, called IMPACT-AD, is designed to educate and promote…
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New discovery reveals brain network mechanism that causes spatial memory impairment in Alzheimer’s disease

By Carousel Slider, Commentary, In the News
Contributed by UCI MIND faculty member Kei Igarashi, PhD. In a paper recently published in Neuron, our lab found for the first time that “remapping” of hippocampus place cells, a brain circuit function to distinguish distinct environments, is disrupted in an Alzheimer’s disease mouse model. Our work suggests that remapping impairment is a circuit mechanism causing spatial memory impairment in Alzheimer’s disease. We hope that, by developing methods to reactivate remapping, we can develop new treatments for spacial memory impairment in Alzheimer’s disease patients in a near future.
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UCI receives record $529 million in research funding for fiscal 2019-20

By Commentary, In the News
20 percent more than last year, the total reflects strong support for campus mission Irvine, Calif., July 20, 2020 — From cutting-edge research and clinical trials focused on cancer care to creating a new center devoted to protecting personal data privacy, University of California, Irvine scholars, scientists and physicians are blazing new paths to help change the world. And their impact keeps growing. In fiscal 2019-20, which ended June 30, UCI researchers received the most funding in campus history: $529 million in grants and contracts. Awards from federal and state agencies, leading foundations and forward-thinking companies increased by 20 percent…
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CDC Updates Public Data Portal on the Health of Older Adults

By Commentary
Contributed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):   The CDC recently updated the Alzheimer’s Disease and Healthy Aging Data Portal, which provides access to a range of national, regional, and state data on older adults. This resource allows users to examine data on key indicators of health and well-being for older Americans, including caregiving and cognitive decline, by age group, gender, and race/ethnicity. The Portal was updated with 2018 BRFSS data, including data on cognitive decline from 50 states and data on caregivers from 44 states. Portal users can retrieve CDC data by indicator or by geographic…
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