Thank you for your generous support of UCI MIND for UCI Giving Day. We raised over $18,000 to directly support Alzheimer’s disease research. To learn more about UCI MIND, we invite you to check out our 2020 Annual Report. Thank you!
COVID-19 has introduced tremendous uncertainty into our lives. It has made life challenging for many, none more than families facing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Yet, one certainty remains – brain diseases will devastate our increasingly older population…unless researchers find solutions. UCI MIND remains focused on these efforts. To support the scientists, students, and programs across our great university, donate to dementia research on #UCIGivingDay coming up on Wednesday, April 28th. Help us rise to the challenge and unlock a $2,500 gift in support of Alzheimer’s research from Belmont Village by being one of the first 50 donors to UCI…
How are male and female brains different? Join UCI MIND for live Q&A with Dr. Ashley Keiser this Thursday, April 15 @ 12:00 PM PT. Visit mind.uci.edu/mindcast for direct links to YouTube and Facebook
Our community partners, Alzheimer’s Orange County, the UCI Down Syndrome Program at UCI MIND, the Regional Center of Orange County and the Down Syndrome Association of Orange County, have provided an ongoing education and support program to individuals and families living with Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease. To learn more, visit: https://www.alzoc.org/resources/idd/ There will be a three-part training series offered in May for those working in group homes, day programs, & other agencies. The flyer is listed below and the PDF is accessible here >
Contributed by Orange County Aging Services Collaborative The registration for Senior Rally Day is open! Please share the attached flyer with your networks. Click Here to Register
Contributed by Ashley A. Keiser, PhD A new study from researchers in Sweden published in Brain finds faster accumulation of a major hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease, neurofibrillary protein aggregates containing tau in female, compared with male brains. Researchers also found greater memory impairments in women with Alzheimer’s disease. Sex differences in Alzheimer’s disease risk have been extensively reported. Particularly, women exhibit greater cognitive impairment and the rate of acceleration of impairment is observed to exceed men. Women are also twice as likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Although previous cross-sectional studies that capture a single data point in time…
Brain Health & Alzheimer’s Thursday, April 8th 10-11:30am Location: Zoom Meeting ID: 965 2691 0913 Passcode: Spring2021
Last weekend, UCI Down Syndrome Program Manager Eric Doran passed out healthcare supplies to caregivers and individuals with Down syndrome at DSAOC’s “To Your Health” Event. His partner for the day, Sean McElwee, stars in A&E Network’s Emmy-winning docuseries, Born This Way and runs his own t-shirt printing business, Seanese. Sarah Jensen attended the drive-by event with her parents. In addition to PPE and disinfectant products, she received a backpack and craft supplies. To learn more about the Down Syndrome Program, contact downsyndrome@uci.edu or 714-456-8443.
Message from the Director Happy New Year, Friends of UCI MIND! For many of us, a New Year brings the promise of fresh starts and new beginnings. In 2021, it also means a welcomed good-bye to a very long 2020. Despite the challenges that 2020 brought, it also brought progress that must now continue in 2021. This includes progress in social justice, progress in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, and progress in research to rid the world of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. UCI MIND is committed to contributing to further progress in each of these areas. Though the COVID-19 pandemic…
UC Irvine’s Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders raised some $300,000 at its A December to Remember Gala on Dec. 5, 2020. The event took place virtually for the very first time, reaching over 850 viewers on multiple online channels including Facebook, Youtube and the UCI MIND website. A recording of the event is available to view on UCI MIND’s YouTube page. The online broadcast, co-hosted by UCI MIND Director Joshua Grill and auctioneer Zack Krone, included performances from Justin Willman, the star and creator of the hit Netflix series “Magic for Humans,” and Ashley Campbell, singer-songwriter and daughter of…
Quarterly Seminar Series provided by UCI MIND-SCCCA Joshua Grill, PhD February 16, 2021 1:00 – 2:00 PM PT Free Virtual Event
Do you have questions about Down Syndrome and Alzheimer’s Disease? Ask the Doc! Join experts Dr. Ira Lott, Dr. Elizabeth Head, and Eric Doran this Thursday from 12-1 PM PT for a live virtual Q&A panel. How to Ask the Docs: 1. Register here to pre-submit questions. 2. On Thursday at noon, click your preferred website below to view the live episode: – YouTube (ask & view) – Facebook (ask & view) – UCI MINDcast (view-only) 3. Participate in Q&A on YouTube or Facebook by typing your questions into the comments box.
Join UCI School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences on Thursday, February 11th for a community information session with their Scientists & Pharmacists to learn the basics about COVID-19 Vaccines and what to expect as they become more widely available. Registration links below! Can’t make it on February 11th? Join them on March 1st for an encore presentation. February 11th Registration: https://bit.ly/2M6YQFc March 1st Registration: https://bit.ly/3pt8sIt
UCI MIND is now accepting applications for IMPACT-AD, a multi-day course on clinical trials in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). The training course, directed by Joshua Grill, PhD, Director of UCI MIND and Rema Raman, PhD, Director of Biostatistics at USC Alzheimer’s Therapeutic Research Institute, was launched in 2020 and is designed to educate and promote diversity among researchers and future principal investigators in the field of ADRD. The course will run from September 19-23, 2021. Applications close April 30, 2021. Learn more and apply at https://impact-ad.org
Do you have questions about Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease? Join our experts for a live virtual Q&A panel, ASK THE DOC! Thursday, February 11 12:00 – 1:00 PM PT REGISTER About the Panel: Ira Lott, MD Professor Emeritus of Pediatrics and Neurology at UCI and Director of UCI Down Syndrome Program Elizabeth Head, PhD Professor and Vice Chair for Research in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Eric Doran, MS Manager of UCI Down Syndrome Program The event will be moderated by Chelsea Cox, MPH, MSW Assoc. Director of Education How to Ask the Doc: Click here to register for the event. Instructions and…
UCI MIND presents Meet The Team, a video series where diverse staff members from UCI MIND discuss their unique roles in dementia research! In this first episode, meet Shirley Sirivong, Manager of Clinical Research Operations at UCI MIND. Shirley discusses her unique role in dementia research: mind.uci.edu/mindcast
UCI MIND presents Spotlight on Care, the podcast where we share stories, experiences, tips and advice on caring for loved ones affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias! Meet the Co-Hosts, Steve O’Leary and Virginia Naeve, in this first 20-min episode! They share their personal caregiving journeys, provide an overview of the series, and offer some initial caregiving tips: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1589794#
Join Director of UCI MIND, Dr. Joshua Grill, this Thursday, January 14 @ 12 PM PT for a live discussion and Q&A on the status of new treatments for Alzheimer’s disease in 2021. Bring your questions! See you Thursday on Facebook & YouTube LIVE. Learn more and view all videos at mind.uci.edu/mindcast
Contributed by the CARE Registry: It’s time for our very first annual CARE Brain Trust meeting! This is a special meeting for researchers and community partners who want to learn more about the CARE project. We will discuss everything from the importance of representation and our data access protocol! Come join us for an important and informative meeting that may change the course and improve clinical research! There will be raffles held throughout the meeting! Reserve your tickets today: https://tinyurl.com/CAREtrust

Did you know that Asians, including Korean Americans are among the least represented groups in health research? CARE stands for “Collaborative Approach for Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders Research & Education”. The goal of the CARE Registry is to connect Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to various types of research that may make a difference in improving the health of you, your family and future generations. Please join Dr. Hye-Won Shin, Director of Asian American Outreach of UCI Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (UCI MIND), and CARE Community Advisory Board member for the 1st CARE Registry Korean Virtual Information Session! This session will be offered…
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 stem cells treat Alzheimer's disease and related disorders? About the Speaker: Dr. Blurton-Jones is an Associate Professor of Neurobiology & Behavior in the UCI School of Biological Sciences, and he leads the induced...

Tomorrow A December to Remember Gala, presented by UCI MIND and the Harris Taylor Family, is tomorrow! We look forward to an evening of music, magic, and memories for Alzheimer’s research. Pre-Show at 5:30 PM PST Live Program at 6:00 – 7:00 PM PST Three Viewing Options: YouTube Live (watch on your Smart TV) Facebook Live (interact with other viewers) Gala Website (quick access to auction items) Live Stream Link Silent Auction The gala auction is now live and closes Monday, December 7 at 12:00 PM PST. Two Ways to Bid: Visit mind.uci.edu/bid Text MIND to 61094 View Auction Presenting Sponsor Harris…

Today is Giving Tuesday, a celebration of generosity and philanthropy, and a global movement to harness the power of community for the greater good. At UCI MIND, we rely on the support of our community to advance life-changing research and continue the fight against Alzheimer’s disease, a debilitating illness that impacts more than 5.8 million Americans and their families. This Giving Tuesday, we hope you will expand our capacity to conduct promising research and accelerate progress toward a world without Alzheimer’s disease by supporting the Alzheimer’s Disease Excellence Fund. Our goal is to rid the world of Alzheimer’s disease. We…

Today is Giving Tuesday, and UCI MIND could use your help during this year’s international day of philanthropy. We hope you will support us by: Staying connected! Visit this link for ways to follow UCI MIND and keep informed of brain health, Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia research. Making a gift! Click here to donate to the Alzheimer’s Disease Excellence Fund. Your donation of any amount will help advance research into the treatment, prevention, diagnosis and care for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. At UCI MIND, our goal is to rid the world of Alzheimer’s disease. We need the power…
Message from the Director Dear Friends of UCI MIND, As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact our lives this fall, the fight to solve Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) must charge forward. This November, the U.S. FDA will convene an advisory committee to assess potential approval of Biogen’s aducanumab, a monoclonal antibody in development for treatment of early AD. We will watch closely as aducanumab could be the first new approved drug for AD since 2005. Regardless of the outcome of the meeting and subsequent FDA decision – anticipated in March 2021 – this represents a milestone for…
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. How does heart health impact the brain? About the Speaker: Daniel Nation, PhD is an Associate Professor of Psychological Science in the UCI School of Social Ecology. He earned his PhD in clinical...
For the first time in the event’s decade-long history, the University of California, Irvine Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (UCI MIND)’s A December to Remember gala will raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s research in a digital setting. While many sectors remain at a standstill due to the pandemic, nonprofits like UCI MIND know that their mission must march forward. The virtual gala event will take place online on Saturday, Dec. 5 from 5:30-7 p.m., and is free to attend. To register to attend, visit https://aesbid.co/ELP/UCIMIND20/. “We saw an incredible opportunity as we reimagined our annual gala to…
UCI MIND & UCI School of Nursing present a live Q&A panel: Caring for the Caregiver Tuesday, November 10, 2020 4:00 – 5:30 pm PDT Live on Facebook & YouTube Join us for a virtual discussion and Q&A with experts on the unique challenges facing dementia caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Panelists include Dr. Joshua Grill, director of UCI MIND, Drs. Alison Holman and Jung-Ah Lee, faculty in the UCI School of Nursing, and Dr. Lisa Gibbs, medical director of UCI Senior Health Center. Register online to receive live viewing instructions.
UC San Francisco, UC Davis, UC Irvine, National Asian Pacific Center on Aging (NAPCA), International Children Assistance Network (ICAN) in partnership with over twenty community partners serving diverse Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) communities in California and nationwide, is pleased to announce the launch of the Collaborative Approach for AAPI Research and Education (CARE) research registry. The CARE registry team reflect multiple diverse AAPI cultures and languages. CARE is an opportunity for AAPI to participate in important research that may affect ourselves, our parents, children and grandchildren. Some of the important research may contribute to finding cures for and/or ways to…
Contributed by Franklin Garcia, PhD, UCI MIND Postdoctoral Fellow “On this Research Diversity Day, I would like to share my early undergraduate experience that paved the way for my interest in aging research. The concept of pursuing a career in scientific research was new to me since, as a first-generation university student, I didn’t have mentors or older peers that could shed some insight or guidance. Fortunately, during my last two years as an undergraduate student at UC Irvine, I received mentorship from my research advisor, Prof. Frank LaFerla and the faculty advisors in the Neurobiology major. As an…
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
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 –…
Join UCI School of Nursing and UCI MIND for a virtual discussion and Q&A with experts on the unique challenges facing dementia caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nov. 10, 2020 | 4:00-5:30 PM PDT Register today: mind.uci.edu/register
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…
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

UC Irvine is providing consulting services to private businesses to develop rules and procedures to keep employees and customers safe from COVID-19 as the economy starts to open up. “As the only program in public health in Orange County, we have an obligation to assist our community,” UCI professor Karen Edwards said in a press release. “I think there’s a gap in this area for us to step up and offer these types of services. This has the potential to have a major positive impact.” Orange County was on track to move into the state’s less restrictive orange tier until…
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...
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….
Join UCI MIND on Friday, Oct 2 @ 11:00 AM PST for our monthly Facebook Live Q&A series! In this episode, Dr. Marcelo Wood, Professor and Chair of Neurobiology & Behavior will answer questions about ‘epigenetics’ and brain disease. Click this DIRECT LINK to view the livestream and participate.
Webinar Monday, September 28 @ 11 AM PST. This webinar will focus on how social isolation and loneliness affect older adults’ health and well-being, particularly amid the unique challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The webinar will also address social isolation and loneliness in the context of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, emphasize the impact of health disparities, and provide information on potential interventions and mitigating technologies.
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...
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...
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:
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.
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!
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:
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