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, 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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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? 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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The 31st Annual SoCal Alzheimer's Disease Research Conference is coming up! Learn how researchers are “Tackling Dementia with Technology” Register today: https://conference.mind.uci.edu
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#AAIC20 kicks off today! A virtual week-long international conference covering the latest topics in #Alzheimers and #dementia science and healthcare. Today, Dr. Vivek Swarup from UCI MIND led a discussion on #genetics and omics of Alzheimer’s – his presentation available On Demand at AAIC: aaic2020.vfairs.com
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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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Join UCI MIND and Alzheimer's Orange County for the 31st Annual Southern California Alzheimer’s Disease Research Conference: "Tackling Dementia with Technology" Thursday, September 10, 2020 | 8:00 am - 12:00 pm PST Live on YouTube & Facebook International experts will discuss how new technology is being used to accelerate science and care for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. This free virtual conference welcomes healthcare providers, senior/social service providers, patients and families, researchers, students, and anyone eager to learn. Click here to learn more and register: https://conference.mind.uci.edu
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The doctor is in again! Join us and The Women's Alzheimer's Movement (WAM) for WAM Live: Doctor’s Hours, today at 3pm PST on Instagram LIVE with WAM Scientific Advisor & Director of UCI MIND, Dr. Josh Grill: https://www.instagram.com/womensalzmovement/ Have you ever wanted to know about clinical trials, how to get involved, or what that even means? Do you have a burning question about Alzheimer’s or brain health you want answered? Ask Dr. Grill during this informative and interactive Instagram live.
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Contributed by the Long-Term Care and Aging Services Division of the California Department of Aging (CDA) I would like to share with you the California Department of Aging’s latest opportunity for public engagement with the Master Plan for Aging: the COVID-19 Impacts & Recommendation Survey. COVID-19 has changed the lives of Californians in so many ways. Millions of people of all ages are staying home and reinventing how to live, work, and connect with family, friends, and communities. Many are experiencing isolation, interruption in services, and loss of income due to the pandemic and resulting recession. Others cannot stay home, because of essential…
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About the Speaker: Nicole Berchtold, PhD is an associate project scientist at UCI MIND. She completed her BS in Biology at Duke University, spent 2 years in neuroscience research at the University of Lausanne in Switzerland, and completed her PhD and postdoctoral research at UCI. She has over 40 publications investigating biological mechanisms by which exercise enhances hippocampal function and learning, and the molecular changes that occur in the brain with aging and Alzheimer’s disease. She has helped procure multiple grants for over 25 years and is a regular contributor to journal reviews and conferences in her discipline.
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Join UCI MIND on Friday, July 10 at 11:00-11:30 AM for our monthly Facebook Live Q&A series. In this episode, Dr. Nicole Berchtold, a UCI MIND laboratory scientist, will answer your questions about exercise and brain health. Click this direct link to watch the video and ask your questions.
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Laughter On Call founder, Dani Klein Modisett, was recently featured in the New York Times. Learn more about the inspiration behind the program here. We could all use a laugh in these uncertain times. If you’re a person with Alzheimer’s disease, a family member, or caregiver, you can join LaughterOnCall for their virtual Lunchtime Laughter meetings, Monday-Friday at 12 PM PST. This webinar offers a light-hearted, engaging way to laugh and cope with feelings of isolation that can come from social distancing. To register, visit https://zoom.us/meeting/register/uZEtdemurzIq_pN_HCQ7TY2I8cpa4NsoGQ OR e-mail info@laughteroncall.com to sign up. LaughterOnCall may record these meetings for quality purposes.
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Today is UCI’s 4th annual Giving Day. Giving Day is an opportunity to support the scientists, students and programs across our great university. During these uncertain times of COVID-19, economic struggles for many, and the confrontation of anti-Black racism, we understand that many are not able to give. For those who are able, we invite you to support critical research to understand and ultimately end brain disease, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Huntington’s disease. Through collective action, we can achieve a world without neurodegenerative disorders. Your gift today will accelerate research toward that mission. UCI MIND – Donate to Alzheimer’s…
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Please join our community partners, the Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement (WAM) founded by Maria Shriver, for The WAM Summit. This summit will cover the latest on women’s brains, Alzheimer’s prevention, and caregiving. WHAT: A one-hour virtual experience WHEN: Thursday, June 25th, 3PM PDT REGISTER: http://bit.ly/WAMSummit
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Today is Juneteenth, the commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States. On this day in 1865, two and a half years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, Union soldiers landed in Galveston, Texas. They brought news that the war had ended and the enslaved were now free. American and Juneteenth flags | Wikimedia Commons Today, the fight for Black equality continues. Systemic racism continues to affect healthcare, nutritional access, education, and socioeconomic status in Black communities, all of which increase risk for Alzheimer’s disease. This Juneteenth occurs amid the historic Black Lives Matter movement. It reminds…
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Resources and information from the UCI School of Medicine Center of Excellence on Elder Abuse and Neglect, the USC Center for Elder Mistreatment, and the National Center on Elder Abuse. Today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEEAD). The International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations launched the first WEAAD on June 15, 2006 in an effort to unite communities around the world in raising awareness about elder abuse. Elder abuse is widespread, and older adults living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias are especially vulnerable. According to the National…
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UCI MIND is committed to taking action and making a difference for Black lives in research and academia. To start, we want to hear from you, our followers and stakeholders. Please join UCI MIND Director, Dr. Joshua Grill, for a virtual Town Hall this Friday, June 12 @ 9 AM to openly, honestly discuss issues around racism and how UCI MIND can do more and do better during this critical time. To attend Zoom meeting and share in the discussion, please email RSVP to cgcox@uci.edu.
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Why are animal models used to study Alzheimer's? Tune in tomorrow to find out! Join UCI MIND for a live Q&A on Facebook with Dr. Frank LaFerla this Friday, June 5th at 11:00-11:30 AM PST: https://facebook.com/UCIrvineMIND/videos/554909168796463/
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Dear Friends of UCI MIND, In light of the current events, UCI has decided to postpone its annual UCI Giving Day - scheduled for today, June 3 - to ensure we are giving space to the important messages that need to be communicated during this uncertain time. On behalf of the faculty and staff at UCI MIND, thank you for your ongoing support in the fight against Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Sincerely, Joshua D. Grill, PhD Director of UCI MIND
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In March, the UCI Medical Center became the first hospital in Orange County to provide COVID-19 testing. In this episode of the UCI Podcast Video Series, UCI MIND faculty member Dr. Ed Monuki, chair of pathology who leads UCI Health’s testing efforts, discusses how the campus came together to address this community need and how future testing for the coronavirus and its antibodies will play an important role with the resumption of our regular daily activities, like going back to work or the classroom. https://youtu.be/U6MJL-KoOrU
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Message from the Director Dear Friends of UCI MIND, Since writing my last message for our Winter 2020 issue, we have all had our worlds turned upside down by COVID-19. At UCI MIND, we have faced challenges and have had to temporarily adapt our research programs. But, I know these challenges pale in comparison to those faced by members of our community. I’m especially concerned about the additional challenges faced by caregivers of people living with dementia, as well as the social isolation physical distancing can bring to older people who are living alone. We are eager to help…
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Dr. Karen Edwards is Professor and Chair of the UCI Department of Epidemiology. Her primary research focus is in genetic epidemiology and the use of multivariate approaches to define phenotypes for complex diseases. Dr. Edwards’ genetic epidemiology research covers a broad range of conditions, including diabetes, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, melanoma and Parkinson’s Disease. She also studies interactions between environmental factors (particularly diet) and genetic susceptibility (Gene x environment interactions) and several interdisciplinary projects that focus on the ethical, legal or social implications of genomics and applications to clinical and public health practice. Dr. Edwards received a MS in Nutrition…
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Hear UCI MIND faculty member and Chair of the UCI Department of Epidemiology, Dr. Karen Edwards, lecture on "Disease Detectives: COVID-19 and Contact Tracing" this Thursday, May 21, 2020 at 12:30 PM. Register here > About Dr. Edwards: Dr. Karen Edwards is Professor and Chair of the UCI Department of Epidemiology. Her primary research focus is in genetic epidemiology and the use of multivariate approaches to define phenotypes for complex diseases. Dr. Edwards’ genetic epidemiology research covers a broad range of conditions, including diabetes, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, melanoma and Parkinson’s Disease. She also studies interactions between environmental factors (particularly…
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UCI MIND Faculty member Dr. Edwin Monuki participated in multiple LIVE videos this week to discuss the current state of testing for COVID-19 in Orange County. The presentations were hosted by UCI Stem Cell Research Center and Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris, and you can view the videos below: 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Dr. Edwin S. Monuki watches microbiology lab scientist Jeanie Garcia process a patient's COVID-19 test sample. Photo Credit: Carlos Puma Read how through the efforts of the UC Irvine Health team, under the leadership of UCI MIND Faculty Member, Dr. Edwin Monuki, the medical center became the first hospital in Orange County to provide in-house COVID-19 testing on March 19 – more than two weeks ahead of schedule. http://www.ucihealth.org/…/racing-to-deliver-covid19-testing Dr. Monuki recently commented on antibody testing for the UCI MIND Blog and will participate in a virtual panel discussion tonight, May 14 at 7 PM PST. Click HERE to register.
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The Center for Biotechnology and Global Health Policy and the Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center have partnered to host a virtual panel of experts discussing COVID-19. The event takes place Thursday, May 14, from 7 to 8 p.m. Four experts, including UCI MIND faculty member Dr. Ed Monuki, will address the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Monuki recently blogged about the state of antibody testing. Hear more on this topic at the virtual panel. Register here. It will be streamed on Facebook at facebook.com/UCIStemCell and on YouTube at https://youtu.be/Pau-eWPE0RY. For further information, contact Judy Baek at Judy.baek@uci.edu
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UCI has launched the ASSIST Program – Assisting & Serving Socially Isolated Seniors via Telephone. UCI medical and nursing students who have been mobilized received the program training, and are ready to be paired with older adult participants who would like to receive regular check-ins via telephone just to chat and/or to receive referrals to community resources during this difficult time while they are self-isolating. The flyer is linked here and provided below. If interested, please call: (714) 497-0315.
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We could all use a laugh in these uncertain times. If you’re a person with Alzheimer’s disease, a family member, or caregiver, you can join LaughterOnCall for their virtual Lunchtime Laughter meetings, Monday-Friday at 12 PM PST. This webinar offers a light-hearted, engaging way to laugh and cope with feelings of isolation that can come from social distancing. To register, visit https://zoom.us/meeting/register/uZEtdemurzIq_pN_HCQ7TY2I8cpa4NsoGQ OR e-mail info@laughteroncall.com to sign up. LaughterOnCall may record these meetings for quality purposes.
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We’re pleased to announce the “Focus on Aging” webinar series with the Administration for Community Living, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Health Resources and Services Administration, and the National Institute on Aging. The first webinar, “Supporting Older Adults in Emergencies: Preparedness, Response, and Recovery” will be held May 13 at 1:30-3:00 p.m. ET. Register today! https://www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers/focus-aging-federal-partners-webinar-series A message from: Nina Silverberg, PhD Director, Alzheimer's Disease Centers Program Division of Neuroscience National Institute on Aging National Institutes of Health
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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. Alzheimer's disease, clinical trials, and COVID-19 About the Speaker: Dr. Gillen received his PhD in Biostatistics from the University of Washington and leads the Data Management and Statistics Core for UCI MIND’s NIH-designated…
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Alzheimer's disease, clinical trials, and COVID-19 Join UCI MIND for a live Q&A on Facebook with Dr. Daniel Gillen, Professor and Chair of Statistics at UC Irvine, this Friday, May 1st at 11:00-11:30 AM PST. About the Speaker: Daniel Gillen received his PhD in Biostatistics from the University of Washington and leads the Data Management and Statistics Core for UCI MIND’s NIH-designated Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. He is an elected fellow of the American Statistical Association and widely recognized for his work in the design and analysis of clinical trials for Alzheimer’s disease and other health conditions. Dr. Gillen serves…
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A message from the CA Department of Aging: Join us April 22 for a Caring for Family & Friends Check-In Call: Caregiving from Afar Are You Caring for Family or Friends from Afar During COVID-19? Whether you are providing support to an older person across town, across the country, or in a Nursing Home or Residential Care Facility, COVID-19 guidelines have presented new challenges and concerns. Don’t miss out on a great opportunity to connect with caregiving experts! Wednesday, April 22th, at 1pm the California Department of Aging (https://aging.ca.gov) and the Alzheimer’s Association (https://www.alz.org) will host their 2nd of a…
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Did you know UCI MIND keeps a comprehensive archive of educational videos on our YouTube channel? View past Distinguished Lectures on the Brain, Q&A with experts on topics such as sleep, medications, and brain scans, past Research Conferences, and more. Featured video: Dr. Reisa Sperling, Director of the Center for Alzheimer's Research & Treatment at Brigham & Women's Hospital, delivers the 2020 UCI MIND Distinguished Lecture on the Brain, “Can we detect and treat Alzheimer's disease a decade before dementia? (And why we must!)” https://youtu.be/6HfTvwnFzww
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Visit our blog at www.mind.uci.edu/blog to stay informed. Upcoming 2020 Videos:
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#CANeedsYou covid19.ca.gov
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Dear Friends of UCI MIND, I wanted to provide a brief update on the state of UCI MIND during the COVID-19 pandemic: Our faculty, staff, and trainees have responded admirably to this unprecedented and rapidly evolving situation. Whenever possible, research studies are being performed remotely for at least the next three weeks. If you are participating in a study or were anticipating doing so soon, you can expect to hear from the specific study team about how to proceed. If you are uncertain about your study, you can email questions to research@mind.uci.edu or call (949) 824-0008. We'll get back to you as soon…
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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 can you help someone with dementia and behavioral symptoms? About the Speaker: Dr. David Sultzer joined the faculty at UCI in 2019 after more than 20 years at UCLA and the West…
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Social workers from Alzheimer’s OC and Riverside County Office on Aging visited our labs to learn more about Alzheimer’s disease research and educational programs at UCI MIND. Our local Alzheimer’s Association and Caregiver Resource Center hosted a research update, where UCI researchers Drs. Dan Nation, Kei Igarashi, and Matt Inlay discussed current research projects and their motivation for studying Alzheimer’s disease. Graduate students, Morgan Coburn, Marina Ritchie, Mary Ryan, and postdoctoral scholars, Nicole Schartz, Ashley Keiser, Tiffany Petrisko, hosted 50 local middle schoolers at UCI MIND. They discussed Alzheimer’s disease and how they began their careers studying the brain. For…
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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. Are you getting enough sleep for your brain? About the Speaker: Dr. Ruth Benca is a Professor and Chair of Psychiatry & Human Behavior in the UCI School of Medicine and Founding Director…
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