Posted on August 6, 2004 at 9:25 a.m.
BIRMINGHAM, AL — The UAB (University of Alabama at Birmingham) Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC) has received a $5 million grant from the National Institute on Aging to continue funding the center for another five years. The ADRC provides comprehensive treatment for persons with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and is a leading center for research aimed at preventing and managing the disease.
“UAB has a long history of involvement with Alzheimer’s disease, from patient care, to basic research, to family and community outreach,” said Lindy Harrell, MD, Ph.D., professor of neurology and director of the center. “Since its origin in 1991, the center has been dedicated to improving the quality of life of patients and families with AD and related disorders through clinical care, research and education.”
The multi-disciplinary ADRC, housed in the department of neurology, draws scientists from diverse fields including neurology, psychiatry, genetics and psychology. The center has five core areas: administration, clinical, neuropathology, education and information transfer.
The administrative core provides the organizational base for all activities in the ADRC. One of the specific aims of this core is to encourage new research on AD and related disorders within the university community through ADRC activities including pilot project awards and monthly seminars.
The clinical core recruits individual with Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, mild cognitively impaired (MCI) participants and healthy, older individuals for clinical trials of new medications, therapies and interventions.
“These participants help compare changes over time between normal aging seniors and those with cognitive impairments. This is important when developing new treatment options for our aging population”, said Penny Forsyth, LPN.
The neuropathology core examines brain tissue samples from patients and healthy adults to learn more about the progression of the disease. UAB’s Brain Resource Program, which preserves brain tissue for researchers studying Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease and other neurological conditions, is the only such brain tissue bank in the state.
The data management and biostatistics core provides statistical consultation, data management and sends all required study information to the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center (NACC).
The information transfer and education core provides education and information for professionals and the lay public, as well as oversees family outreach programs and continuing education efforts.
The grant will provide for faculty and staff salaries, purchase of laboratory equipment, pilot research funding and other activities related to AD research and treatment. Patients, caregivers, families and friends of Alzheimer’s disease patients are encouraged to contact the ADRC at (205) 934-3847 for more information.