The National Institute on Aging (NIA) awarded the UAB Alzheimer Disease Research Center (ADRC) a $5 million, 5-year grant continuation. A leading center for research aimed at preventing and managing Alzheimer disease (AD), ADRC offers comprehensive treatment for patients with the disease and related disorders. The grant provides faculty and staff salaries and laboratory equipment and funds AD research and treatment.

"UAB has a long history of involvement with Alzheimer disease, from patient care to basic research to family and community outreach," says Lindy Harrell, MD, PhD, professor of neurology and ADRC director. "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.

"There is a definite need for better understanding of the degenerative processes involved in Alzheimer disease. Our researchers have advanced understanding of the disease's clinical presentation and biology and have identified potential targets for therapeutic intervention," Dr. Harrell says.

Accepting both physician and self-referrals, the ADRC provides testing, diagnosis, treatment, annual follow up, and opportunities to participate in genetic studies and clinical trials investigating new AD treatments that may yield critical clues in the fight against this devastating disease, which is expected to dramatically increase in incidence along with an aging population.

New Imaging Initiative

NIA, in conjunction with other federal agencies and private organizations, recently launched a $60 million, 5-year Alzheimer Disease Neuroimaging Initiative. The initiative will investigate whether serial magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, biological markers, and clinical and neuropsychological assessment can be combined to measure progression of mild cognitive impairment and early AD. UAB neurologist Edward Zamrini, MD, is principal investigator for the UAB arm of the study, which will begin recruiting 800 participants at 50 North American sites this April.

ADRC studies also include a placebo-controlled trial of quetiapine for psychosis and agitation in AD patients with parkinsonism; investigation of the safety and efficacy of simvastatin for slowing AD progression and of high-dose folate and vitamins B6 and B12 for slowing cognitive decline; and, in addition, an evaluation of genetic and nongenetic AD risk factors.

Patients, caregivers, families, and friends of Alzheimer disease patients are encouraged to contact the ADRC at 934-3847 for more information.