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Forty years of dedicated Alzheimer's research at the Sanders-Brown Center of Aging, University of Kentucky

Sanders-Brown Center on Aging at the University of Kentucky has been a pioneer in Alzheimer's disease research for the past four decades. Their innovative work has resulted in significant discoveries that have greatly enhanced our comprehension of this intricate disease. As a top-tier...

Forty years of investigative work into Alzheimer's disease at the University of Kentucky's...
Forty years of investigative work into Alzheimer's disease at the University of Kentucky's Sanders-Brown Center is celebrated, focusing on groundbreaking research.

Forty years of dedicated Alzheimer's research at the Sanders-Brown Center of Aging, University of Kentucky

Sanders-Brown Center on Aging Leads the Way in Alzheimer's Research

The Sanders-Brown Center on Aging (SBCoA) at the University of Kentucky has been a pioneer in Alzheimer's disease research for over four decades. Established in 1980, SBCoA was designated as an Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (ADRC) by the National Institute on Aging in 1985, making it one of the first 10 such centres in the country.

Under the leadership of Linda Van Eldik, Ph.D., SBCoA has played a key role in Alzheimer's disease research. As one of the National elite Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers, it has contributed significantly to the discovery, early detection, and diagnosis of Alzheimer's.

SBCoA is exploring the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve diagnosis and track disease progression more accurately. The center's research has focused on early detection of Alzheimer's disease, and it has led research into nondrug interventions, such as diet, exercise, and cognitive training, to influence brain health and potentially reduce the risk of Alzheimer's.

SBCoA has conducted workshops, support groups, and educational programs in partnership with local organizations to increase public awareness and education about Alzheimer's. The center provides comprehensive clinical services for individuals with Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases, offering diagnostic evaluations, treatment plans, and support for caregivers.

In addition to its work on nondrug interventions, SBCoA has been instrumental in testing promising new drugs for Alzheimer's treatments, including FDA-approved treatments like lecanemab and donanemab. The center's research continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the fight against Alzheimer's disease.

One of the key areas of SBCoA's research has been the study of genetic risk factors for Alzheimer's. Early studies from the center helped characterize the roles of amyloid plaques and tau tangles in disease progression, and SBCoA has been instrumental in identifying how genetic risk factors, such as the APOE ε4 allele, contribute to an individual's susceptibility to developing the disease.

SBCoA's research has also focused on understanding the biological processes underlying Alzheimer's disease. Researchers at SBCoA have developed innovative diagnostic tools, including advanced brain imaging techniques and biomarker studies. SBCoA's long-term observational studies have provided critical insights into how Alzheimer's disease develops, leading to breakthroughs in early detection methods.

Finally, SBCoA remains committed to changing the landscape of dementia care and paving the way toward a brighter future in Alzheimer's research. The center has worked to ensure that individuals at high risk for dementia in Kentucky have access to high-quality dementia care and research opportunities. SBCoA's research continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the fight against Alzheimer's disease, and it remains a leader in the field.

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