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USC Researchers' Bold Vision for Alzheimer’s Prevention

In an encouraging development for those affected by Alzheimer's disease, researchers from the University of Southern California (USC) have expressed optimism that routine screening and preventive care could become viable within the next decade. This initiative is spearheaded by the Alzheimer's Therapeutic Research Institute (ATRI), which is part of USC's Keck School of Medicine. Celebrating ten years of significant advancements, ATRI aims to tackle Alzheimer's early, ushering in a new era in the fight against this devastating condition.

Dr. Paul Aisen, M.D., the founding director of ATRI, highlighted the importance of this moment in Alzheimer's research. "We're now on a course toward prevention, with better trials for even better treatments. Everything has changed," he stated emphatically. This shift represents not just a hope for the future but a tangible plan backed by scientific research and clinical trials.

Reflecting on a Decade of Progress

Since its inception in 2015, ATRI has made remarkable strides in the field of Alzheimer's research. The institute has been instrumental in developing two FDA-approved therapies aimed at slowing the progression of the disease: Aduhelm and Leqembi. Additionally, ATRI launched the APT Webstudy—an innovative digital registry that now engages over 60,000 participants to monitor cognitive changes in adults aged 50 and above. This registry is a crucial step in identifying memory changes that could indicate early stages of Alzheimer's, facilitating proactive care.

The institute also plays a pivotal role in the National Institutes of Health-funded Alzheimer's Clinical Trials Consortium (ACTC), which is focused on accelerating the introduction of therapeutics for Alzheimer's and related dementias. According to Dr. Aisen, the ultimate goal is nothing less than the eradication of Alzheimer’s as a leading global health challenge.

Celebrating Lives and Futures

To commemorate its ten-year anniversary, ATRI organized an event honoring the contributions of faculty, staff, and research partners. A particularly poignant moment was the recognition of USC alumna Lisa Troy Malec, who is living with Alzheimer's and has benefited from her involvement with the institute. "The biggest word that I can use right now is hope," Malec shared, reflecting on her journey and expressing gratitude for the support she has received. This celebration not only acknowledged the scientific progress made but also highlighted the human connections formed through this important work.

Prominent guests at the anniversary festivities included Michael Weiner, M.D., who leads the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, and Takeshi Iwatsubo, M.D., Ph.D., head of Japan's National Institute of Neuroscience. Their attendance underscored the international significance of ATRI's contributions to Alzheimer's research.

Looking Forward: The Next Frontier in Alzheimer's Research

As ATRI looks to the next decade, its research scope continues to expand. The establishment of the Neuroscience Translational Research Division, directed by Robert Rissman, M.D., signals a commitment to advancing early-stage preclinical investigations that could lead to preventive measures against Alzheimer's. With more than 7 million Americans currently affected by Alzheimer's—a figure expected to double by 2050—the urgency for public involvement in clinical trials and observational studies cannot be understated, particularly among adults aged 50 to 60.

For individuals interested in learning more about ATRI's initiatives or enrolling in the APT Webstudy, further information is available on ATRI's official website. Additionally, those wishing to participate in raising awareness about the disease can visit Alz10.com to join the campaign.

As USC's ATRI pushes forward with its ambitious goals, the promise of preventive care for Alzheimer's disease within a decade might not be as distant as it once seemed.