UCI MIND is now accepting applications for IMPACT-AD, a multi-day course on clinical trials in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). The training course, directed by Joshua Grill, PhD, Director of UCI MIND and Rema Raman, PhD, Director of Biostatistics at USC Alzheimer’s Therapeutic Research Institute, was launched in 2020 and is designed to educate and promote diversity among researchers and future principal investigators in the field of ADRD. The course will run from September 19-23, 2021. Applications close April 30, 2021. Learn more and apply at https://impact-ad.org
Do you have questions about Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease? Join our experts for a live virtual Q&A panel, ASK THE DOC! Thursday, February 11 12:00 – 1:00 PM PT REGISTER About the Panel: Ira Lott, MD Professor Emeritus of Pediatrics and Neurology at UCI and Director of UCI Down Syndrome Program Elizabeth Head, PhD Professor and Vice Chair for Research in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Eric Doran, MS Manager of UCI Down Syndrome Program The event will be moderated by Chelsea Cox, MPH, MSW Assoc. Director of Education How to Ask the Doc: Click here to register for the event. Instructions and…
UCI MIND presents Meet The Team, a video series where diverse staff members from UCI MIND discuss their unique roles in dementia research! In this first episode, meet Shirley Sirivong, Manager of Clinical Research Operations at UCI MIND. Shirley discusses her unique role in dementia research: mind.uci.edu/mindcast
UCI MIND presents Spotlight on Care, the podcast where we share stories, experiences, tips and advice on caring for loved ones affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias! Meet the Co-Hosts, Steve O’Leary and Virginia Naeve, in this first 20-min episode! They share their personal caregiving journeys, provide an overview of the series, and offer some initial caregiving tips: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1589794#
Join Director of UCI MIND, Dr. Joshua Grill, this Thursday, January 14 @ 12 PM PT for a live discussion and Q&A on the status of new treatments for Alzheimer’s disease in 2021. Bring your questions! See you Thursday on Facebook & YouTube LIVE. Learn more and view all videos at mind.uci.edu/mindcast
Contributed by the CARE Registry: It’s time for our very first annual CARE Brain Trust meeting! This is a special meeting for researchers and community partners who want to learn more about the CARE project. We will discuss everything from the importance of representation and our data access protocol! Come join us for an important and informative meeting that may change the course and improve clinical research! There will be raffles held throughout the meeting! Reserve your tickets today: https://tinyurl.com/CAREtrust

Did you know that Asians, including Korean Americans are among the least represented groups in health research? CARE stands for “Collaborative Approach for Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders Research & Education”. The goal of the CARE Registry is to connect Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to various types of research that may make a difference in improving the health of you, your family and future generations. Please join Dr. Hye-Won Shin, Director of Asian American Outreach of UCI Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (UCI MIND), and CARE Community Advisory Board member for the 1st CARE Registry Korean Virtual Information Session! This session will be offered…
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. Can stem cells treat Alzheimer's disease and related disorders? About the Speaker: Dr. Blurton-Jones is an Associate Professor of Neurobiology & Behavior in the UCI School of Biological Sciences, and he leads the induced...

Tomorrow A December to Remember Gala, presented by UCI MIND and the Harris Taylor Family, is tomorrow! We look forward to an evening of music, magic, and memories for Alzheimer’s research. Pre-Show at 5:30 PM PST Live Program at 6:00 – 7:00 PM PST Three Viewing Options: YouTube Live (watch on your Smart TV) Facebook Live (interact with other viewers) Gala Website (quick access to auction items) Live Stream Link Silent Auction The gala auction is now live and closes Monday, December 7 at 12:00 PM PST. Two Ways to Bid: Visit mind.uci.edu/bid Text MIND to 61094 View Auction Presenting Sponsor Harris…

Today is Giving Tuesday, a celebration of generosity and philanthropy, and a global movement to harness the power of community for the greater good. At UCI MIND, we rely on the support of our community to advance life-changing research and continue the fight against Alzheimer’s disease, a debilitating illness that impacts more than 5.8 million Americans and their families. This Giving Tuesday, we hope you will expand our capacity to conduct promising research and accelerate progress toward a world without Alzheimer’s disease by supporting the Alzheimer’s Disease Excellence Fund. Our goal is to rid the world of Alzheimer’s disease. We…

Today is Giving Tuesday, and UCI MIND could use your help during this year’s international day of philanthropy. We hope you will support us by: Staying connected! Visit this link for ways to follow UCI MIND and keep informed of brain health, Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia research. Making a gift! Click here to donate to the Alzheimer’s Disease Excellence Fund. Your donation of any amount will help advance research into the treatment, prevention, diagnosis and care for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. At UCI MIND, our goal is to rid the world of Alzheimer’s disease. We need the power…
Message from the Director Dear Friends of UCI MIND, As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact our lives this fall, the fight to solve Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) must charge forward. This November, the U.S. FDA will convene an advisory committee to assess potential approval of Biogen’s aducanumab, a monoclonal antibody in development for treatment of early AD. We will watch closely as aducanumab could be the first new approved drug for AD since 2005. Regardless of the outcome of the meeting and subsequent FDA decision – anticipated in March 2021 – this represents a milestone for…
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 does heart health impact the brain? About the Speaker: Daniel Nation, PhD is an Associate Professor of Psychological Science in the UCI School of Social Ecology. He earned his PhD in clinical...
For the first time in the event’s decade-long history, the University of California, Irvine Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (UCI MIND)’s A December to Remember gala will raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s research in a digital setting. While many sectors remain at a standstill due to the pandemic, nonprofits like UCI MIND know that their mission must march forward. The virtual gala event will take place online on Saturday, Dec. 5 from 5:30-7 p.m., and is free to attend. To register to attend, visit https://aesbid.co/ELP/UCIMIND20/. “We saw an incredible opportunity as we reimagined our annual gala to…
UCI MIND & UCI School of Nursing present a live Q&A panel: Caring for the Caregiver Tuesday, November 10, 2020 4:00 – 5:30 pm PDT Live on Facebook & YouTube Join us for a virtual discussion and Q&A with experts on the unique challenges facing dementia caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Panelists include Dr. Joshua Grill, director of UCI MIND, Drs. Alison Holman and Jung-Ah Lee, faculty in the UCI School of Nursing, and Dr. Lisa Gibbs, medical director of UCI Senior Health Center. Register online to receive live viewing instructions.
UC San Francisco, UC Davis, UC Irvine, National Asian Pacific Center on Aging (NAPCA), International Children Assistance Network (ICAN) in partnership with over twenty community partners serving diverse Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) communities in California and nationwide, is pleased to announce the launch of the Collaborative Approach for AAPI Research and Education (CARE) research registry. The CARE registry team reflect multiple diverse AAPI cultures and languages. CARE is an opportunity for AAPI to participate in important research that may affect ourselves, our parents, children and grandchildren. Some of the important research may contribute to finding cures for and/or ways to…
Contributed by Franklin Garcia, PhD, UCI MIND Postdoctoral Fellow “On this Research Diversity Day, I would like to share my early undergraduate experience that paved the way for my interest in aging research. The concept of pursuing a career in scientific research was new to me since, as a first-generation university student, I didn’t have mentors or older peers that could shed some insight or guidance. Fortunately, during my last two years as an undergraduate student at UC Irvine, I received mentorship from my research advisor, Prof. Frank LaFerla and the faculty advisors in the Neurobiology major. As an…
You’re invited to the 11th Annual A December to Remember Gala benefiting Alzheimer’s research at UCI MIND! This year’s virtual event will feature inspiring testimonials, an online auction, and engaging performances. Registration is complimentary. Meal delivery options are available for purchase for Orange County residents. For more information and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Linda Scheck at 949.824.3251 or LScheck@uci.edu. Learn More & Register: https://gala.mind.uci.edu Add to Calendar: Apple Outlook Google
Mark your calendar for upcoming virtual events! Wellness Wednesday: Healthy Brain Aging Live Q&A with Joshua Grill, PhD and Ruth Benca, MD, PhD moderated by Debra Hill, MD, UCI School of Medicine Alumni Board Wednesday, October 28, 2020 | 7:00 – 8:00 pm PDT Register online: Click here How does heart health impact the brain? Live Q&A with Daniel Nation, PhD Friday, November 6, 2020 | *1:00 – 1:30 pm PST* Tune in on Facebook: facebook.com/ucirvinemind Caring for the Caregiver Live Q&A panel on the unique challenges facing dementia caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic, moderated by Joshua Grill, PhD Tuesday, November 10, 2020 | 4:00 –…
Join UCI School of Nursing and UCI MIND for a virtual discussion and Q&A with experts on the unique challenges facing dementia caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nov. 10, 2020 | 4:00-5:30 PM PDT Register today: mind.uci.edu/register
Wellness Wednesday: Healthy Brain Aging October 28, 2020 7 – 8 p.m. PDT Via Zoom Join us for a live presentation and Q&A with UCI School of Medicine faculty and Alzheimer’s researchers, Joshua Grill, Ph.D., Director of UCI MIND, and Ruth Benca, M.D., Ph.D., Director of UCI Sleep Center. Learn about risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease and lifestyle strategies for maintaining a healthy brain as you age. The program will be moderated by Debra A. Hill ’78, M.D., Co-President of the UCI School of Medicine Alumni Chapter. Joshua Grill, Ph.D. Director of the Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (UCI…
Music, Magic & Memories December 5, 2020 5:30 – 7:00 PM Join UCI MIND for the 11th Annual A December to Remember Gala, an exciting new virtual experience on Saturday, December 5. The free, virtual event will feature engaging performances, inspiring testimonials, an online auction, and delicious dining options. Mark your calendar for a memorable night at home, all in support of the quest toward a cure for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. For more information and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Linda Scheck at 949.824.3251 or LScheck@uci.edu. Learn More & Register: https://gala.mind.uci.edu Add to Calendar: Apple Outlook Google

UC Irvine is providing consulting services to private businesses to develop rules and procedures to keep employees and customers safe from COVID-19 as the economy starts to open up. “As the only program in public health in Orange County, we have an obligation to assist our community,” UCI professor Karen Edwards said in a press release. “I think there’s a gap in this area for us to step up and offer these types of services. This has the potential to have a major positive impact.” Orange County was on track to move into the state’s less restrictive orange tier until…
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. Can we change our genes and risk for brain diseases? About the Speaker: Marcelo Wood, PhD is a Professor and Chair of Neurobiology and Behavior in the UCI School of Biological Sciences. He...
5TH ANNUAL HUNTINGTON’S DISEASE EDUCATIONAL SYMPOSIUM SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3rd, 2020, 1:00 – 3:00 PM Join us for the 2020 Huntington’s Disease Educational Symposium! Due to health concerns over the current COVID-19 pandemic, this year we will be hosting a “virtual” educational symposium. There is no cost to participate, but you must pre-register. REGISTER HERE: https://uci.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ekBdNftFT7OpZJmERKEBpg Once registered, you will receive an email confirmation with Zoom call-in details for the symposium. Questions? Please contact: Frances Saldana 714-393-8095 Franceshdcare@gmail.comor ucimedia@uci.edu MODERATOR: Peter Donovan, PhD, Professor, Developmental and Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences and Biological Chemistry, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine….
Join UCI MIND on Friday, Oct 2 @ 11:00 AM PST for our monthly Facebook Live Q&A series! In this episode, Dr. Marcelo Wood, Professor and Chair of Neurobiology & Behavior will answer questions about ‘epigenetics’ and brain disease. Click this DIRECT LINK to view the livestream and participate.
Webinar Monday, September 28 @ 11 AM PST. This webinar will focus on how social isolation and loneliness affect older adults’ health and well-being, particularly amid the unique challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The webinar will also address social isolation and loneliness in the context of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, emphasize the impact of health disparities, and provide information on potential interventions and mitigating technologies.
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...
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...
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:
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.
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!
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:
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
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
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…
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...
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.
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
#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
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. 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 diversity among researchers and…
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
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.
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…
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.
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.
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.
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…
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
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. 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 us that oppression did not end in…