The National Institute on Aging funds Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers (ADRCs) at major medical institutions across the United States. Researchers at these Centers are working to translate research advances into improved diagnosis and care for people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, as well as to find ways to treat and possibly prevent these diseases.
The NIA ADRCs are NIH Centers of Excellence. Established in 1984, the ADRCs were the first of only six such centers to be mandated by statute.
Areas of investigation range from the basic mechanisms of disease to managing the symptoms and helping families cope with the effects. ADRC researchers conduct basic, clinical, translational, and behavioral research and train scientists.
Although each center has its own area of emphasis, the ADRCs also enhance research on Alzheimer’s disease as a network that shares new research ideas and approaches as well as data (through the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center), biological samples (through NCRAD) and genetic information (through ADGC). The network also provides an infrastructure to facilitate NIA signature programs like ADNI and the Alzheimer’s Clinical Trials Consortium.
Learn more about the Knight ADRC: