·        basic research to develop early detection markers and to identify targets for therapeutic interventions of inflammatory mechanisms in AD pathogenesis

·        clinical research to identify and implement strategies that promote functional independence and decrease problem behaviors among older adults with AD

·        clinical and epidemiological research to identify the potential role that hormones like estrogen or other factors might play in preserving cognitive function in older adults

·        health services research to identify predictors of service use among AD patients and their caregivers and the impact of this use on primary care providers when determining the diagnosis of dementia.

Core A—Administrative Core

·        Implement an administrative structure to direct, facilitate, and support ADCC goals.

·        Stimulate innovative multidisciplinary research that will attract new investigators to the AD field.

·        Promote collaborations with other ADCs, universities, health professionals, and the lay community.
 

Core B—Clinical and Data Management Core

·        Recruit, evaluate, diagnose, and follow a cohort of 200 clinically defined patients with AD or related dementias and 200 controls without dementia, assuring adequate representation of rural and African-American subjects over a five-year period.

·        Develop and maintain a centralized, relational database to provide a repository for the collection, storage, management, and analysis of data from all ADCC cores and related research projects.

·        Provide computer, research design, and biostatistical support to ADCC investigators and for patient and control recruitment to support research projects.
 

Core C—Neuropathology Core

·        Collect tissues and fluids from, and perform prompt autopsies on, subjects followed in the Clinical Core for diagnostic and research purposes.

·        Provide researchers with high-quality, clinically correlated laboratory data and genotyped tissue samples.

·        Promote community and professional awareness of the need for autopsy and advance participation rates of autopsy, particularly in rural persons and African-Americans, through collaboration with the Education/Information Transfer and Clinical Cores
 

Core D—Education/Information Transfer Core

·        Enhance recruitment of under-represented groups into AD research through the development of culturally sensitive recruitment strategies and materials.

·        Increase public knowledge of AD and promote recruitment into AD research programs.

·        Enhance knowledge about AD diagnosis, care, and research among health care providers.

The strengths in basic, clinical, and health services AD research and clinical programs at UAMS allow the ADCC to investigate the development, physical and behavioral effects, and social impact of AD.  This ADCC contributes to the overall goals of the National Institute on Aging and the Alzheimer’s Association by focusing on prevention and early detection of AD through basic research in neuropathology, clinical research on functional performance and problem behaviors, and health services research examining issues of access and utilization. The ADCC enhances the strong research programs in AD at UAMS and draws other researchers into AD research.