The U.S. National Institute of Health (NIH) will award $9 million over the next five years to the University Research Corridor, comprised of the University of Michigan, Michigan State University and Detroit's Wayne State University. The grant will fund a new center for Alzheimer’s research and treatment called the Alzheimer’s Disease Core Center (ADCC).

A hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease is the accumulation of protein tangles and plaques in the brain. Much of current research is investigating the beta-amyloid protein, which causes the plaques. However, this Alzheimer’s center will focus on lesser-known aspects of the disease.

“We’ll emphasize studies of the many non-amyloid factors contributing to disease because beta-amyloid, though unquestionably important in Alzheimer’s, is already getting considerable attention,” said Henry Paulson, MD, PhD, U-M neurologist and director of the Michigan Alzheimer’s Disease Center. “The goal of all this innovative research across the three universities is to understand disease processes and develop better treatments for the various dementias.”

In addition, the training of young investigators will be a major focus for the ADCC. With three major universities contributing to the research center, there will be a large pool of junior scientists and students with ample opportunity to become involved. An annual research symposium will facilitate collaboration and allow investigators to learn in-depth about others’ latest discoveries, tying the three universities together.

The ADCC won’t be strictly research-minded, however. Providing high-quality clinical care will be central to the mission of the center.

“Unlike a typical doctor’s office, the center has all the pieces in place to help a patient and family, including the opportunity to participate in clinical research to find disease modifying agents,” said Peter Lichtenberg, PhD, director of Wayne State’s Institute of Gerentology. “The collaboration between Michigan’s three Level 1 research universities and the integration of strong community outreach represents an enormous opportunity for the citizens of Michigan to benefit directly as they struggle to understand and intervene with persons suffering with Alzheimer’s disease.