Gulf Coast Alzheimer's Disease Research Center
The Gulf Coast Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center is committed to eliminating Alzheimer’s
disease and related dementias. To do this we seek to identify root causes of Alzheimer’s
disease and related dementias and to determine whether interventions may be helpful
in preventing and/or improving memory loss.
We estimate that there are 110,000 individuals living within a 2-hour drive of the University of South Alabama living with Alzheimer’s disease. Sadly, this number is expected to increase, as the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease is on a steady rise. The Gulf Coast Alzheimer's Disease Research Center was founded in 2023 to change that. We strive to provide outstanding care for all people in our community living with dementia and local access to clinical research and trials.
The Gulf Coast Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center has ongoing basic, translational
and clinical research studies to advance our understanding of dementia. We welcome
diverse individuals to contact us to volunteer/participate or find out more information
about our active current clinical research studies.
Diverse VCID (Diverse Vascular Contributions to Cognitive Impairment and Dementia)
Is this study right for me?
This study might be right for you if:
- You are between the ages of 65 and 90
- You notice a decline in your memory or thinking over the last 1-3 years
- You are of African American, Hispanic/Latino, or European ancestry
- You’re willing to participate in research with three visits to a center near you over
a three – four-year period (you have the choice to opt out of the study at any
point) - You are able to have an MRI (you cannot have any metal in your body)
-
Ph.D. candidate wins first place at 3MT competition with dementia research presentation
In just 180 seconds, Evan-Angelo Butlig, a third-year Ph.D. candidate in the Basic Medical Sciences Graduate Program, effectively explained his research on dementia to a wide-ranging audience. His compelling talk took top awards at the 2024 Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition, hosted by the University of South Alabama Graduate School on Oct. 9. -
Chaney awarded NIH grant to support neuroscience research
Samantha Chaney, a fourth-year Ph.D. student in the Basic Medical Sciences Graduate Program, recently received the National Institutes of Health’s Blueprint and BRAIN Initiative Diversity Specialized Predoctoral to Postdoctoral Advancement in Neuroscience (D-SPAN) Award. -
Nelson awarded $2.68 million NIH grant to study impact of pneumonia on the brain
With a $2.68 million grant from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, scientists at the University of South Alabama aim to understand the impact of pneumonia on the brain. -
USA scientist receives $300,000 grant for Alzheimer’s pilot study
A researcher at the University of South Alabama Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine recently received a $300,000 grant from the Coins for Alzheimer’s Research Trust (CART). -
USA awarded $1.43 million, selected as clinical site for dementia study
The University of South Alabama has been selected as a clinical site for a national research study on Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias — Diverse Vascular Contributions to Cognitive Impairment and Dementia, or Diverse VCID. -
Medical students receive awards for summer research
The Whiddon College of Medicine announced the top oral and poster presentations from the 50th Annual Medical Student Summer Research Day, held July 21 in the Medical Sciences Building. -
Ph.D. student selected for Alzheimer’s Association ambassador program
Samantha Chaney, a second-year doctoral student in the Basic Medical Sciences Graduate Program, was accepted to the Alzheimer's Association International Society to Advance Alzheimer's Research and Treatment (ISTAART) Ambassador Program. -
Faculty, staff and students present at international conference on Alzheimer’s disease
Faculty, staff and students from the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine presented at the 2022 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC), the premier annual forum for presentation and discussion of the latest Alzheimer’s and dementia research. -
Research, educate, advocate: Nelson fights back against Alzheimer’s disease
Amy R. Nelson, Ph.D., has devoted more than a decade to researching Alzheimer’s disease, educating people of all ages about the brain, and advocating to improve the quality of life and care for people living with the disease and their families. -
Estimated share of older adults with Alzheimer's disease
The Eastern and Southeastern U.S. have the country's highest prevalence of Alzheimer's disease, per a new study.
-
Contact Us
Amy R. Nelson, PhD
Director
arnelson@southalabama.eduYelitza Rodriguez, PhD
Clinical Research Coordinator
rodriguez@southalabama.edu