USC Brain Health and Alzheimer’s

A leader in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders, the Keck School of Medicine’s ADRC advances research, enhances patient care and trains the next generation of scientists. Funded since 1984 by the National Institute on Aging (NIA), it is one of 37 federally designated ADRCs in the United States, and supports clinical trial participation and patient referrals.

The USC Brain Tumor Center offers comprehensive care for adults and children with all types of brain tumors. Its multidisciplinary team uses cutting-edge diagnostic tools and innovative approaches to deliver personalized treatment.

USC CPBH works to uncover the role of the APOE ε4 gene in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, advance diagnostic techniques and therapeutics, and offer personalized interventions. Through collaborative science, it makes a meaningful difference in the lives of patients at elevated risk for Alzheimer’s and dementia.

The Keck School of Medicine’s ATRI rigorously tests methods for early detection and treatments for all stages of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. It coordinates large-scale clinical trials with a vision for the ultimate prevention of Alzheimer’s disease in the next 10 years.

The Keck School of Medicine’s IBT works to transform bioengineered neural interfaces into treatments for patients for whom there is currently no foreseeable cure. Working at the interface of medicine and engineering, it furthers the understanding of neurosensory disorders, leading to the development of novel diagnostic and treatment options.

The USC Neurorestoration Center develops transformative therapies to restore neurological function after abnormal development, disease or injury. It brings together neurosurgery, neurology, psychiatry and psychology, neurorehabilitation and athletic medicine by conducting research and clinical trials, and developing clinical programs.

The USC Roski Eye Institute remains at the forefront of research and patient care focused on preventing, treating and restoring vision loss. Its physician-scientists created the world’s first FDA-approved retinal implant to restore sight to patients with retinitis pigmentosa, and are developing stem cell therapies and other emerging approaches to vision restoration.

The Keck School of Medicine’s INI applies innovative imaging and information technologies to the study of the brain. It shares data and resources with thousands of collaborators around the world and hosts the Laboratory of Neuro Imaging (LONI), one of the largest brain imaging data repositories in the world.

The Keck School of Medicine’s ZNI is a collaborative center that unites the neuroscience community at USC. Its research delves into fundamental and translational explorations of neuroscience, encompassing the impact of aging on the brain, the interplay between genes and environment in shaping brain circuitry, the identification of those most susceptible to various brain disorders and the discovery of neuro-therapeutics.

The Department of Neurological Surgery sparks progress in brain and spine health through integrated research and clinical care. Faculty collaborate to fight brain cancer, epilepsy, stroke, Parkinson’s disease and more, while training the clinician-scientist leaders of tomorrow.

The Department of Neurology connects research, education and patient care to serve diverse patients facing a wide array of neurological disorders, ranging from headache to Alzheimer’s disease. It is ranked #5 nationally in NIH funding in its field (2025 Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research).

The Department of Ophthalmology advances treatments for vision disorders through research in bioengineering, epidemiology, imaging, immunology and neuroregeneration. Faculty handle some of the most complex surgical cases, and lead one of the largest residency programs in the U.S. USC ranks among the top 5 nationally in NIH research funding in ophthalmology (2025 Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research).

The USC Caruso Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery is home to one of the nation’s leading research programs in its field, creating better ways to treat ear, nose and throat conditions. Faculty address the most complex cases while training future leaders in the field.

The Department of Physiology and Neuroscience studies Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative disorders, stroke, diabetes, kidney disease and hypertension at the molecular, cellular and systems levels. Faculty use discoveries to develop new treatments, and prepare students and trainees as future leaders.

The Department of Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences cares for and protects the mental health of diverse communities, through comprehensive services including the My Mental Health universal screening process to identify and serve USC students’ mental health and wellness needs. Faculty advance leading-edge research on mental health and substance use disorders, meet patients’ needs and train future leaders.