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KECK SCHOOL OF MEDICINE OF USC

USC Center for Personalized Brain Health

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Transforming Personalized Brain Health For Alzheimer’s Prevention

At the USC Center for Personalized Brain Health, our interdisciplinary research focuses on a gene carried by over half of Alzheimer’s disease patients, APOE ε4, and the factors that modify its effect on dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease progression. By translating science into clinical impact, we aim to bring personalized early intervention to high risk individuals.

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    Mission

    The mission of the USC Center for Personalized Brain Health is to uncover the role of APOE ε4 in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, advance diagnostic techniques and therapeutics, and offer personalized interventions. Through collaborative science, we aim to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients at elevated risk for Alzheimer’s.

    Learn More About Our Mission
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    Research

    At the USC Center for Personalized Brain Health, we unite neurology, nutrition, and genetics to fight Alzheimer’s. With a focus on the APOE ε4 gene, we are developing innovative imaging, AI detection tools, and treatments for brain inflammation.

    Learn More About Our Research
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    Prevention Clinic

    The USC Center for Personalized Brain Health is now offering preventive care to lower the risk of dementia and preserve brain health. Directed by Hussein Yassine, MD, a professor of neurology at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, and supported by Jinseo Choi, NP, our center is committed to bringing personalized prevention to people facing high risk. For Prevention Clinic appointments, please contact (323) 442-6845.

    Learn More About Our Prevention Clinic
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    USC GeneScreen, USC Alzheimer’s Prevention Registry

    Progress in defeating Alzheimer’s disease depends on the participation of APOE ε4 gene carriers. You can contribute by getting screened through the registry. Join the registry from home today!

    Learn More About USC GeneScreen

    Innovations For Personalized Brain Health

    At the USC Center for Personalized Brain Health, we are discovering new biomarkers, innovating imaging techniques, deploying digital tools for early detection, and developing drugs and personalized lifestyle recommendations to reduce brain inflammation and slow disease progression.

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    Biomarker Discovery

    We’re uncovering biological markers to diagnose and understand the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Our work in biomarkers is helping us to build a pipeline of potential treatments that address inflammation in the brain.

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    Imaging Innovations

    Imaging techniques under development at the Center for Personalized Brain Health may profile Alzheimer’s risk and inform interventions. We’re looking for early brain changes, well before damage starts — and decades before symptoms appear.

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    Digital Tools for Early Detection

    USC biomedical researchers and engineers are collaborating to develop and deploy advanced technology for early detection. Measuring lapses in the brain’s internal GPS could enable people to get help before Alzheimer’s memory loss sets in.

     

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    Drug Development

    The USC Center for Personalized Brain Health is on the cutting edge of Alzheimer’s treatment with its breakthrough drug, BRI-50054. Designed for APOE ε4 carriers, this promising compound boosts brain health by improving lipid processing and reducing inflammation. Born from research into omega-3 fatty acids and the enzyme cPLA2, BRI-50054 is set to transform the future of Alzheimer’s care, offering hope for better cognitive function and a brighter tomorrow for those at risk.

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    Research Highlights

    The USC Center for Personalized Brain Health is leading exciting breakthroughs in Alzheimer’s research. By uncovering key factors like brain metabolism and inflammation, they are developing personalized treatments, such as targeting lipid imbalances and brain energy deficits, that offer new hope for preventing cognitive decline and transforming lives.

    Discover How Our Efforts Create Lasting Impact

    Meet our team of dedicated practitioners and study coordinators. Their inspiring testimonials showcase the meaningful difference we are making together. Discover how our commitment is transforming lives and driving real progress in our mission.

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    Prevention Clinic

    Practitioner Spotlight

    Meet Jinseo Choi, a specialist at USC’s Preventive Neurology Clinic, focused on Alzheimer’s prevention through personalized care. Learn how she helps patients optimize brain health and reduce cognitive decline risks.

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    Diabetes Brain Study

    Study Coordinator Spotlight

    Meet the Diabetes Brain Study (DBS) team who are working on a five-year clinical study to better understand the complex relationship between diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease, with a particular focus on the Latino community

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    Sign Up Here

    Join A Study

    Join groundbreaking research at USC through the Genescreen and ADRC studies, designed to advance the understanding of Alzheimer’s disease. Explore how you can participate and contribute to innovative discoveries in brain health and genetics.

    Meet The Center Leadership

    Dr. Hussein Yassine, a professor at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, leads our Alzheimer’s research initiatives with a focus on the APOE ε4 gene, a major genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s, and the role of omega-3 fatty acids. His lab conducts interdisciplinary research, combining clinical trials, and advanced imaging techniques to explore how APOE ε4 influences lipid metabolism and cognitive decline. Dr. Yassine collaborates with experts across multiple fields to drive progress in early detection and treatment strategies, contributing significantly to our collective mission to address Alzheimer’s disease.

    Learn More About Our Director
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    News

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    INSIDE PRECISION MEDICINE ◆ Targeting Alzheimer’s Disease By Lowering Oxysterol
    Media Mentions

    INSIDE PRECISION MEDICINE ◆ Targeting Alzheimer’s Disease By Lowering Oxysterol

    February 11, 2025
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    Press Release

    USC-led study finds potential new drug target for Alzheimer’s disease

    Campus News

    Brilliant minds, healthy brains

    Press Release

    Research visionaries strive to transform care with bold thinking, diligence and perseverance

    Partner Centers & Institutes

    The Keck School of Medicine is dedicated to advancing Alzheimer’s research through specialized centers and institutes. These facilities employ cutting-edge techniques and interdisciplinary collaboration to unravel the complexities of Alzheimer’s disease, paving the way for innovative treatments and improved patient care.

    Explore the Keck School Alzheimer’s Hub

    Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center

    The Alzheimer Disease Research Center at USC (ADRC) works to understand the biological changes that may precede worsening memory and to assess whether new treatments, including drugs, may be helpful in preventing memory or delay memory loss.

    Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute

    USC’s Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute (USC Stevens INI) applies innovative imaging and information technologies to the study of the brain. We share our data and resources with thousands of collaborators around the world.

    Alzheimer’s Therapeutic Research Institute

    The mission of the Alzheimer’s Therapeutic Research Institute (ATRI) is to rigorously test methods for early detection of, and treatments for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and bring effective therapeutics to the world.

    Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute at USC

    The Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute (ZNI) is a cross-disciplinary hub for the neuroscience community at USC. At Zilkha, we conduct world-class science in state-of-the-art labs.

    Center Events

    The USC Center for Personalized Brain Health is committed to advancing understanding and care in the field of brain health. We host a range of events aimed at highlighting our ongoing work and creating opportunities for collaboration and care within the community.

    We invite you to explore our events calendar, where you can find various programs, workshops, and seminars focused on brain health topics. Be sure to bookmark this listing so you can stay updated on our upcoming events and engage with others who share your passion for improving brain health. We look forward to welcoming you!

    CPBH Events Calendar
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    Partner with Us in the Fight Against Alzheimer’s

    Donors and volunteers are crucial to our mission to understand, prevent, and treat Alzheimer’s disease. The Center for Personalized Brain Health welcomes your involvement in changing the landscape of dementia care.

    Give Now
    Join the USC GeneScreen Registry
    Explore USC ADRC Clinical Studies
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