Duke-UNC ADRC

Nasal Swab Test Spots Early Alzheimer’s Signals DURHAM, N.C. – Alzheimer’s disease affects millions of people worldwide, yet the illness is hardest to catch at the very beginning, when new treatments may work best.In a new study, Duke Health researchers show that a quick, outpatient nasal swab can pick up early biological changes linked to Al...

Alzheimer's Defintions, Biomarkers, and Antibodies: Halima Amjad, Barak Gaster, and Heather Whitson On this week's podcast we discuss Alzheimer's Defintions, Biomarkers, and Antibodies with guests Halima Amjad, Barak Gaster, and Heather Whitson.

🧠 Understanding Memory, Aging & Brain

At UNC, Dr. Heidi Roth is dedicated to helping us better understand how memory, language, and sleep change as we age — and what we can do to protect our brain health. As the director of the Aging Brain Clinic and a researcher with the Duke‑UNC Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, she focuses on identifying the real causes behind cognitive changes so patients and families can get the support they need.

Her work is especially important here in North Carolina, where more than 210,000 people are living with Alzheimer’s disease. Research like hers gives hope for clearer answers, earlier interventions, and healthier aging.

Learn more about her mission to bring clarity and compassion to brain health:

Meaning of the Minds - UNC Research Heidi Roth has spent her life trying to understand the brain and what happens when we stop remembering.

🚨 New Alzheimer’s Blood Tests Expand Access — but Carry Risks

Two newly FDA‑cleared blood tests for Alzheimer’s disease are making diagnosis more accessible than ever. These simple plasma tests can help identify amyloid and tau pathology without the need for a lumbar puncture or PET scan.

But experts warn of potential pitfalls: accuracy varies between test platforms, chronic conditions can skew results, and many patients still lack access to follow‑up imaging or treatment. The article also highlights legal and psychological concerns as more individuals learn their biomarker status.

To ensure these tests help—not harm—patients, researchers urge better clinician education, stronger legal protections, and equitable access to next‑step care.

🔗 Learn more:

New FDA‑Cleared Blood Tests Mark a Turning Point in Alzheimer’s Diagnosis—But Experts Warn of Emerging Risks | Duke & UNC ADRC Two newly FDA‑cleared blood tests for Alzheimer’s disease are making diagnosis more accessible than ever. These simple plasma tests can help identify amyloid and tau pathology without the need for a lumbar puncture or PET scan.

Advance your career and the future of dementia research.
The Alzheimer’s Association® Interdisciplinary Summer Research Institute (AA-ISRI) is an immersive, no-cost opportunity for early career researchers in care interventions and population health to further a career in dementia science and accelerate breakthroughs in the field. Join us in Chicago, USA, August 3-7, 2026, where experts will offer diverse perspectives on ground-breaking research through group sessions and individual mentoring.

Applications are due March 9, 2026. Individuals from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

To learn more and submit an application, visit

AA-ISRI | Alzheimer's Association The AA-ISRI program helps early career researchers in care interventions & population health launch their careers & accelerate breakthroughs in dementia science.

AFAR and the McKnight Brain Research Foundation are pleased to announce 2025 McKnight Brain Research Foundation Innovator Awards in Cognitive Aging and Memory Loss Recipient, Leah Acker, MD, PhD, of Duke University, who will research “Inflammatory Hangover and Cognitive Aging.”
Learn more here: https://www.afar.org/news/announcing-afars-2025-mcknight-brain-research-foundation-innovator-awards-in-cognitive-aging-and-memory-loss-recipients

Funding alert for Duke faculty or trainees as PI!

Ruk K. Board Foundation Award Applications Now Open!
The Ruth K. Broad Foundation, a support corporation of Duke University, has several grant programs for basic research in the neurosciences at Duke.

🔗https://dukeuncadrc.org/news/ruk-k-board-foundation-award-applications-now-open

AD research highlighted in the UNC SOM 2025 "Art in Science" competition.

“Cracking the Secret Stem Cell Highways Behind Alzheimer’s Disease” was submitted by Chih-Hsuan Hsu and Dr. Sarah Cohen from the Department of Cell Biology and Physiology.

This confocal image reveals the intricate microtubule network within human induced pluripotent stem cells carrying the APOE4 variant, a major genetic risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Immunostaining highlights the “tubulin code” with magenta, cyan, green, and yellow markers, offering a glimpse into how genetic variants shape cellular architecture and function.

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2025 Art in Science Competition Winners Announced | Newsroom In celebration of University Research Week (October 20–24), the UNC School of Medicine is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 “Art in Science” competition. This year’s theme, “UNC Research is North Carolina,” inspired stunning visual representations of biomedical research that refl...

2023 REC Scholar Michael Almedia has been awarded the Rebecca Clark Staff Award for Moral Courage for his efforts in training the next generation of biomedical researchers.

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Michael F. Almeida connects with students through research | UNC-Chapel Hill The Rebecca Clark Staff Award for Moral Courage winner is training the next generation of biomedical researchers.

🧠 New UNC Study Sheds Light on Alzheimer’s Disease

Researchers at the UNC School of Medicine have uncovered how Alzheimer’s impacts both memory and mood—two symptoms that profoundly affect patients and families.

The study, led by Dr. Juan Song and published in Neuron, identified two distinct brain circuits in the supramammillary nucleus (SuM) that separately control memory and emotional responses. When these circuits malfunction in Alzheimer’s, patients experience cognitive decline alongside anxiety and depression.

Excitingly, scientists were able to restore memory or mood in Alzheimer’s-model mice by selectively activating these pathways. This breakthrough opens the door to personalized, circuit-based therapies that could improve quality of life by targeting both symptoms at once.

🔗 Read more about this groundbreaking research: https://news.unchealthcare.org/2025/10/study-uncovers-brain-pathways-connected-to-alzheimers-memory-loss-and-mood-changes

Study Uncovers Brain Pathways Connected to Alzheimer’s Memory Loss and Mood Changes | Newsroom A new study published in Neuron, led by Juan Song, PhD, sheds light on how Alzheimer’s disease affects the brain. The findings could lead to new forms of therapy.

🎃🧠 Pumpkin Power!

Yesterday, some of our amazing Duke/UNC ADRC staff got together to celebrate the season with a little creativity — and a lot of pumpkins! 🍂✨

From spooky to silly, each pumpkin was a reflection of the team’s spirit and imagination. It was a great way to take a break, connect, and enjoy some fall fun together.

Swipe through to see the masterpieces — and let us know which one’s your favorite! 👻🎨

❗Estudio de salud cognitiva en Parkinso❗

🧠¿Tienes Parkinson y 40+?
🔍Ayúdanos a entender como prevenir problemas de memoria y pensamiento.
👍Pago, transporte y horarios flexibles

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