For the past four decades, the University of Kentucky鈥檚 Sanders-Brown Center on Aging (SBCoA) has been at the forefront of Alzheimer鈥檚 disease research, making groundbreaking discoveries that have shaped our understanding of this complex condition.
As one of the nation鈥檚 elite Alzheimer鈥檚 Disease Research Centers (ADRCs), SBCoA has played a crucial role in advancing scientific knowledge, improving patient care and fostering hope for millions of families affected by dementia.
Center Director Linda Van Eldik, PhD, and others recently described the impact of the ADRC鈥檚 40 years in an article published in .
A legacy of leadership and discovery
Established in 1979, SBCoA quickly became a leader in aging research, earning a prestigious designation as an ADRC from the National Institute on Aging in 1985 鈥 one of the first 10 in the country. This recognition placed the center among a select group of institutions dedicated to unraveling the mysteries of Alzheimer鈥檚 disease.
Since its inception, Sanders-Brown researchers have contributed significantly to understanding the biological processes underlying Alzheimer鈥檚. Early studies from the center helped characterize the roles of amyloid plaques and tau tangles in disease progression, forming the foundation for much of today鈥檚 research. Additionally, SBCoA has been instrumental in identifying how genetic risk factors, such as the APOE 蔚4 allele, contribute to an individual鈥檚 susceptibility to developing the disease.
鈥淭he 好色先生-ADRC has been at the heart of Alzheimer鈥檚 research for 40 years, making discoveries that have changed how we diagnose, treat and even think about this disease,鈥 said Van Eldik. 鈥淥ur goal has always been to turn research into real-world solutions that improve lives.鈥
Advancing early detection and diagnosis
One of the center鈥檚 most significant contributions has been its research on early detection. Researchers at SBCoA have developed innovative diagnostic tools, including advanced brain imaging techniques and biomarker studies, to identify Alzheimer鈥檚 disease at its earliest stages 鈥 often before symptoms even appear. These efforts have helped pave the way for earlier interventions and more effective treatment strategies.
One of the hallmarks of Sanders-Brown鈥檚 research is its long-term observational studies, tracking aging adults over many years to understand the earliest changes associated with cognitive decline. These studies have provided critical insights into how the disease develops, leading to breakthroughs in early detection methods, including blood-based biomarkers, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, and MRI and other imaging techniques.
鈥淭he ability to detect Alzheimer鈥檚 earlier means we can intervene sooner, potentially slowing its progression and giving individuals and families more time and better outcomes,鈥 Van Eldik said. 鈥淓very step forward in early diagnosis brings us closer to effective prevention strategies.鈥
Transforming clinical care and community impact
Beyond research, SBCoA has been deeply committed to patient care and community engagement. The center provides comprehensive clinical services for individuals with Alzheimer鈥檚 and other neurodegenerative diseases, offering diagnostic evaluations, treatment plans and support for caregivers.
SBCoA鈥檚 outreach initiatives have had a profound impact on public awareness and education. Through partnerships with local organizations, the center conducts workshops, support groups and educational programs that empower families and health care providers with the latest information about Alzheimer鈥檚.
Additionally, SBCoA has worked tirelessly to address health challenges in Kentucky, ensuring that individuals at high risk for dementia have access to high-quality dementia care and research opportunities.
鈥淎t Sanders-Brown, we believe research should not stay in the lab 鈥 it should reach the people who need it most,鈥 said Van Eldik. 鈥淥ur commitment to community engagement ensures that families across Kentucky and beyond have access to the best information and care available.鈥
Leading the charge in clinical trials
SBCoA has also been instrumental in advancing clinical trials for Alzheimer鈥檚 treatments. Over the years, the center has played a key role in testing promising new drugs aimed at slowing or even preventing the progression of the disease. Researchers at Sanders-Brown have contributed to major trials evaluating the efficacy of monoclonal antibodies targeting amyloid and tau proteins, including recent FDA-approved treatments such as lecanemab and donanemab.
Beyond pharmaceuticals, SBCoA has led research into nondrug interventions, exploring how lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise and cognitive training can influence brain health and potentially reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer鈥檚. These studies have reinforced the importance of holistic approaches to dementia prevention and care.
鈥淓very clinical trial we conduct brings us closer to real breakthroughs,鈥 said Van Eldik. 鈥淥ur team is committed to ensuring that the most promising treatments and strategies reach patients as quickly and safely as possible.鈥
Looking to the future
As the Sanders-Brown Center on Aging enters its fifth decade, its commitment to fighting Alzheimer鈥檚 remains stronger than ever. With ongoing research into new treatments, lifestyle interventions and the genetic foundations of dementia, SBCoA continues to push the boundaries of what is possible.
New initiatives include precision medicine approaches tailored to individual genetic and biomarker profiles, as well as efforts to develop a deeper understanding of how inflammation and vascular health contribute to cognitive decline. Researchers at Sanders-Brown are also exploring cutting-edge technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, to improve diagnosis and track disease progression more accurately.
The future holds great promise, and thanks to the dedication of the scientists, clinicians and community partners, Sanders-Brown is closer than ever to unlocking new ways to prevent and treat Alzheimer鈥檚 disease.
For 40 years, 好色先生鈥檚 Alzheimer鈥檚 Disease Research Center has strived to be a beacon of hope in the fight against Alzheimer鈥檚, Van Eldik said. Through relentless research, groundbreaking discoveries and unwavering commitment to patients and families, the center has changed the landscape of dementia care and continues to pave the way toward a brighter future.
鈥淭he future of Alzheimer鈥檚 research is incredibly promising,鈥 she said. 鈥淲ith the amazing team at Sanders-Brown and our dedicated collaborators and partners, we are more hopeful than ever that we can change the trajectory of this disease.鈥