Make a Difference in Alzheimer's Research
What is Alzheimer's
Disease?
Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia. The brain cells, or neurons, die and connections between them are lost, leading to problems with memory, thinking, and behavior. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder that gradually destroys cognitive abilities, making it increasingly difficult for people to carry out daily activities. Symptoms usually develop slowly and worsen over time.
The cause of Alzheimer's is not fully understood, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. There is no cure for Alzheimer's, but treatments can help slow the progression of the disease and improve quality of life for those living with it.
What is the APOE Gene?
The APOE gene is a gene that provides instructions for making a protein called apolipoprotein E. This protein plays a role in the transport and metabolism of fats in the body. There are three different versions, or alleles, of the APOE gene: E2, E3, and E4.
The apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene is associated with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Having one copy of the E4 allele of the APOE gene increases a person's risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The risk is even higher if a person has two copies of the E4 allele. Having the E4 allele does not mean that a person will definitely develop Alzheimer's, only that their risk is higher.
​
APOE is not the only gene associated with Alzheimer's, and there are other factors that also play a role. Many people who develop the disease do not have a family history or a known genetic risk factor. Additionally, lifestyle and environmental factors, such as diet, exercise, and head injury, can also play a role in the development of the disease.
Alzheimer's
Resources
There are many resources available to support people with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers.
Local Resources
Los Angeles
Alzheimer's Los Angeles provides support, education and resources to families affected by Alzheimer's disease and dementia in the Los Angeles area.
​
​
Keck Medicine of USC Memory and Aging Center provides comprehensive care for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, and their families, including diagnostic evaluations, treatment, and support services.
The UCLA Alzheimer's and Dementia Care Program provides comprehensive care for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, and their families, including diagnostic evaluations, treatment, and support services.
​
The department offers a wide range of services and programs for older adults and their families, including support groups and counseling services specifically for caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease.
+ / Local support groups
Many local organizations and community centers offer support groups for caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease. These groups provide an opportunity for caregivers to connect with others who are going through similar experiences, and can be a valuable source of emotional support and practical advice.
The Alzheimer's Association, California Southland Chapter offers a wide range of services, including support groups, educational programs, and a 24-hour helpline. They also have a website with a wealth of information on Alzheimer's disease, including information on diagnosis, treatment, and caregiving.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health provides a variety of services to older adults, including those with Alzheimer's disease and their families, such as in-home support services.
USC ADRC is part of the Keck School of Medicine of USC and conducts research on the underlying causes of Alzheimer's disease, as well as developing new treatments and therapies for the condition. They also provide patient care, education, and support for families affected by Alzheimer's disease.
The resource center offers a free telephone service to assist with identifying a wide range of community resources related to aging, health, social services, in-home care, transportation and more.
This is a public health plan that provides resources and support to people with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers in Los Angeles. They offer a range of services, including case management, support groups, and educational programs.
Additional Resources
This organization provides information, support, and resources for people with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers. They offer a 24-hour helpline, support groups, and educational programs. They also have a website with a wide range of information on Alzheimer's disease, including information on diagnosis, treatment, and caregiving.
This is a global federation of Alzheimer's organizations, which provides information and support for people with dementia and their caregivers. They also have a website with a wide range of information on Alzheimer's disease, including information on diagnosis, treatment, and caregiving.
This resource discusses how Alzheimer's disproportionately affects the Native American community and provides culturally relevant resources. Researchers of Indigenous heritage discuss their work surrounding how Alzheimer's affects those of Native descent.
The NIA is a government organization that provides information on aging and age-related diseases, including Alzheimer's disease. Their website has a wealth of information on the latest research on Alzheimer's disease, as well as information on caregiving and support services.
This is a resource for people who have Alzheimer’s Disease or know someone who does to connect with support groups, medical care, housing, and home health care. It is a comprehensive resource finder to help ensure that those with Alzheimer's get what they need.
This resource details information on the disproportionate effects of Alzheimer's on the Black community and the historical discrimination and exploitation of Black Americans in research. It provides information about studies that are committed to ending inequities of Black Americans in science.
This organization provides information, education, and support for family caregivers. They offer a range of services, including counseling, support groups, and training programs.
This resource allows people of AAPI heritage to become connected with Alzheimer’s resources that are for the Asian community. This resource
discusses how Alzheimer's can uniquely affect the AAPI community, and offers culturally sensitive resources.
This resource discusses the disproportionate effects of Alzheimer's on the Hispanic community and health inequities that Latino/a Americans face in the healthcare. It provides volunteer opportunities and community resources led by fellow Latino/a people.