ADRC Mission

The principal goal of the University of Pittsburgh Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (PITT ADRC) is to perform and promote research that increases our understanding of the etiology and pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and related dementias in order to ultimately advance new therapies. The PITT ADRC provides the infrastructure to investigate the mechanisms underlying cognitive and behavioral symptoms, and to develop strategies for effective early diagnoses and treatments of AD. We will accomplish this goal with our own research, involving investigators at the University of Pittsburgh and nearby institutions in clinical and basic research, and with collaborations with other national and international centers of excellence, in an environment that supports innovative research and enhances training and educational opportunities for patients, caregivers, students, scientists and clinicians.

Administrative Core

provides the organization and structure for planning and implementation of ADRC core and research activities

Clinical Core

develops approaches to expand enrollment of individuals along the complex transition from normalcy to dementia

Data Management and Statistics Core (DMSC)

facilitates research and collaboration by providing high quality data management and methodological support

Neuropathology Core

provides data and tissue resources for multi-institutional collaborative research studies

Outreach, Recruitment and Engagement Core

sustains and initiates outreach activities, facilitates participant recruitment, trains and administers the research mentoring program

Neuroimaging Core

develops and applies cutting edge neuroimaging technology to studies that are focused on early and presymptomatic stages of the AD spectrum

Biomarker and Neurogenetics

collects and archives DNA and blood samples from new and existing AD patients and controls

Research Education Component

identify, attract, and promote the career development of ADRD investigators