KU Alzheimer's Disease Research Center

12/10/2025

Safe and effective treatments for Alzheimer’s are urgently needed — and you can help make a difference. Researchers at the KU Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center are studying whether a new investigational drug, VHB937, could help slow early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.

✅ Adults ages 50–85 years old are eligible to participate
✅ Only available to adults diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease

Take part in advancing research that could bring hope to countless families affected by Alzheimer’s!

Please visit kuadrc.org/novartis to learn more and see if you qualify!

12/09/2025

📅 Please join us on Thursday, December 11, at 2:00 pm Central Time for the Weekly Webinar featuring Kirsten Goodwin!

Kirsten Goodwin is a Public Affairs Specialist for the Midwest-West Region of the Social Security Administration. During her 17 years at the Agency, Kirsten has held several technical and service-related positions in the Mid-America Program Service Center with specialized experience in the Disability Insurance program. Her current duties include serving as a liaison for congressional offices and promoting public awareness and understanding about the programs Social Security administers. During the Weekly Webinar, Kirsten will cover a general overview of Social Security programs and how to apply for benefits, as well as review online services and other helpful benefits.

🔗 To access this insightful Zoom webinar, click the link on Thursday: https://kuadrc.org/WeeklyWebinarRoom. Can't make it live? Catch the replays on our YouTube Channel.

12/01/2025

📅 Please join us on Thursday, December 4, at 2:00 pm Central Time for the Weekly Webinar featuring Bria Bartsch!

Bria Bartsch is a licensed and registered Occupational Therapist, an ACSM-certified Exercise Physiologist, and a PhD student at KU Medical Center whose research focuses on the FAST Study (Fitness After Stroke Trial), exploring how targeted exercise can improve vascular health, support recovery, and help prevent recurrent strokes. With one in four Kansas families affected by stroke, Bria is dedicated to translating evidence-based movement into practical strategies that help people regain strength, confidence, and possibility after one of life’s most challenging health events.

🔗 To access this insightful Zoom webinar, click the link on Thursday: https://kuadrc.org/WeeklyWebinarRoom. Can't make it live? Catch the replays on our YouTube Channel.

11/26/2025

We’re proud to share KU Medical Center’s post highlighting last week’s visit from Senator Jerry Moran and NIH Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya. It was an energizing day for our teams across the KU Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to showcase the groundbreaking work happening here in Kansas.

📣 “I’m incredibly impressed by the energy, by the intelligence and the clear effort and ingenuity that have gone into making KU a premier center.” — Dr. Bhattacharya

KU Chancellor Doug Girod led tours of labs researching cures and treatments for cancer, stroke and Alzheimer’s disease.

11/10/2025

We’re excited to share this opportunity for individuals with intellectual disabilities to showcase their talents and creativity. Learn more in the post below!

🌟 Community Talent Showcase – Calling All Performers! 🌟
Do you sing, dance, act, paint, or have a unique talent to share?
We’re inviting individuals with intellectual disabilities to shine on stage or display their artwork at our 2026 February Talent Showcase!

This is a give-back event for the community celebrating creativity, confidence, and joy.

To sign up to perform click here: kuadrc.org/bold-talentform

11/06/2025

Potential New Alzheimer’s Investigational Medication Research Opportunity — Now Enrolling!

At the KU Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, we are committed to finding a safe and effective medication to help slow the effects of dementia.

Our latest clinical trial, ONO-2020-02, is seeking participants with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease to take part in this groundbreaking research opportunity. The study will evaluate the safety and potential benefits of an investigational oral medication that may help delay cognitive decline and slow disease progression. Call 913.588.0555 or visit /kuadrc.org/onostudy

To become part of the MyAlliance network and receive MyAlliance Monday Highlights, please provide the information below and click submit.We appreciate your interest in learning more about what we have to offer at the University of Kansas Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (KU ADRC). The information...

10/29/2025

💙 October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month — a time to celebrate inclusion and support the lifelong health of people with Down syndrome and other intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Did you know that adults with Down syndrome may face a higher risk for dementia as they age?

Our free, on-demand virtual presentations help families recognize early cognitive changes, understand risk factors, and learn practical next steps for care.

🧠 Be proactive about brain health and explore these resources today: https://kuadrc.org/Being_Proactive_Families

10/29/2025

📅 Please join us on Thursday, October 30, at 2:00 pm Central Time for the Weekly Webinar!

Join us this week for an energizing session where we’ll explore how holistic wellness and caregiving can meet science-grounded brain health. Led by Nicolette Paige, founder of Soul Child Awakenings, we’ll dive into practices that support mind, body, and soul—tailored for those caring for aging loved ones or working professionally in adult care.

🔗 To access this insightful Zoom webinar, click the link on Thursday: https://kuadrc.org/WeeklyWebinarRoom. Can't make it live? Catch the replays on our YouTube Channel.

10/24/2025

🎉 Congratulations to Dr. Amber Watts! 🎉

We’re proud to celebrate Dr. Amber Watts, Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Kansas, for earning First Place and a $10,000 award in this year’s GeroSprint Competition at the Third Annual Geropalooza Research Symposium, co-hosted by the Landon Center on Aging and the Division of Geriatrics at KU Medical Center.

Her award-winning project, “Mitochondrial Menopause & Its Role in Alzheimer’s Disease,” explores how changes in mitochondrial function during menopause may influence Alzheimer’s risk—advancing our understanding of brain health and aging.

👏 Congratulations, Dr. Watts, on this outstanding achievement and your continued impact in the field of Alzheimer’s research!

10/21/2025

📅 Please join us on Thursday, October 20, at 2:00 pm Central Time for the Weekly Webinar!

Dr. Robert L. Newton, Jr. is an Associate Professor at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he directs the Physical Activity & Ethnic Minority Health Laboratory. His research focuses on developing and testing culturally relevant lifestyle programs that promote physical activity and improve health across diverse communities. Through community partnerships with churches, YMCAs, and neighborhoods, as well as the use of mobile and web-based tools, Dr. Newton explores how physical activity impacts both brain and body health throughout the lifespan. A graduate of Hampton University and the University of Florida, he has become a national leader in behavioral health research, combining scientific rigor with deep community engagement.

🔗 To access this insightful Zoom webinar, click the link on Thursday: https://kuadrc.org/WeeklyWebinarRoom. Can't make it live? Catch the replays on our YouTube Channel.

10/16/2025

🧠 TONIGHT | 6:30–8 PM
Caregivers, join us for a powerful seminar on behaviors that may co-occur with Down syndrome — including autism, CVI, ADHD & regression.

Gain tools to advocate, seek evaluations, and find support.
👥 Ages 13+ | 👶 Babies in arms welcome

📍 Details & RSVP: kcdsi.org/events/ds-panel/

Community Health Improvement Program for Intellectual Disabilities

Many caregivers notice behavioral differences in their loved ones long before medical professionals do. This educational seminar aims to inform and empower caregivers about the various behaviors, differences, and medical conditions that often co-occur with Down syndrome. Our goal is to equip caregiv...

10/09/2025

⏰ Only two days left to register!

🧠 SPARK’25: Understanding Lewy Body Dementia

Don’t miss this free webinar happening Saturday, October 11, exploring Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) — the second most common form of degenerative dementia in older adults.

The session includes a screening of SPARK: Robin Williams and His Battle with Lewy Body Dementia, followed by expert discussions led by Dr. Ryan Townley and Michelle Niedens, LSCSW, from the KU Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center.

Healthcare professionals are encouraged to attend and earn continuing education credits.

📅 Register now: https://kuadrc.org/spark2025
💻 No cost to participate — preregistration required.