Quicklinks

Welcome to UCiMIND

The Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (MIND) at the University of California, Irvine is internationally recognized for its research accomplishments in disorders of the brain, particularly those that are age-related. The Institute is UCI's center for aging and dementia research, with our faculty seeking to understand the causes leading to neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia, Lewy body dementia, and Huntington’s disease. We aim to identify the life-style factors that promote wellness and “successful aging.” For those suffering from age-related memory problems, our goal is to diagnose disease, identify means for effectively treating it, and provide help to families and caregivers.

What’s New?

• Charles Glabe, professor of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry and a member of the Institute, was elected as Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Fellows are recognized for meritorious efforts to advance science or its application, and election is an honor bestowed upon members by their peers.
  
  
• Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger recently appointed Ruth Mulnard as a founding member of the State of California Public Health Advisory Committee. The mission of the California Department of Public Health is dedicated to optimizing the health and well-being of the people in California. The advisory committee provides expert advice and makes recommendations to the Director on the development of policies and programs to prevent illness and promote the public’s health.
  
  
• Nicole Berchtold was the recipient of the inaugural “Carl W. Cotman Scholars Award” which recognizes outstanding young investigators of the Institute who have made a significant contribution to neurobiology of aging. Nicole received her Ph.D. in 2000 and was the lead author on a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences that describes changes in gene expression patterns in the brains of males and females.
  
  
• Wayne Poon, a researcher in the Institute, will take over as director of the Tissue Repository, which distributes tissue to researchers throughout the world. Wayne received his Ph.D. in 2001 from UCLA in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. He joined the Institute in 2002 as a postdoctoral fellow and has recently been appointed as a project scientist. His research is focused on elucidating the molecular mechanisms of amyloid toxicity. We wish Wayne the best of luck in his new role.
  
  
• Carl W. Cotman, founding director of the Institute, was a 2008 recipient of the Khalid Iqbal and Bengt Winblad Lifetime Achievement Award, which was presented at the 11th Annual International Conference on Alzheimer’ Disease. This prestigious award recognizes the distinguished work of Alzheimer’s researchers.
  
  
• Frank LaFerla, Chancellor’s Professor of Neurobiology and Behavior has been appointed as the new incoming Director of the Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders. Professor LaFerla takes over for Carl W. Cotman, who was the founding director of UCiMIND. Click here to learn more about Professor LaFerla’s research.
  
  
• Linda Scheck appointed director of community relations for UCiMIND. As the former executive director of the Orange County Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, Linda has a long history of working on behalf of Alzheimer’s disease individuals and their families, and well understands the families and their needs, bringing tremendous expertise and a warm personal touch.
  
  
• UCI scientists determine that an over-the-counter vitamin in high doses prevented memory loss in mice with Alzheimer’s disease, and UC Irvine scientists now are conducting a clinical trial to determine its effect in humans. Click here to learn more.
  
  
• Studies on the oldest old makes the New York Times. Research conducted by Drs. Maria Corrada and Claudia Kawas found that women over 90 are significantly more likely to have dementia than men of the same age. Click here to learn more.