Neurodegenerative Diseases

Diseases such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and Gaucher devastate the elderly and young alike. Researchers at SRI’s Center for Health Sciences and in SRI Biosciences perform Alzheimer's research, Parkinson's research, and Gaucher disease research to determine the causes of such neurodegenerative diseases by applying techniques from a variety of disciplines, including molecular, neuroanatomical, electrophysiological, and behavioral approaches.

SRI's neurodegenerative disease research funders include:

  • National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

  • National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

  • National Institute of General Medical Sciences

  • California Tobacco-Related Disease Research Program

  • Michael J. Fox Foundation

  • Backus Foundation

  • Alzheimer's Association

Projects

diagram of nicotinic receptors
Role of Nicotinic Receptors in Parkinson’s Disease

SRI is investigating whether the nicotine in tobacco smoke may be useful in meeting the urgent need to manage Parkinson’s disease.

Topics: Addiction Research Neurodegenerative Diseases Neuroscience
cigarette being snapped in half
Treatment of Nicotine Dependence in a Healthcare Setting

SRI is analyzing the genetics of smoking and related characteristics, using data from a large-scale National Cancer Institute study on smoking cessation.

Topics: Addiction Research Aging Research Basic Cancer Research Disease Focus Areas Human Sleep Neurodegenerative Diseases Neuroscience Twins Research
twin boys
Twin Research Registry at SRI International

SRI established the Twin Research Registry as part of its scientific research and efforts to discover more about human behavior. Fraternal and identical twins and multiples of all ages are invited to join the Registry for consideration for research studies.

Topics: Addiction Research Aging Research Behavioral Health Disease Focus Areas Human Sleep Metabolic Diseases Neurodegenerative Diseases Neuroscience Sleep Disorders Twins Research

Press Releases

Gary Swang, director of SRI International's Center for Health Sciences
Gary Swan Elected President of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco

Gary E. Swan, Ph.D., director of SRI International's Center for Health Sciences, has been elected by the membership of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco (SRNT) as its president-elect and will serve as president in 2012.

Topics: Addiction Research Aging Research Disease Focus Areas Human Sleep Neurodegenerative Diseases Neuroscience Sleep Disorders Statistical Analysis
image of a mouse brain
Inscopix Inc. and SRI International to Collaborate on Brain Imaging R&D

Researchers from SRI’s Center for Neuroscience and Metabolic Diseases will use Inscopix’s nVista HD imaging system to gain a better understanding of normal brain function and the dysfunctions of neural circuitry that underlie neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders.

Topics: Addiction Research Behavioral Health Medical Imaging Neurodegenerative Diseases Neuroscience
Joseph Rogers
Joseph Rogers Joins SRI International as Executive Director of New Health Sciences Section in Biosciences Division

In his career, Rogers has focused on age-related neurologic diseases. He is best known for showing that inflammatory responses occur in almost all major age-related brain disorders and cause substantial damage, with his seminal paper in the area receiving nearly 1,200 citations to date.

Topics: Addiction Research Aging Research Behavioral Health Biomarkers Human Sleep Metabolic Diseases Neurodegenerative Diseases Neuroscience
SRI International Expands Neurosciences Research with New Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Program

SRI International, an independent nonprofit research and development institute, announced today that a new Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Program has been established within its Center for Health Sciences.

Topics: Disease Focus Areas Neurodegenerative Diseases Neuroscience
SRI International Researcher Named American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Fellow

SRI International, an independent nonprofit research and development institute, announced today that Thomas S. Kilduff, Ph.D., director of SRI International's Center for Neuroscience, has been named a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).

Topics: Neurodegenerative Diseases Neuroscience

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