UW Medicine is at the forefront of research, education and care for Alzheimer’s and other dementias. From becoming one of the first hospitals in the country to administer a groundbreaking new drug therapy, to building a hub for community and resilience for people with dementia and their families, we’re redefining what it means to live — and thrive — with memory loss. If you’re looking for compassionate, whole-person care backed by the most advanced research, you’ve come to the right place.

The UW Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center is part of a nationwide network of Alzheimer’s disease research resource centers funded through the NIH’s National Institute on Aging. The ADRC has been committed to helping advance Alzheimer’s research for over 30 years. Dr. Thomas Grabowski, director of the ADRC, leads a team of providers who diagnose, treat and support patients living with memory loss or dementia.

The ADRC focuses on a precision medicine approach to Alzheimer’s disease. Scientists conduct research on genetic risk; develop neuroimaging markers and biomarkers for earlier detection; and seek new therapies that can be tailored to address the underlying molecular causes of an individual person’s disease. Through basic science and clinical studies, they work to find therapeutic strategies that improve the care, functioning and quality of life for patients and caregivers.

In December 2023, UW Medicine’s Memory and Brain Wellness Center became one of the first West Coast hospitals to give a patient lecanemab — the first FDA-approved drug shown to reduce cognitive decline in people with early Alzheimer’s disease. UW Medicine was selected in part because of its expertise in running large clinical trials and its outstanding reputation as a hub for leading-edge research and care.

The ADRC’s Research Education Component is focused on developing the next generation of Alzheimer’s researchers; bringing established researchers from other fields into the Alzheimer’s research community; and giving trainees and investigators from outside institutions access to UW Medicine’s dynamic research and scientific environment. Through programs for trainees, junior investigators and investigators from other fields, our faculty provide Alzheimer’s-focused mentorship, training and access to the data and resources available through the ADRC.