Neurodegeneration research: Advances in clinical translational neuroscience infrastructure and methods

Biomedical research progress depends on appropriate infrastructure, funding, and expertise. Progress must include both advances in understanding of disease processes and their treatment and in training the next generation of investigators to ensure future progress toward the goals of optimal health, wellness, and dignified longevity (Fig. 1). Brain diseases pose a significant threat to human well-being, limit human capacity and autonomy, and take a great toll on the world economy. In the UnitedStates alone, symptomaticAlzheimer’s disease (AD) affects 5.3 million, and 2.2 million have other forms of dementia—accounting for 7.5 million affected individuals or 7.4% of the population [1]. Preclinical and prodromal forms of AD—often unrecognized and undiagnosed—nearly double the total number of affected individuals [2]. The elderly are particularly vulnerable to neurodegenerative and vascular brain disorders; AD, Parkinson’s disease (PD), dementia with Lewy bodies, vascular cognitive impairment, and mixed vascular– neurodegenerative disorders are all disproportionately common among older individuals [1,3]. Scientific programs aimed at reducing occurrence of diseases that impose a significant burden on society must address neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs). The accompanying suite of articles in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Translational Research and Clinical Interventions describes progress in establishing infrastructure and expertise to address the challenges of AD and PD. The role of the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) Institutional Development Awards (IDeAs) in supporting research infrastructure and growth of research expertise is highlighted. The Lou Ruvo Brain Institute was established in Las Vegas, Nevada, in 2007 with scientific leadership by Zaven Khachaturian, PhD, and operational leadership by Ara Khachaturian. In 2009, the Cleveland Clinic assumed responsibility for the clinical programs of the renamed Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health (LRCBH) under the guidance of Jeffrey Cummings, MD, ScD [4]. Clinical programs in AD, PD,