How California is advancing our understanding of Alzheimer’s disease using stem cells

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Over 14,000 people in Fresno County are living with Alzheimer's, and it's estimated that more than 720,000 people are living with the brain disorder in California.

That's why the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM)-a state of California agency dedicated to funding regenerative medicine research-joined the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's in Fresno/Madera to raise awareness of the cell and gene therapy research we've supported to advance our understanding of the devastating condition. More than 800 people attended the community event this year.

CIRM hosted an informational and educational booth to spread awareness of our support for Alzheimer's research and general awareness of stem cells. To date, CIRM has provided $35 million in funding support for stem cell research to better understand the disease and advance potential cell and gene therapies.

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About Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is a brain disorder that causes a decline in memory, thinking, and reasoning skills, and eventually affects a person's ability to function.

In the United States, nearly 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's, and it's estimated that by 2050, the number may rise to nearly 13 million. As of 2021, Alzheimer's disease was the fifth-leading cause of death among people age 65 and older.

Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer's, but there are treatments that may change disease progression, and drug and non-drug options that may help treat symptoms.

How Scientists are using stem cells to understand Alzheimer's

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that can become specific cell types, such as neurons (brain cells). Although there has been significant progress in using stem cells for Alzheimer's research, it's important to know there is currently no approved cell therapy for the disorder.

CIRM is committed to driving progress in Alzheimer's research to better understand the disease and develop cell and gene therapy treatments to treat it. CIRM has provided $35 million in funding to support a variety of research projects to improve our understanding of Alzheimer's disease.

CIRM funding has supported researchers who are creating stem cell models of the disease in a lab dish using cells from Alzheimer's patients. They can then test drugs and therapies on nerve cells derived from the stem cells of Alzheimer's patients to explore which may eliminate symptoms of the disease. These models present opportunities to test therapies in human cells, which remains a challenge for Alzheimer's research.

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CIRM also supports researchers who are in the early stages of developing potential therapies using stem cells. Some researchers are trying to mature embryonic stem cells into a cell type that can be transplanted into the brain to replace cells that are destroyed in the disease. Others are using stem cells as a way of delivering factors that appear to protect brain cells.

In addition to continued funding for Alzheimer's research, CIRM is dedicating $1.5 billion in funding specifically for research and development of treatments for diseases affecting the brain and central nervous system.

A day of hope for people affected by Alzheimer's

The Walk to End Alzheimer's is hosted in more than 600 communities across the United States, making it the world's largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's care, support, and research.

In addition to spreading awareness of stem cells and our funding to support Alzheimer's research, CIRM had many conversations with Central California community members, including caregivers and families who have lost a loved one to the disorder. Many shared their personal stories and highlighted why continued research funding is so important.

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Before the stroll around Fresno's Woodward Park, attendees gathered in front of the main stage to hear welcoming remarks from Kate Nemerich of ABC30 news. Nemerich shared in a social media post she has had three grandparents diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer's.

The speech was followed by a Promise Garden ceremony, during which walk participants displayed flowers that represented their connection to the disease, whether they've lost someone or are supporting someone living with Alzheimer's.

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The event concluded with the nearly 800 cheerful attendees walking the mile-long trail.

"The Walk to End Alzheimer's was a wonderful community event because it provided an opportunity to have conversations and hear the perspectives of people who are impacted by Alzheimer's," said Esteban Cortez, CIRM's Director of Marketing and Communications. "These events remind us why it's important to continue funding research for diseases that affect Californian's and people around the world."

To learn more about stem cell research for Alzheimer's disease, explore more on CIRM's website.

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