Alzheimer's Disease

Dr. Hussein Yassine and his team at the Center for Personalized Brain Health (CPBH) are conducting groundbreaking research into the complex relationships between lipid metabolism, nutrition, and Alzheimer's disease. With support from the Tiny Foundation, the team investigates how changes in these factors, along with genetic risk factors like the APOE4 allele, impact cognition and Alzheimer's risk. The team’s interdisciplinary approach spans basic science, clinical trials, advanced brain imaging studies, and prevention. Their mission is to translate basic discoveries into treatments.

A primary focus of Dr. Yassine and the CPBH is how Apolipoprotein E4 (APOE ε4) increases the risk of late-onset Alzheimer’s disease, and when to start prevention interventions. APOE ε4 is prevalent in around 25% of the general population and more than 50% of dementia patients. The CPBH connects neurology with lifestyle and genetics as a path to early detection, prevention, and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Coupling cutting-edge imaging techniques and measurement of biological markers, the team is investigating the role of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), in brain inflammation and Alzheimer's. The development of a novel imaging (18-F) DHA probe, made possible through the Tiny Foundation's funding, is enabling the team to study how DHA is processed in the brain and its potential implications for Alzheimer's prevention and treatment.

The Tiny Foundation is proud to support visionary researchers like Dr. Yassine who are working to unravel the complex factors contributing to Alzheimer's and to develop innovative solutions. We believe this interdisciplinary approach, combining biological investigation with clinical research, holds great promise for improving our understanding of this devastating, generational disease and bringing us closer to effective prevention and treatment strategies for impacted individuals and families.