Dear Friends, The USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute at USF is a beacon of research and care for patients suffering with Alzheimer’s. The Institute houses two entire floors of research space and operates a thriving clinic on the first floor with approximately 3,000 patients visiting annually. The rapid growth of the Institute and the need for groundbreaking approaches to the care and treatment of patients with memory disorders led to the creation of the Complete Alzheimer’s C.A.R.E. (Clinical Assessment Research &Education) Center on the second floor of the Institute. Providing the most up-to-date diagnostic and caregiving services to patients and their families within a single location, the Complete Alzheimer’s C.A.R.E. Center is the only facility of its kind. At the end of their visit, patients and caregivers will leave with information about the disorder and its most effective treatments as well as services and resources for both. The opportunity to become partners in research as part of a longitudinal study to help create personal care for Alzheimer’s patients is a hallmark of the C.A.R.E. Center. I know we can count on you to help transform the way Alzheimer’s is diagnosed, treated and ultimately cured. Your gift can be the difference to many families living with this disease. One day, our future generations will know of Alzheimer’s only from their history books. Sincerely,
David Morgan, PhD, CEO USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute
The USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute is changing the landscape of Alzheimer’s disease and is the world’s largest free-standing center dedicated to the prevention, treatment and cure of Alzheimer’s and related disorders. With a highly qualified team of researchers, doctors, clinicians and educators, we are at the forefront of Alzheimer’s research and care. The core missions of the Institute include: To conduct laboratory research to understand the changes in the brain that cause dementia and to develop approaches for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. To conduct clinical research and therapeutic trials of new treatments for individuals with all stages of memory loss. Provide state-of-the-art diagnostic evaluations and the highest level of patient care to individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory problems. Support family caregivers by providing educational programs, support groups, counseling and information. Provide education and training for healthcare professionals, service providers and students.
Featuring Eric Pfeiffer Neuroimaging Center Comprehensive Dementia Diagnostic Center Caregiver Education Resource Library Patient Great Room Partners In Research Community Classroom Children’s Activity Area Falls Prevention Screening Area Functional Assessments Facility Martha Politz Conference Room Driving Simulator Refreshment Center Patient Entertainment Kiosks
THE GREAT ROOM The heart of the Complete Alzheimer’s C.A.R.E. Center is a patient gathering area that resembles a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere instead of an institutional waiting room. Architectural designs are employed to naturally direct the memory challenged patients to safe and enjoyable areas and away from the medical portions of the facility. Diversions such as videos, an aquarium and music are present to calm what could be an otherwise anxiety-provoking experience and a nourishment area is provided for families to keep snacks or order in lunch from area restaurants. All efforts are taken to provide a calm and dignified experience for patients and caregivers.
THE PFEIFFER NEUROIMAGING CENTER Named for Dr. Eric Pfeiffer, founder of the Suncoast Gerontology Center, now part of the USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute, this Center is a beacon of innovative research. The use of positron emission tomography (PET) has become a method of imaging the brains of dementia patients to make positive diagnosis for specific forms of dementia. More recently, chemicals that stick to brain amyloid can be used to estimate the amounts present in the brain.
A generous gift from the Morsani Family and the Estate of Martha Politz have made the Center possible.
This method can be used to positively diagnose dementia (without requiring brain tissue), to determine if antiamyloid drugs are hitting their target. The PET scan may possibly be used to screen for Alzheimer’s disease before symptoms occur when drugs may be used to prevent the disorder from occurring.
THE COMPREHENSIVE DEMENTIA DIAGNOSTIC CLINIC The diagnosis of dementia is an improving but still imperfect science and a definitive diagnosis requires a team of health professionals. While visiting the C.A.R.E. Center, patients see a geriatrician, psychiatrist, neurologist and neuropsychologist who each evaluate different dimensions of brain function and general health. An additional step in some instances is a PET scan to examine brain activity and/or amyloid content in the Pfeiffer Neuroimaging Center. At the end of the day, a conference is held including all of the specialists and the patient’s diagnosis and suggested therapy is determined.
FUNCTIONAL ASSESSMENTS FACILITY One important component in caring for Alzheimer’s patients and maintaining safety is to identify the level of daily activities the patient can perform independently and those for which some assistance is or will be needed. The Functional Assessments Facility engages specially trained occupational and physical therapists who will take patients through a fully-functioning micro apartment with steps, kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and clothes washing facility. The outside of the apartment looks like a home-front to measure gait, balance, lifting and reaching. In addition to the apartment, faculty and staff from USF’s School of Physical Therapy will work with patients in the Falls Prevention Screening Center.
Driving Simulator One of the more difficult issues often faced by caregivers and patients who still drive is determining when it is no longer safe. Even more difficult is the conversation with a patient who feels that she or he can still drive when the caregiver feels otherwise. The Functional Assessments Facility includes a driving simulator for patients and their caregivers to provide an objective evaluation of the patient’s driving skills.
CAREGIVER EDUCATION RESOURCE Caregivers often feel overwhelmed by the magnitude of behaviors, issues, and needs associated with caring for a person with dementia and often don’t know where to turn for information. The Caregiver Education Resource Library helps to ease this burden by providing information available in a staffed library format for caregivers to visit in between appointments at the Complete Alzheimer’s C.A.R.E. Center. Located near the entrance elevators, the Caregiver Education Resource Library allows caregivers to return after their initial visit to access additional information without the need to enter the patient area.
Community classroom An essential component of the USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute is providing education and training to caregivers and healthcare professionals. This 40 person classroom provides the setting for student and community education, caregiver support group meetings, community outreach programs and scientific presentations.
Children’s Activity Area Many caregivers are caring for aging parents as well as children still at home. Anticipating this need, the Children’s Activity Area will be staffed with USF students and volunteers to provide a safe and entertaining area for children away from the patient waiting area.
PARTNERS IN RESEARCH Advances in the treatment, prevention and ultimately a cure for Alzheimer’s cannot be accomplished without patient participation in research studies. Studies take on a variety of forms including involvement in clinical trials testing new medications to slow the progression of the disease, research studies on caregiving strategies, and new initiatives in identifying early biomarkers of the disease. One major function of the C.A.R.E. Center is to establish a research partnership with Alzheimer’s patients and families to defeat this disease. Our goal is to establish a long term mutually beneficial relationship with our patients, where we commit to share with them the overall results of the research studies they choose to participate in, and continually update them as new research opportunities arise.
One vision to end Alzheimer’s disease.
One center
at the forefront of research and care.
One place for families.
Our plan is to create a world-class diagnostic and treatment Center working in concert with our medical clinic and research labs. Together, with your support, we will revolutionize the care and treatment of those suffering from Alzheimer’s and continue the fight for a cure. To join our efforts, please call Dr. David Morgan, CEO, USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute at 813-396-0746 or Holly Lisle, Director of Development at 813-974-0890 or hlisle@health.usf.edu.
University of South Florida Office of Development 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MDC70 Tampa, Florida 33612 http://alz.health.usf.edu The University of South Florida is an affirmative action/equal access/equal opportunity institution.