Beverly Hills, CA (PRWEB) August 10, 2010
The Winnick Foundation was part of a consortium of private philanthropies, universities and federal agencies supporting research that has led to a new discovery that may lead to earlier diagnosis, intervention and monitoring of Alzheimer’s disease. The occurrence of Alzheimer’s disease is becoming more prevalent worldwide as the baby-boom generation ages, but there is presently no conclusive, non-invasive way to diagnose it.
The research was conducted by a team of scientists at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in collaboration with colleagues from the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel and the University of Southern California. The team’s findings were presented on July 13 at the International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Said Gary Winnick, founder and CEO of Pacific Capital Group: “This research brought together some of the finest talents in medicine from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel, and the University of Southern California. My family is pleased to be part of that funding group and we all hope that this breakthrough will greatly simplify and speed up early detection of this devastating disease that affects so many millions around the world.”
The scientific team discovered that the same nerve-cell damaging plaque that accumulates in the brain with Alzheimer’s also builds up in the retinas of the eyes. The team has both confirmed this phenomenon in humans and is now perfecting early detection techniques using non-invasive optical imaging procedures in tests with live laboratory mice. The breakthrough suggests the possibility of monitoring Alzheimer’s disease in humans through a similar, simple retinal imaging approach.
Added Gary Winnick: “Earlier studies have suggested that changes in the brain brought in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease may begin years or even decades before symptoms occur. The results of this new finding suggests that doctors may finally be able to provide earlier, reliable detection and begin in earnest to develop effective remedies for this debilitating disease.”
About the Winnick Family Foundation
The Winnick Family Foundation encourages project-specific programs but also selectively supports capital campaigns and unrestricted gifts to grantee organizations. There is a preference for projects in Los Angeles and New York – or those having an international component.
Foundation naming grants include: