GRECC Seattle and American Lake

The research efforts at the VAPSHCS GRECC focus on the integration of basic biomedical and applied clinical projects. Studies related to the neurobiologic and neuroendocrine aspects of aging focus on the molecular analysis of neurotransmission components, including neurotransmitters, receptors, and the role these components play in normal aging and neurologic and neuropsychiatric diseases of the elderly. Neurogenetics studies are aimed at identifying genetic factors responsible for Alzheimer's disease, related frontotemporal dementias, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and schizophrenia. Other studies include investigating the molecular cause of prostate cancer. Applied clinical studies include the investigation of metabolic diseases and their interaction with cognitive impairment, including the relationship between insulin resistance and Alzheimer’s Disease. Related studies are currently evaluating new and novel treatments for patients with Alzheimer's Disease. Additional lines of research are focused on the bioethical aspects of medical decision making and palliative care.