On September 21, World Alzheimer's Day, South Carolina's leading universities
made an announcement that will change the landscape of Alzheimer's and dementia research in the Palmetto State:
Clemson University, the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) and the University of South Carolina (USC) are combining their expertise and resources to establish a first-of-its-kind Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC) with statewide reach.
The Alzheimer's Association applauds Clemson, MUSC and USC for this groundbreaking approach to advancing dementia care and research. This collaboration, supported by $10 million in the state budget, aims to secure the federal designation of a multi-site ADRC. The joint application will be submitted in June 2024 to the National Institute on Aging (NIA).
Currently, the NIA funds 33 ADRCs at major medical institutions across the United States, including one in Georgia and two in North Carolina.
Earlier this month, Governor Henry McMaster helped pave the way for the collaboration when he ceremonially signed bill
S. 569, which requires a comprehensive statewide plan to address issues related to Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Part of this statewide strategic approach includes the pursuit of federal ADRC status through the collaborative efforts of the state’s top research institutions. The goal is to establish a highly visible, accessible, trusted and coordinated source of information so that patients and families of all income levels are better connected to resources, research opportunities.
Special thanks are due to the South Carolina General Assembly, including key legislators who championed these efforts within both chambers.
S. 569 was championed in the Senate by Senator Katrina Shealy and Senate President Thomas Alexander, and championed in the House by Representative Mark Smith and Representative Sylleste Davis. The $10 million state investment in the ADRC effort was championed in the Senate by Senator Katrina Shealy and Senate President Thomas Alexander and in the House by Representative Bill Herbkersman.
Thanks also to all of our passionate volunteer advocates, many of whom asked legislators for their support of these initiatives during the Alzheimer's Association State House Advocacy Day in March.
Learn more about volunteering with our advocacy efforts.
Lastly, we are thankful for the dedicated journalists across the state who took time to report on these remarkable undertakings. A collection of recent news coverage is provided below.
About the joint ADRC effort:
- Live 5 News, Charleston: SC working to establish first Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center in the state
- WLTX News, Columbia: SC research universities partner to launch state's first Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center
- Post and Courier, Charleston: Clemson, MUSC, USC get $10M to create collaborative Alzheimer’s research center
- FOX Carolina News, Greenville: Lawmakers approve $10 million in funding for Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center
- Upstate Today, Seneca: Alexander plays key role in Alzheimer’s research center fundingAlexander plays key role in Alzheimer’s research center funding
- Greenville Journal: Clemson partners with USC, MUSC to create Alzheimer’s research center
- WBTW, Myrtle Beach: South Carolina universities collaborating to establish Alzheimer’s research center
- WJBF, Augusta: SC researchers collaborating to establish Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center
- WBTW, Myrtle Beach: SC researchers collaborating to establish Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center
- WCBD, Charleston: SC researchers collaborating to establish Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center
About the Governor's bill signing:
- WLTX, Columbia: South Carolina Alzheimer's plan to be signed into effect on Wednesday
- WIS TV, Columbia: State leaders push to prioritize Alzheimer's care
- WRDW, Augusta: New law aims to bring South Carolina out of Alzheimer’s crisis
- WACH FOX, Columbia: Gov. McMaster signs strategic Alzheimer's and dementia plan into law
- WDPE, Myrtle Beach: Gov. McMaster signs strategic Alzheimer's and dementia plan into law
- The Times and Democrat, Orangeburg: McMaster signs Alzheimer plan
- WSPA, Greenville: Advocates, SC leaders celebrate legislation establishing statewide Alzheimer’s plan
- ABC News 4, Charleston: Gov. McMaster signs strategic Alzheimer's and dementia plan into law
- WLTX, Columbia: Governor McMaster hosts ceremonial signing of Alzheimer's and dementia bill
- ABC Columbia: Gov. McMaster signs bill that creates statewide plan to address Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias
- WCCB, Charlotte: SC Passes Bill To Create Statewide Plan To Address Alzheimer’s Disease
- WBTW, Charlotte: Statewide plan in S.C. to better address Alzheimer's
Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia.™ For more information, visit www.alz.org or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.