In the last few years, the Byrd Institute has had several major breakthroughs, from the effects of caffeine and cognitive activity on Alzheimer's to the fascinating link between Alzheimer's and Down Syndrome. The Institute has a world-class facility and has gained the respect of scientists of the same caliber.

In spite of that, and in common with many other worthwhile causes in the state, the Byrd Institute has had a bumpy Legislative session.

However, empowered by its vision of a clear mission -- the vision of a center dedicated to one enormous, looming problem: Alzheimer's disease, Byrd Institute leaders will forego state funding during the next fiscal year.

This one-year fiscal fast is an effort to protect the research focus of the world's largest free-standing Alzheimer's research facility – a gem on Florida's biotech resume. Former Speaker Johnnie Byrd told lawmakers that it is essential that the Institute not be subsumed into USF, rather that it continues as an autonomous center, with a laser-like focus on Alzheimer's.

This drastic measure speaks volumes about the center's concentration on curing Alzheimer's and the dedication to keep that singular priority intact, especially in a state that will be brought to its knees by Alzheimer's as baby boomers age.

It is about power – the power to stay focused.

The Byrd Alzheimer's Institute is thriving. Cooperation and collaboration will produce the synergy that will propel both Byrd and USF to the next level.

Research Update

Scientists Link Down Syndrome and Alzheimer's
~ Byrd Alzheimer's Institute researchers study abnormal cells found in both conditions ~

Research by scientists at the Johnnie B. Byrd, Sr., Alzheimer's Center & Research Institute and the University of South Florida Suncoast Alzheimer's and Gerontology Center suggests Alzheimer's disease may be a form of Down Syndrome.

The new study shows that the mutant genes that cause Alzheimer's also lead to the creation of Down Syndrome cells during the normal process of cell division. In healthy cell division, cells receive a pair of each chromosome. In the mutant process, normal cells become Down Syndrome cells with the addition of a third copy of chromosome 21. All Down Syndrome individuals develop the neuropathology of Alzheimer's disease by age 30-40 (many but not all also develop memory problems with advanced age).

Understanding the link between Down Syndrome and Alzheimer's disease – that they are partly the same disease – has potentially important implications for both diagnosis and therapy, said Dr. Huntington Potter, CEO and Scientific Director of the Byrd Alzheimer's Institute and Eric Pfeiffer Chair for Research on Alzheimer's Disease.

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