Lexington, KY, October 15, 2025
News Summary
The University of Kentucky’s Sanders-Brown Center on Aging has secured a $2 million grant from the National Institute on Aging. This funding will enable the creation of the KYPAD Research Education Program, dedicated to training recent graduates in Alzheimer’s disease research. Led by experienced faculty, this initiative promotes hands-on research, mentorship, and community involvement, while addressing the rising prevalence of Alzheimer’s among diverse populations.
Lexington, KY – The University of Kentucky’s Sanders-Brown Center on Aging has been awarded a significant grant from the National Institute on Aging worth $2 million over five years. This funding will support the Kentucky Postbaccalaureate Alzheimer’s Disease (KYPAD) Research Education Program aimed at training the next generation of scientists specializing in Alzheimer’s disease.
Led by M. Paul Murphy, Ph.D., who has over 20 years of experience at the university, the KYPAD program is designed to provide recent college graduates in biomedical and behavioral sciences with immersive research training and essential support. This initiative not only supports participants from Kentucky but also invites individuals from outside the state, fostering a diverse atmosphere that is crucial for innovation in Alzheimer’s research.
Participants in the KYPAD program will engage in a variety of activities that include hands-on research experiences, mentorship, graduate-level coursework, workshops, and participation in national scientific events like the Markesbery Symposium on Aging and Dementia. These opportunities are essential for nurturing breakthrough discoveries that could lead to advancements in understanding and treating Alzheimer’s disease.
The establishment of the KYPAD program aligns with the Sanders-Brown Center’s commitment to impactful education and community engagement in the realm of Alzheimer’s research. The initiative also reflects a broader objective: to create meaningful research opportunities to combat Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
In addition to the KYPAD program, the University of Kentucky has recently gained further recognition for its research efforts. The Alzheimer’s Association granted nearly $1 million to researchers at the Sanders-Brown Center, bolstering local research initiatives. Moreover, the Greater Kentucky and Southern Indiana Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association hosts an Annual Research Happy Hour, which serves as a platform to connect researchers with the community, keeping the public informed about ongoing studies and treatment approaches for Alzheimer’s disease.
Among the notable studies currently being conducted is the AHEAD clinical trial, focused on studying the long-term benefits of lecanemab, an antibody designed to target amyloid plaques in the brain. This study aims to determine whether removing these plaques can alter the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Participants, like the Jacksons, travel regularly to Lexington to partake in the trial, contributing to vital research on Alzheimer’s treatment.
The focus on local recruitment for the AHEAD study is intentional, aiming to ensure a diverse range of participants across various racial and ethnic backgrounds. This emphasis on diversity is essential as it contributes to the understanding of how effective treatments can be across different demographics. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has already approved lecanemab, sold under the name Leqembi, through an accelerated approval pathway.
As the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease continues to rise, particularly among minority populations, it is estimated that by 2060, 14 million people in the U.S. will be living with this condition. The University of Kentucky’s initiatives, including KYPAD and ongoing clinical trials, are critical in the fight against this debilitating disease, ensuring that a new generation of scientists is prepared to tackle these challenges head-on.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the KYPAD program?
KYPAD, or Kentucky Postbaccalaureate Alzheimer’s Disease Research Education Program, aims to train recent college graduates in Alzheimer’s disease research through immersive training and support.
How long is the grant supporting the KYPAD program?
The grant from the National Institute on Aging totals $2 million and spans over five years.
Who will benefit from the KYPAD program?
The program is designed for recent graduates in biomedical and behavioral sciences, welcoming participants both from Kentucky and other regions.
What opportunities are provided through the KYPAD program?
Participants will receive hands-on research experiences, mentorship, attend workshops, and engage in graduate-level coursework, along with participating in national scientific events.
What is the AHEAD trial?
The AHEAD trial studies the long-term effects of lecanemab, an antibody aimed at addressing amyloid plaques in the brain, to better understand treatment implications for Alzheimer’s disease.
Key Features of the KYPAD Program
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Funding | $2 million grant from the National Institute on Aging |
| Duration | Five years |
| Participant Background | Recent graduates in biomedical and behavioral sciences |
| Training Components | Hands-on research, mentorship, graduate coursework, workshops |
| National Events Participation | Markesbery Symposium on Aging and Dementia |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
University of Kentucky Investigated for Race-Exclusionary Practices
University of Kentucky Faces Challenges from New Spending Bill
Kentucky Faces $149 Million Federal Funding Cuts
Sanders-Brown Center Celebrates 40 Years of Alzheimer’s Research
Health Secretary Faces Backlash Over Budget Cuts and Vaccination Views
Concerns Rise as Kentucky Universities Face Cuts in Federal Research Grants
University of Kentucky Faces Financial Challenges from NIH Funding Cap
Additional Resources
- Fox 56 News: Lexington Neurologist on Alzheimer’s Care Evolution
- Wikipedia: Alzheimer’s disease
- Lex 18: Alzheimer’s Association Annual Research Happy Hour
- Google Search: Alzheimer’s Association
- Kentucky Lantern: University of Kentucky and Alzheimer’s Prevention
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Alzheimer’s Disease
- Kentucky.com: Community Engagement in Alzheimer’s Research
- Google Scholar: Alzheimer’s Disease Research
- Kentucky.com: Opinion on Alzheimer’s Initiatives
- Google News: University of Kentucky Alzheimer’s
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