More than 14,000 people in Fresno County live with Alzheimer’s, and an estimated 720,000 Californians face the disease statewide.
That’s why the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM)—the state agency funding regenerative medicine research—joined the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Fresno/Madera to highlight the cell and gene therapy research we support. More than 800 people attended this year’s event.
CIRM hosted an informational booth to raise awareness about our Alzheimer’s research efforts and to share general information about stem cells. To date, we have invested $35 million in stem cell research to better understand the disease and advance potential cell and gene therapies..
About Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that damages memory, thinking, and reasoning skills, eventually affecting a person’s ability to function.
Nearly 7 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s today, and projections estimate that number could reach almost 13 million by 2050. As of 2021, it was the fifth‑leading cause of death for people age 65 and older.
There is no cure yet, but current treatments may slow disease progression, and drug and non‑drug options can help manage symptoms.
How Scientists are using stem cells to understand Alzheimer’s
Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that can become specific cell types, including neurons. Researchers have made progress using stem cells to study Alzheimer’s, but no approved cell therapy exists yet.
CIRM drives progress in Alzheimer’s research and works to develop cell and gene therapies for the disease. So far, we have invested $35 million in projects that deepen scientific understanding of Alzheimer’s.
CIRM funding supports researchers who create stem cell models of the disease using cells from people with Alzheimer’s. They use these models to test drugs and therapies on nerve cells derived from those stem cells, identifying candidates that may reduce symptoms. These human‑cell models help scientists overcome a key challenge in Alzheimer’s research: testing potential therapies on relevant human cells.
CIRM also supports researchers who are in the early stages of developing potential therapies using stem cells. Some researchers are trying to mature embryonic stem cells into a cell type that can be transplanted into the brain to replace cells that are destroyed in the disease. Others are using stem cells as a way of delivering factors that appear to protect brain cells.
CIRM has dedicated $1.5 billion for research and development of treatments for diseases affecting the brain and central nervous system.
A day of hope for people affected by Alzheimer’s
More than 600 communities across the United States had a Walk to End Alzheimer’s. It’s the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research.
In addition to spreading awareness of stem cells and our funding to support Alzheimer’s research, CIRM had many conversations with Central California community members, including caregivers and families who have lost a loved one to the disorder. Many shared their personal stories and highlighted why continued research funding is so important.
Before the stroll around Fresno’s Woodward Park, attendees gathered in front of the main stage. They heard from Kate Nemerich of ABC30 news. Three of her grandparents were diagnosed with either dementia or Alzheimer’s. Some she shared in a social media post.
The speech was followed by a Promise Garden ceremony, during which walk participants displayed flowers that represented their connection to the disease, whether they’ve lost someone or are supporting someone living with Alzheimer’s.
The event concluded with the nearly 800 cheerful attendees walking the mile-long trail.
“The Walk to End Alzheimer’s was a wonderful community event,” said Esteban Cortez, CIRM’s Director of Marketing and Communications. “These events remind us why it’s important to continue funding research for diseases.”
To learn more about stem cell research for Alzheimer’s disease, explore more on CIRM’s website.
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