UC Irvine-OC Poll sees brain drain; late-onset Alzheimer’s finding

August 12, 2024

Trees filter sunlight along the pathway between Social Ecology I and II. (Photo: Steve Zylius)

UC IRVINE NEWS

UC Irvine-OC Poll highlights county’s brain-drain

Jon Gould, dean of the School of Social Ecology

According to the latest UC Irvine-OC Poll, a little over half of Orange County’s residents have or are considering relocating. The School of Social Ecology survey polled 1,100 current and former Orange County residents to find out why they left, why they may be considering leaving and what can be done to attract and retain residents and skilled employees. One-third of respondents said they were actively considering relocating. “This poll provides a fuller accounting of the risks facing Orange County and the factors that motivate staying and leaving,” said Jon Gould, dean of the School of Social Ecology.

Research reveals how genetic mutation affects late-onset Alzheimer’s

UC Irvine-led researchers have discovered how a unique genetic mutation causes certain brain areas to develop abnormal protein clumps called beta-amyloid plaques, which are associated with late-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Leveraging specialized technology, the team found that the mutation led to divergent patterns of beta-amyloid plaque accumulation in various parts of the brain involved in memory, reasoning and speech. “Alzheimer’s disease progresses differently in individuals with various genetic risk factors,” said principal investigator Xiangmin Xu (above), a Chancellor’s Professor of anatomy & neurobiology and director of the Center for Neural Circuit Mapping. “By profiling known mutations, we can develop early, personalized treatments before cognitive decline begins.”

Professor warns of diversity gaps in clinical research

Jonathan Watanabe, a professor of clinical pharmacy practice and director of the Center for Data-Driven Drugs Research and Policy

Underrepresentation of women, older adults and minorities in clinical research costs society an estimated $11 trillion and hinders new medical discoveries, according to recent analyses commissioned by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine. Jonathan Watanabe, a professor of clinical pharmacy practice and director of the Center for Data-Driven Drugs Research and Policy, found that although women are more likely to experience dementia – and older adults are particularly affected by chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease and hypertension, requiring multiple medications – both groups are marginalized in clinical trials, although recent efforts have begun to change that trend.

#IamUCI

New medical student credits her career path to PRIME-LC program

On Aug. 9, Carla Vazquez Vergara donned her first white coat in the official ceremony welcoming the UC Irvine School of Medicine’s class of 2028. After graduating from Norco High School, she earned bachelor’s degree in health sciences at Chapman University, where also minored in Spanish. UC Irvine’s Program in Medical Education for the Latino Community – which turns 20 this year – was the perfect next step in her quest to become a doctor. “Orange County has a large Hispanic/Latinx community, and that’s a vital aspect of my identity,” Vazquez Vergara said. “Through UC Irvine’s PRIME-LC program, I can be a leader, an advocate and a culturally competent physician for the underserved. I want to be a voice for those who need one, and I’m committed to making a difference.”

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