Diverse Vascular Contributions to Cognitive Impairment and Dementia (VCID): Improving Meaningful Diagnosis for People at Risk for Dementia. Vascular Contributions to Cognitive Impairment and Dementia (VCID) is defined as memory or thinking problems due to vascular disease.  Our blood circulatory systems affect our brain health. Cerebrovascular disease (vascular disease affecting the brain) reduces blood flow, causes abnormal signals in the white matter of the brain called white matter hyperintensities, and small holes in the brain called infarcts.  MRI can detect these changes.

The U.S. study to PrOtect brain health through lifestyle INTErvention to Reduce risk (U.S. POINTER) is a $35M Alzheimer’s Association-sponsored multisite randomized clinical trial investigating the influence of a multidomain lifestyle intervention (exercise, diet, cognitive stimulation, health coaching for risk factor reduction) on 2yr cognitive trajectories in older adults at increased risk of dementia. POINTER was modeled after Finland’s FINGER trial that showed a greater cognitive benefit for those assigned to a multidomain lifestyle intervention group versus health education.

The Administrative Core (AC) is responsible for overall governance and leadership of the UCD ADC as well as spearheading development of new research and initiatives and representing the UCD ADC within and outside the UC Davis community. The landscape of medical research has changed substantially over the last 5 years, challenging the AC to innovate strategic planning so as to optimize utilization of ADC resources to benefit the overall mission of the Center.