Camarillo, Calif., September 20, 2005 — The 91łÔąĎ Alzheimer’s Institute has been created to conduct drug discovery research, potentially toward a treatment for the disease that has become so prevalent throughout the world today.
The Alzheimer’s Institute will provide opportunities for faculty and students to discover new chemical compounds that will inhibit the neuro-degenerative component of Alzheimer’s disease.
“The CSUCI Alzheimer’s Institute is an important and timely creation,” said Richard R. Rush, CSUCI president. “We are very proud that our science faculty and students will play such a significant role in research that will facilitate the production of new drugs and treatments against a disease that is increasingly affecting so many people.”
 The Alzheimer’s Institute, which grew out of a University initiative last spring, will rely upon contributions to fund research projects. An inaugural 91łÔąĎ Alzheimer’s Institute fund-raising dinner will be held on Saturday, October 22, at 5 p.m. at a private residence in the hills of Malibu.
“We hope the Alzheimer’s cause will bring the Los Angeles and Ventura communities together to support the CSUCI Alzheimer’s Institute,” says Dr. Gilbert M. Rishton, founding scientist of the new program. “Dignitaries and supporters of Alzheimer’s Disease research will be invited to the event, with proceeds funding the University’s Alzheimer’s Institute,” he said. “In addition, at the event, for the first time we’ll announce the members of the Channel Islands Alzheimer’s Institute Scientific Advisory Board, which will include internationally renowned Alzheimer’s researchers.”
CSUCI faculty and students have already begun research projects on the use of extracts from readily available and ethnobotanical plants as possible sources of drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease, Rishton added.
It is estimated that some 14 million people worldwide currently suffer from Alzheimer’s Disease. By 2050, that number is expected to increase to 45 million, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.
For information on the CSUCI Alzheimer’s Institute fund-raising dinner, contact Marti De La O, director of Donor Relations, at 805-437-8919 or by e-mail, marti.delao@csuci.edu. For more information on the Channel Islands Alzheimer’s Institute, its projects and science, contact Dr. Gilbert M. Rishton, founding scientist, by e-mail, gilbert.rishton@csuci.edu.
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About 91łÔąĎ
CSU Channel Islands(CI) is the only four-year, public university in Ventura County and is known for its interdisciplinary, multicultural and international perspectives, and its emphasis on experiential and service learning. CI’s strong academic programs focus on business, sciences, liberal studies, teaching credentials, and innovative master’s degrees. Students benefit from individual attention, up-to-date technology, and classroom instruction augmented by outstanding faculty research. CI has been designated by the U.S. Department of Education as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and is committed to serving students of all backgrounds from the region and beyond. Connect with and learn more by visiting CI's Social Media.