The Administrative Core oversees and sets the research direction for the Layton Center. This Core fosters new and innovative research relevant to brain aging, recruits new investigators, oversees cross-ADC collaborations and multicenter studies, coordinates grant-related activities, and manages financial resources. Working behind-the-scenes, the Administrative Core also acts as a liaison between all the individual Cores and between individual investigators, clinicians, educators and the community.

Core Leaders: Dr. Lisa Silbert, M.D., M.C.R. and Dr. Miranda Lim, M.D., Ph.D.

Associate Directors: Dr. Jeffrey Kaye, M.D. and Dr. Barry Oken, M.D. 

For more information, contact Heather Schiffke at schiffkh@ohsu.edu or call 503-494-7198

The goal of the Clinical Core is to maintain an active group of research participants, with or without dementia, to support a variety of studies. This group includes the underserved African American senior population. Research coordinators screen research participants, perform clinical tests and facilitate clinical trials and studies. The Core also provides data, biological specimens, and expertise to national data sharing initiatives and approved regional and national investigations.

Core Leaders: Dr. Aimee Pierce, M.D. and Dr. Kevin Duff, Ph.D., ABPP-CN

For more information, contact Natasha Spoden at spoden@ohsu.edu or call 503-494-6370

The Data Management & Statistics Core receives, stores, and manages, and analyzes data generated by the other Cores and by other research projects at the Layton Center. Investigators within this Core provide guidance on statistical analysis, research study design, sample size estimations, interpretation of study findings and related issues. Working collaboratively with the Neuroimaging, Clinical, Biomarker and Neuropathology Cores, this Core shares clinical cohort data with investigators and maintains secure platforms for data exchange.

Core Leaders: Joel Steele, PhD and Dr. Kevin Duff, Ph.D., ABPP-CN

For more information, message Nora Mattek M.P.H.

Learn more about the Center's database, see how to make a data request and view requirements for submitting manuscripts for publication. Read more.

The Neuropathology Core collects, characterizes, and stores brain donations from clinical study participants at the Oregon Brain Bank, in accordance with established protocols. By creating a safeguarded yet accessible repository of brain tissue and neuropathological data, the Core is able to perform diagnostic evaluations of autopsy tissue and facilitate research about brain aging. The Core provides tissue to investigators researching aging and dementia and teaches trainees about current neuropathological classifications of neurodegenerative diseases.   

Core Leader: Dr. Randall Woltjer, M.D., Ph.D.

For more information about the Oregon Brain Bank, message Dr. Randall Woltjer at woltjerr@ohsu.edu or call 503-494-8276

Learn more about tissue requests and the Core's protocols. View more.

The Outreach, Recruitment and Engagement Core develops and manages a wide array of programs to increase public awareness and understanding of Alzheimer's disease and research at the Layton Center. One main goal is building relationships with the community and networking with other organizations to provide educational resources and recruit participants for studies, a particular focus being underserved populations including minoritized, low-income and rural communities. The Core also organizes meetings, lectures and workshops throughout Oregon and publishes a newsletter.

Core Leaders: Dr. Allison Lindauer, Ph.D., N.P. and Raina Croff, Ph.D.

For more information, message Natasha Spoden at spoden@ohsu.edu or call 503-494-6370

Learn about the Layton Center's educational programs for the public and health care professionals. View more.

The Biomarker Core collects and stores tissue samples, biomarkers, family history data and genotype data from subjects recruited by the Clinical Core. (These can include markers in blood, spinal fluid, patterns of activity on MRI scans or scores on cognitive tests). Biomarker data is prepared and distributed to investigators that are a part of ongoing national research studies, in order to foster collaborative research about neurodegenerative disease.  

Core Leaders: Dr. Joe Quinn, M.D. and Dr. Nora Gray, Ph.D.

For more information, message Dr. Joe Quinn, M.D. at quinnj@ohsu.edu , call (503) 494-7234, or message Nora Gray at grayn@ohsu.edu.

Learn what type of family history and genotype data the Core collects and learn how to request a biomarker data or tissue sample. View more.

The Neuroimaging Core focuses on detecting early brain changes associated with cognitive decline and dementia, using the Neuroimaging Laboratory at the Layton Center. Participants undergo MRI, fMRI and PET scans for a wide array of studies. The Laboratory acts as an archival service, managing a library of thousands of digitized scans and other neuroimaging data. Investigators also receive advanced training in imaging techniques.  

Core Leader: Dr. Lisa Silbert, M.D., M.C.R.

For more information, message David Lahna at lahnad@ohsu.edu or call 503-494-1266 

Learn about the current projects at the Neuroimaging Laboratory. View more.

The goal of the Digital Technology Core is to maintain a dementia-focused Life Laboratory, consisting of a group of research volunteers with and without dementia, and make the data available for research. Research volunteers in this Life Laboratory will have state-of-the-art computing platforms installed in their homes. This technology platform includes sensors and smart devices capable of gathering, sharing and sending continuous data about everyday activity. Conventional clinical assessments have limits in their ability to precisely map changes in activity over time. Our research community increasingly seeks methodologies that incorporate continuous, real-world and objective ways to measure key characteristics of daily living (e.g. mobility, cognition, sleep, medication taking, driving), using the computing platform and methodologies developed by ORCATECH (Oregon Center for Aging & Technology).

Core Leaders: Dr. Zach Beattie, Ph.D. and Dr. Jeffrey Kaye, M.D

For more information, please contact Dr. Beattie at beattiez@ohsu.edu

Learn more about ORCATECH’s technology platform and how it analyzes data. View more. 

The Research Education Component (REC) is a tailored educational program utilizing didactic, experiential and individualized mentored opportunities to prepare skilled scientists for a successful career in Alzheimer’s and related dementia (ADRD) research. 

The REC provides a unique opportunity to bring together faculty, educational programs and experiences for early-stage researchers to ultimately produce the best of translational research. A strong focus is placed on identifying and engaging early career scholars with an emphasis on those under-represented in ADRD research. 

Core Leaders: Barry Oken, M.D. and Henryk Urbanski, Ph.D., D.Sc.

For more information, contact Heather Schiffke at schiffkh@ohsu.edu or call 503-494-7198