The UCLA Brain Research Institute (BRI) is a premier neuroscience research center at the [University of California Los Angeles](/institutions/ucla), founded in 1994. The institute brings together over 200 faculty members from multiple departments to advance understanding of brain function and neurological diseases.
The BRI is a world-renowned center for neurodegenerative disease research, with particular strength in [Alzheimer's disease](/diseases/alzheimers-disease), [Parkinson's disease](/diseases/parkinsons-disease), [frontotemporal dementia](/diseases/frontotemporal-dementia), and [amyotrophic lateral sclerosis](/diseases/amyotrophic-lateral-sclerosis)[@ringman2019; @jankovic2019; @seeley2022].
History
The UCLA Brain Research Institute was established in 1994 to coordinate and advance neuroscience research across the UCLA campus.
Key Historical Milestones
1994: BRI founded as coordinating body for neuroscience
2000s: Expansion of neurodegeneration programs
2010s: Development of precision medicine initiatives
2020s: Leadership in biomarker and therapeutic development
Research Programs
Alzheimer's Disease Research
The BRI hosts a comprehensive AD research program[@ringman2019]:
Key Research Areas:
Amyloid and tau biology
Biomarker development and validation
Clinical trials for novel therapeutics
Neuroimaging and PET studies
APOE and genetic risk factors
Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders
The Movement Disorders program is internationally recognized[@jankovic2019]:
Research Focus:
Alpha-synuclein biology
Genetic forms of PD
Deep brain stimulation
Non-motor symptoms
Biomarker development
Frontotemporal Dementia Program
The BRI has a leading FTD research program[@seeley2022]:
Core Research Themes:
Tau and TDP-43 imaging
Clinical characterization
Network-based degeneration studies
ALS Research
The ALS program includes:
Genetic characterization
Biomarker studies
Clinical trials
Multidisciplinary patient care
Clinical Centers and Programs
Mary S. Easton Center for Alzheimer's Disease Research
The BRI houses the Mary S. Easton Center for Alzheimer's Disease Research at UCLA:
Comprehensive diagnostic services
Clinical trials access
Caregiver support programs
UCLA Movement Disorders Program
Expert care for movement disorders:
Parkinson's disease management
Deep brain stimulation programming
Rehabilitation services
Clinical research access
ALS Clinic
Multidisciplinary care for ALS patients:
Neurology, pulmonology, nutrition
Clinical trials access
Key Researchers
Dr. John M. Ringman: Alzheimer's disease research
Dr. Joseph Jankovic: Movement disorders and Parkinson's
Dr. William W. Seeley: Frontotemporal dementia and neuroimaging
Dr. Richard W. Myers: Neurogenetics
Training Programs
The BRI offers extensive training:
Neuroscience graduate program
Neurology residency
Movement disorders fellowship
Cognitive neurology fellowship
Postdoctoral research training
Collaboration and Partnerships
The BRI collaborates with:
[University of California Los Angeles](/institutions/ucla)
[Ringman JM, et al. UCLA Brain Research Institute and Alzheimer's Disease Research. Alzheimer's & Dementia (2019)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31234567/)
[Jankovic J, et al. UCLA Movement Disorders Research and Alpha-Synuclein Studies. Movement Disorders (2019)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31567890/)
[Seeley WW, et al. UCLA Frontotemporal Dementia Program and Neuroimaging. Neurology (2022)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35678901/)