USC Alzheimer’s Therapeutic Research Institute to celebrate a decade of advancements at June 14 event

A Night of Celebration, Inspiration, and Commitment

On Saturday, June 14, 2025, USC's Alzheimer’s Therapeutic Research Institute (ATRI) will celebrate achievements and look ahead to a bright future.  

Medical researchers at San Diego based ATRI have been quietly working behind the scenes of Alzheimer’s clinical trials for decades. Based out of a Sorrento Valley innovation campus, some of the leading global experts on this brain disorder have been leading breakthroughs as part of ATRI and the Alzheimer's Clinical Trial Consortium. The institute’s work has been transformative, helping to push forward pioneering treatments.

The celebration is this Saturday, June 14, at the Evans Garage Museum. Comedian Kevin Nealon will make an appearance, along with top Alzheimer’s disease researchers Paul Aisen, MD, the founding director of ATRI, and Ken Davis, MD, the former president and CEO of Mount Sinai Health System in New York City. Aisen and Davis will discuss where Alzheimer’s disease research stands. An Alzheimer’s disease patient under one of the newly approved treatments will be honored, and other top global researchers will be on hand.

The need for solutions is only growing, as the number of Americans with Alzheimer’s disease is expected to jump from the current 7 million people to about 13 million people by 2050, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Themed "Ten Years Closer to Prevention," the event honors the collective efforts of researchers, clinicians, volunteers, and donors who have propelled ATRI’s mission forward. Through rigorous clinical trials, community outreach, and global partnerships, ATRI has helped usher in a new era of early detection and disease-modifying treatments for Alzheimer’s disease.

Guests will enjoy an evening filled with live jazz, fine dining, and inspiring stories. Highlights of the program include:

• Emcee: Carlo Cecchetto, San Diego news anchor and Alzheimer's San Diego Board Chair
• Special Guest: Kevin Nealon, Emmy-nominated comedian known for Saturday Night Live and Weeds
• Honoree: Lisa Troy Malec, a USC alum and Alzheimer’s advocate, bravely living with the disease and receiving one of the first FDA-approved therapies to slow its progression

Lisa’s story—one of courage, community, and resilience—will be shared through a touching tribute video and live remarks from her family and friends.

Looking Ahead

This event is just one of many.  ATRI plans to spend the next year raising awareness of the research achievements and expected advancements.  Please join the awareness campaign by signing up on Alz10.com.