C. Rex and Ruth H. Layton Center celebrates 20 years

Dr. Jeffrey Kaye, M. D., presents Ruth Layton with a bouquet of flowers at the Layton Center 20th anniversary celebration, May 7. Photo by Linda Boise.

This year marks 20 years of aging and Alzheimer’s disease research for OHSU’s C. Rex and Ruth H. Layton Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease Center.The Layton Center has received $25 million in grants since it was established as the Oregon Alzheimer’s Disease Center in 1990, and has received nearly $2 million for 55 pilot studies from the National Institute on Aging.

Over the years the Layton Center has conducted fifty clinical trials, several of which have contributed to the approval of medications for Alzheimer’s disease treatment. More than 20,000 patients have received 196,000 assessments in the clinic. Volunteer research participants now number more than 4,000.

Joyce Lear, RN, consults with a patient. Photo by Barbara Gundle.

Last month, staff, research participants, friends, and university partners joined to celebrate the Layton Center’s 20 years of accomplishments. Mark Richardson, M.D., Dean of OHSU’s School of Medicine, Dan Dorsa Ph.D., Vice President of Research, and Dennis Bourdette, M.D., Department of Neurology Chair, spoke at the event. Layton Center director, Jeffrey Kaye, M.D., expressed appreciation for the dedication of his staff, especially those who have worked at the Center since its early years: Dianne Waggoner, administrator; Diane Howieson, Ph.D., and Katherine Wild, Ph.D., psychologistsp; Robin Guariglia data manager; and Joyce Lear, RN. Long-time volunteer research subjects Warren Fleming (18 years) and Harvey Rice (16 years) were also acknowledged for their invaluable service.