Knowing the actual costs of dementia could help families plan their budgets and support needs, inform treatment and caregiving options, and shape health care policy.

USC has more than 55 researchers working to demystify Alzheimer’s disease and find ways to prevent, treat and cure it. In addition to internationally-recognized scientists scouring multiple paths to find ground zero of the disease, some USC experts are hard at work deciphering what it means to society and families when more than 5 million Americans live with this age-related malady.

In a first, a USC study has shown that drugs already being used for blood pressure and cholesterol control could provide benefits for Alzheimer’s and other dementias.