Presentation slides:

• Funded by - Sam and Ida Turken Charitable Foundation.
• Sponsored by - Alzheimer's Association, California Southland Chapter, and Mary S. Easton Center for Alzheimer's Disease Research at UCLA.

Wednesday, December 7th, 2011

In 1991, little was known about Alzheimer's disease (AD) genetics or risk factors there were no animal models of AD, and there were no treatments for the illness. That is when Phyllis Turken Shamberg decided to initiate a gift to support the early careers of UCLA researchers interested in studying AD. The funds came from a family Foundation established in honor of her parents, Sam and Ida Turken. Phyllis chose (AD) research for her gift, not because of a family member with the disease, but because little was understood about AD and she wanted to make a difference. She chose well.

Her annual gift became a legacy to UCLA research known as the "Turken Research Award", now given annually to support a promising scientist as he/she pursues major grant support and scientific independence. The recognition of this research gift is celebrated as part of the activities of Turken Award Day. Although Phyllis passed away in 2005, her daughter, Beth Devermont, has carried her mother's passion forward. Over the years, the Turken Research Award has funded twenty-one innovative AD projects including human brain mapping research, PET imaging in early diagnosis, study of cell death mechanisms and research on dementia genetics.

The annual Turken Award Day activities have included internationally renowned guest lecturers, tours of UCLA's School of Medicine and healthcare systems, culminating with the awarding of the annual Turken Day Researcher Award. In 2011, Dr. Meredith Braskie received the 21st Turken Day Researcher Award to acknowledge and support her work on how AD risk factors relate to brain function and structure. Dr. Braskie is an Assistant Researcher working under the leadership of Paul Thompson, MD, PhD and John Ringman, MD, MS. She has already been lead author on six published articles relating to AD or AD risk. Dr. Braskie's award was presented on behalf of and in conjunction with Beth Devermont, the Sam and Ida Turken Charitable Foundation, and the Southern California Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. Through this partnership with the Alzheimer's Association and the generosity of donor Beth Devermont, the Mary S. Easton Center for Alzheimer's Disease at UCLA is honored to carry forward a twenty year tradition hosting Turken Award Day and identifying Alzheimer's research award recipients who can change the course of this devastating disease.

A Special Thank You To:

Sam And Ida Turken Charitable Foundation, a UCLA supporter since 1991, and Alzheimer's Association, California Southland Chapter.