OUR MISSION

The core mission of the Byrd institute includes the following:

• Conduct laboratory research to understand the changes in the brain that cause Alzheimer's and other types of dementia  and to develop approaches to prevent and treat Alzheimer's disease and memory loss.
  
  
• Provide comprehensive diagnostic evaluations and ongoing medical care to individuals with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia. 
  
  
• To conduct clinical trials to test new medications to prevent  Alzheimer's disease, as well as medications to help those individuals with memory loss and Alzheimer's.
  
  
• Support family caregivers by providing educational programs, a caregiver podcast, monthly support group, and resource material.
  
  
• Provide education and training for health care providers, students and the community .

HISTORY OF THE BYRD INSTITUTE

The Byrd”, as we affectionately call it, was established in 2002 by the state legislature as an autonomous facility dedicated to finding the cure for Alzheimer’s disease. The main catalyst for this effort came from then House Speaker, Johnnie Byrd, Jr., whose father suffered from the disease. Mr. Byrd recognized the devastating effect Alzheimer’s disease had on families as well as the individual.

Over the course of Mr. Byrd’s political tenure, the money was committed to construct our building in Tampa and provide start-up funds for equipment, personnel and other resources. While the Byrd enjoyed many early successes, the State decided to transition control from politicians to academics. Beginning in 2009, all assets of the Byrd fell under the auspices of USF Health. 

In 2017, USF Health determined that the Neurosciences should become one of our main focal points. Dr. Harry van Loveren, Chairman of the Department of Neurosurgery and Vice Dean of Clinical Affairs, was charged with creating the USF Neuroscience Institute (NSI) which brought together the strength, talents and resources of five academic programs. The NSI would also include centers dedicated to specific brain related diseases. The Byrd, therefore, became the first official “Center” within the NSI and remains the cornerstone of all activities within the Byrd building. Today, the Byrd Alzheimer’s Center and Research Institute is a multi-disciplinary destination for  Alzheimer’s care, research and caregiver support.