Alzheimer’s Research and Treatment Center (ARTC)

Alzheimer’s disease is a journey filled with slow, painful goodbyes—to memories, moments and a sense of self. Families live with the knowledge that the condition will progress. Yet, they cling to fragments of recognition and connection till the very end. Alzheimer’s Research and Treatment Center (ARTC) is on a mission to change this reality.

At ARTC, patients receive care grounded in the latest scientific advancements and clinical research, supported by guidance and resources that help them navigate the disease’s challenges with confidence. The center’s foundation is built on relationships with patients, caregivers, physicians and the wider community.

ARTC is the product of sheer love and compassion for individuals with Alzheimer’s. Having lost all four grandparents to the disease and carrying an increased genetic risk himself, Dr. David Watson founded ARTC in 2012 with a determination to find better treatment options and a cure for the disease. Today, the center offers state-of-the-art diagnostic assessments at no cost, along with personalized treatment plans and access to pivotal Phase II and Phase III trials conducted by leading pharmaceutical companies. These steps ensure that participants benefit from the most thoroughly evaluated therapies.

“We care for every person who walks in through our doors like we would for a member of our own family,” says Dr. Watson, CEO and principal investigator.

Early detection is a central focus at ARTC. Plasma biomarkers offer insights into the disease years before symptoms emerge. PET scans with specialized tracers for amyloid-beta and tau proteins confirm findings with precision, while advanced psychometric testing measures cognitive function and tracks progression.

Safety and scientific rigor govern every clinical trial conducted. All studies are FDA-approved and monitored by the Institutional Review Board, emphasizing patient protection and adherence to strict protocols. In the past three years, ARTC’s participation as the lead enroller in the global trials has directly contributed to the approval of two disease-modifying therapies. Ongoing studies are evaluating safer and more effective treatment options.

Clinical evaluations frequently yield insights beyond Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Reversible conditions like vitamin deficiencies, thyroid disorders or vascular anomalies are often identified and treated, sometimes restoring patients to previous cognitive levels or preventing serious complications.

Its mobile recruitment unit, the first of its kind in South Florida, improves patient access to clinical trials by reaching diverse, underserved communities. Equipped with multiple testing rooms and staffed by expert research coordinators and paramedics, the recreational vehicle offers education, preliminary evaluations and plasma biomarker testing. Individuals requiring further assessment are referred to ARTC’s main centers, with transportation support provided if needed. Its outreach programs engage local physicians, as well as over 55 communities and civic organizations, further expanding access to education and specialized Alzheimer’s care.

Unlike the majority of research centers that spread themselves thin across numerous medical conditions, ARTC focuses solely on Alzheimer’s disease. The singular focus has resulted in unprecedented expertise, securing some of the most promising clinical trials globally. With two centers in South Florida and a team comprising more than 85 specialists, including neurologists, nurse practitioners and social workers, it is the world’s largest enrolling research center for Alzheimer’s disease.

Staff members are trained specifically in Alzheimer’s care and research, providing patients with highly specialized treatment. Professionals take the time to listen, educate and guide patients, helping them feel informed and supported throughout. They collaborate closely with families to foster an understanding environment where patients can thrive to the best of their abilities.

ARTC exemplifies how focused dedication to a single disease can yield global impact while transforming individual lives. By combining groundbreaking diagnostics, rigorous clinical research and personalized, patient-first care, the center stands at the forefront of Alzheimer’s treatment and prevention, bringing hope and clarity to families throughout South Florida and beyond.

Dr. Watson’s personal commitment to defeating Alzheimer’s disease continues to yield meaningful outcomes for patients today, while laying the foundation for future breakthroughs.