Meet Shelley Moore

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shelley Moore and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shelley, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
Alzheimer’s research has accelerated to the point that we now have two approved treatments that will remove amyloid from the brain and slow the progression of the disease by about 30%. We are also able to identify Alzheimer’s disease in the brain 20 years before symptoms appear and we can use a blood test to make an early diagnosis that is as reliable as the costly PET scans and invasive spinal taps.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My current role in Alzheimer’s research has been a unique opportunity. I do not have a medical degree or a PhD, rather I get to champion the work in ways these professionals do not have time to consider. Starting at the Alzheimer’s Therapeutic Research Institute in clinical trial participant recruitment for two world-leading programs: the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative and the A4 Study, allowed me to get to know the key researchers and what is involved in coordinating trials. The nature of the work is rooted in overcoming challenge after challenge after challenge. The biggest lessons have been grounded in why we do this work and come from partnering directly with the participants and their families. The work with our Research Participant Advisory Board has been the single greatest achievement of my career.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
San Diego has amazing natural sights thanks to the beautiful ocean and beaches. Walks and hikes are a must and the San Diego Zoo and Scripps Aquarium are not to be missed. Our food scene has grown and there are plenty of spots to find great food and unique drinks. The San Diego comforts include Thyme in the Ranch, the Chicken Pie Shop, El Indio, and the newer Camp Store. There is only one authentic place for Mexican food – Las Cuatro Milpas, and fresh fish tacos – Haggo’s! On the other end, we have our Michelin Star fine dining, but I would splurge for a meal at Et Voilà!, Parc Bistro-Brasserie or Bistro du Marché by Tapenade for French, or Sushi Nekosan or Blue Fin. A stop at Mona Lisa, Moto Deli, Venesimo, or Wise Ox can set you up for a nice picnic. We boast unique areas like Convoy for a vast range of Asian cuisine. Extraordinary Desserts and Leucadia’s Pannikin are a must. Favorite arts include the Old Globe, Art Alive, Balboa Park (view from the top of the California Tower, the gift shop at Mingei), and the amazing Rady Shell at Jacobs Park! It would also be worth timing your visit to include the local Switchfoot BroAm!

Uniquely San Diego stops; include the Bay, La Jolla, Coronado Island, and, if the tides allow, visit the Rocky Intertidal Zone. Rent bikes, kyack, and walk – soak up the weather.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Nearly ten year’s ago my mother read about my alma mater, the University of Southern California, opening an Alzheimer’s Research Institute here in San Diego, my hometown. At that time I was looking for something to do near my twin daughters’ high school, which was a long commute from where we lived. The location of the new Institute was a perfect opportunity to give me something to do nearby so I would only be making two trips a day versus four.

In 2005, I attended a Date with a Cure event where Dr. Aisen, founding director of the Keck School of Medicine of USC, Alzheimer’s Therapeutic Research Institute spoke. I knew immediately that I had to be a part of his work. I had already lost my paternal grandfather to Alzheimer’s and my maternal grandmother had been newly diagnosed so having an opportunity to get involved was something very personal.

Website: https://atri.usc.edu/faculty/shelley-moore/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelleypetersenmoore

Soundcloud: May have in the near future. Can this be added later?

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ATRI_USC

Image Credits
All photos released to ATRI – our photographers include: John Riedy, https://www.johnriedy.com/ and Carlos Foster – Blue Barn Creative https://bluebarncreative.com/