San Diego State, along with other research organizations, will benefit from a $2.5 million grant that will be for Alzheimer’s research.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services allotted the money to SDSU’s School of Nursing, School of Social Work, Public Health Graduate Program and Academy for Professional Excellence, as well as community partners off campus.

Together, these organizations plan to establish the San Diego Imperial Geriatric Education Center within the next year. This center is part of the Alzheimer’s Project, an initiative proposed by San Diego County Supervisor Dianne Jacob in 2015.

“The $2.5 million award is a recognition of the impressive teamwork we’re seeing across San Diego County to address the epidemic of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia,” Jacob said in a statement.

The grant will help train 60 graduate students and medical residents, 1,500 providers and staff, and 2,500 caregivers. Service providers who work with people with memory loss and their families will also be trained. The money will also be used to expand clinical training environments.

“The project is important because (Alzheimer’s) is the third leading cause of death in the San Diego County and is expected to double by 2030,” said Philip A. Greiner, director of the School of Nursing.

The organization will also develop and conduct a public education campaign on memory loss, Alzheimer’s Disease and related diseases.

Forrest Hooper is a graduate student at the nursing school.

“It’s going to help strengthen our research,” Hooper said. “As the population gets older, we are seeing the baby boomers and expecting more chronic illnesses like Alzheimer’s. It is important for us to focus on resources and providing the best care at the lowest cost.”

Undergraduate students are able to volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association. These students will provide companionship, socialization and supervision.