Lower Hudson Valley residents again will benefit from the stellar medical research that’s happening in our backyard.

The Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, a state-run center in Orangeburg, is looking for volunteers to take part in the study of bapineuzumab, a kind of “vaccine” against Alzheimer’s. Staff writer Jane Lerner offers details here.

Nathan Kline’s an interesting place, doing valuable work. Last year, then-Gov. Eliot Spitzer added money for 10 new research positions there, and more for MRI equipment, including a suite tailored to children. What’s really amazing about the state investment is that Nathan Kline scientists attract so much grant money, they bring in more than taxpayers spend on them. Plus, they do important research that benefits the greater society. And Lower Hudson Valley residents are often offered the opportunity to join exciting medical trials, like the Alzheimer’s one.

For Fiscal 2009-2010, Gov. David Paterson has held the state budget contribution steady at $13.2 million. A midyear $1.5 million that state Sen. Thomas Morahan, R-New City, secured for NKI was lost to midyear cuts.

At least state officials appear aware of the benefits NKI brings to the state. It’s worth every penny of investment, not only because it brings research money to the state, but because of the important work done there to help solve the mysteries of the brain.

Details on the Alzheimer’s study:

The clinical trial is open to people between the ages of 50 and 88 whose condition has been diagnosed as Alzheimer’s. The study will last for a year and a half and will involve 15 visits. All participants will get six intravenous infusions during the trial, blood tests and study-related physical and clinical exams. For details, call the Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research: 845-398-5582.