American Brain Foundation

Join us in celebrating Dr. Brittany Krzyzanowski, a 2024 Next Generation Grant recipient!

Dr. Krzyzanowski’s research will help us understand why specific types of air pollution are linked to increased risk of Parkinson’s and inform environmental remediation efforts in areas with high pollution.

We are excited to learn what her research uncovers!

Learn more about other research we are funding: https://www.americanbrainfoundation.org/ngrg/

Joanne Smikle talks with fellow American Brain Foundation board member Dr. Merit Cudkowicz about building networks and bringing communities together to cure ALS:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/brain-matters-featuring-dr-merit-cudkowicz-part-1/id1530427274?i=1000661023195

The first grant Dr. Cudkowicz ever received was from the American Brain Foundation. It provided her early funding for research, connected her to mentors in the field, and set her on the path to becoming a leader in global collaboration for ALS research.

"I love the American Brain Foundation," says Dr. Cudkowicz. "They are instrumental in supporting young people to go into clinical research for brain disorders and to develop treatments for people living with brain disease."

When Ray was diagnosed with Rapid Eye Movement Behavior Sleep Disorder (RBD), he did not realize at first that his sleep disorder diagnosis was also an indicator of future brain disease. Ray lives each day knowing that a neurodegenerative disease like Parkinson’s is in his future. But he is determined to be part of the work toward preventive treatment.

Read about Ray’s journey with RBD and how research is a powerful source of hope to find prevention strategies for neurodegenerative diseases: https://www.americanbrainfoundation.org/rapid-eye-movement-behavior-sleep-disorder-one-persons-journey-to-delay-neurodegenerative-disease/

If you enjoy seeing our content on your social feeds, you’ll love the American Brain Foundation newsletter. Get the latest updates in brain disease research, new monthly blogs, and more, all in one place and delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for our newsletter today: https://www.americanbrainfoundation.org/newsletter-signup/

Scary Mommy founder Jill Smokler and bestselling author Sophie Kinsella recently shared they have been diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.

Glioblastoma and other brain cancer research has seen little progress in recent years. Research is desperately needed so people like Jill and Sophie have hope for better treatments and eventually we find a cure for all types of brain cancer. Learn more about glioblastoma in our new blog: https://www.americanbrainfoundation.org/two-well-known-writers-share-diagnoses-of-aggressive-brain-cancer/

Do you ever wonder why some images stay in your mind while others fade? A team of MIT researchers have been studying this very phenomenon for nearly a decade.

After testing a new combination of brain activity measuring methods, they uncovered a major finding with potential applications for diagnosing and treating Alzheimer’s and other memory-related disorders.

Research found that more brain regions are involved in memorization than once thought, and more memorable images make this process stronger and more sustained.

Swipe to learn some fast facts about the study!

TONIGHT: Don’t miss the premiere of “Dr. Sanjay Gupta Reports: The Last Alzheimer’s Patient” at 8 p ET/PT on CNN. We’ll be watching Dr. Sanjay Gupta report in a groundbreaking look at the latest medical research showing that symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease can be prevented and slowed.

Actor Ed Begley Jr., best known for shows like Young Sheldon and Better Call Saul, experienced symptoms of Parkinson’s disease 12 years before his diagnosis. He assumed his symptoms were due to aging, a common reason for delayed diagnosis.

Learn about Ed’s journey with Parkinson’s, early signs to watch for, and new diagnostic tools on the horizon via BBrain & Life Magazine https://www.brainandlife.org/articles/actor-ed-begley-jr-optimistic-diagnosis-parkinsons-disease

Feeling stressed lately? Stress is a part of life, but over time, chronic stress can impact brain function. In this month’s free webinar on July 9, Dr. Teshamae Monteith and Dr. Jeff Iliff will share tips for stress management and help us understand its importance in mental wellness. Register for the webinar now: https://give.americanbrainfoundation.org/event/how-stress-affects-the-brain/e585253

Over 1 in 3 people live with a neurological condition, now the leading cause of illness and disability worldwide. New findings on the global impact of brain disease make it painfully clear that the work we are doing to support as many brain disease research projects as possible is incredibly critical. Investing in brain disease research is the only way we will find cures, and when we find a cure for one disease, we will find cures for many more. Learn more in our new blog: https://www.americanbrainfoundation.org/the-global-prevalence-of-brain-disease/

A donor who believes so strongly in our mission is matching every gift we receive, but only if we can raise $500,000 by December 31st. Please take this chance to double your gift today at AmericanBrainFoundation.Org/Match!

This is an extra half million dollars that will go to promoting and funding research for brain diseases like migraine and headache, Parkinson’s and LBD, ALS and FTD, stroke, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s, and so many more. But only if we can raise $500,000 by the end of the year.

43.1% of the global population is living with brain disease—3.4 billion people. But we know that brain disease doesn’t just affect people directly, it affects everyone. Please take this rare and powerful opportunity to double your impact with a gift today to fund research to develop treatments, improve diagnoses, and discover cures for brain diseases, disorders, and injuries.

Have you heard about our $10 million 2025 Cure One, Cure Many Award? It’s a large-scale research initiative that leverages cross-industry collaboration to support the study of neuroinflammation and its role in nearly all brain diseases.

Learn more about this award and why neuroinflammation research is so important:

https://www.americanbrainfoundation.org/2025-cure-one-cure-many-award/

One of the best gifts you can give a serious or terminally ill loved one is compassion and comfort. Palliative care offers both, as it aims to optimize quality of life for those with serious or terminal illnesses. In last month’s webinar, Dr. Maisha Robinson shared how this holistic caregiving approach works and what support can look like from a family standpoint. Learn more in our recap: https://www.americanbrainfoundation.org/harmony-in-hospice-maximizing-quality-of-life-at-the-end-of-life/

Goodbyes can be hard for anyone – apparently, even our brain cells!

A new Dartmouth study found old brain cells - specifically, mature oligodendrocytes, which are the cells that make and maintain myelin - exposed to trauma hung around for a whopping 45 days before dying.

This never-before-seen pathway to cell death raises exciting questions about its potential part in preventing or reversing brain cell damage that diseases like MS cause. Swipe for fast facts about this research discovery!

Imagine you had a friend with a perfect photographic memory who suddenly struggled to recall basic details.

You’d be concerned, and rightfully so, because noticeable memory changes could signal mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

MCI, unlike dementia, does not significantly interfere with daily activities. But the high likelihood of it progressing to dementia is why early diagnosis is so important. Learn more about the signs of MCI via Brain & Life Magazine:

https://www.brainandlife.org/articles/what-is-mild-cognitive-impairment

This month’s free webinar is exactly a week away! Be sure to tune in as our expert Dr. David Holtzman discusses the early signs of dementia, treatment options, care strategies, and more.

This webinar will be filled with helpful information for families and friends looking to better support loved ones affected by this disease. Register now so you don’t miss out:

https://give.americanbrainfoundation.org/event/signs-of-alzheimers-and-other-dementia/e566551

Ever notice how a wound turns red and warm as it heals? This is inflammation, the body’s natural response to injury or illness – and it happens in the brain, too.

Neuroinflammation can be beneficial to brain health. However, high levels can lead to cell death, a known trigger for the progression of Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases. We are just starting to understand how neuroinflammation factors into Alzheimer’s, so more research is needed to uncover the processes that link them.

Read what scientists know so far and exciting research on the horizon in our new blog: https://www.americanbrainfoundation.org/neuroinflammation-and-alzheimers-disease/

Introducing Dr. Jillian McKee, a 2024 Next Generation Research Grant recipient!

Dr. McKee studies variants in the SYNGAP1 gene associated with neurodevelopmental disorders like epilepsy. Understanding how these variants are linked to biomarkers and medication response will help us develop better treatments for epilepsy and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Thanks for your incredible contribution, Dr. McKee!

See what other exciting research we are funding here:

https://www.americanbrainfoundation.org/ngrg/

The beautiful thing about research is it can lead to breakthroughs in other areas of study. An advancement in migraine may solve an unknown about epilepsy, for example.

We know brain diseases are connected, so this ripple effect makes it all the more important that we fund research across the whole spectrum of brain diseases. Because when we cure one, we will cure many others.

Learn more about the philosophy that drives our work:

https://www.americanbrainfoundation.org/cure-one-cure-many/

Due to the significant function of immune cells called microglia in Alzheimer’s disease, researchers are investigating immunotherapy as a promising new treatment approach.

Microglia, known as the “janitors” of the nervous system, clean up toxic beta-amyloid proteins found in Alzheimer’s. But pesky receptors called LILRB4 can get in the way of their hard work.

That’s where immunotherapy comes into the picture. Researchers from Washington University in St. Louis found a specific antibody that can inhibit LILRB4 receptors and boost the microglia’s ability to take out the beta-amyloid “trash”. They believe this treatment will be key in keeping harmful protein build-up at bay. Swipe for fast facts about this research discovery!

What do CT, MRI, and PET scans have in common? They all capture internal body images vital in diagnosing neurologic conditions. However, their purposes and processes differ.

To learn more about the distinct purposes of these scans, check out Brain & Life Magazine's article:

https://www.brainandlife.org/articles/how-do-neurologists-decide-whether-to-order-ct-mri-or-pet-scans

Applications for our 2025 Next Generation Research Grants are now open: americanbrainfoundation.org/for-researchers/

We're offering over $1.7M in total funds across eleven awards, open to early-career clinician-scientists around the world.

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to advance your research. Apply now and share with your friends and colleagues!

For Researchers - American Brain Foundation Brain disease affects millions. We're trying to get to zero.

Living with brain disease can be as emotionally taxing as it is physical and mental. Hearing other people’s experiences will help you feel less alone across the valleys and peaks of your journey. Read their stories and consider sharing your own here:

https://www.americanbrainfoundation.org/personal-stories/

Did you know? Neurons act like the body’s messengers, sending signals to help us do things like walk, think, and talk. Scientists once believed we were born with all the neurons we would ever have.

Mounting research shows that the growth of new neurons, called neurogenesis, is a lifelong process. Studying this process can help us understand how the birth and death of neurons play a role in brain disease. Plus, it can help scientists develop therapies that stimulate neurogenesis to reverse cognitive decline!

Learn more about brain disease research we are funding here:

https://www.americanbrainfoundation.org/ngrg/

In a 2020 nationwide survey of about 120 caregivers, nearly one third reported access to fi****ms in the home. This can pose a great risk to people with progressive neurological conditions that cause confusion and behavioral changes, like Alzheimer's.

To keep loved ones safe from fi****ms at home, neurologists and public health officials suggest having conversations on a safety plan before their symptoms become too severe. This plan may include locking up the fi****ms, unloaded, or removing them entirely. Check out more firearm safety tips in Brain & Life Magazine's article:

https://www.brainandlife.org/articles/people-with-dementia-gun-safety

Did you know? A donation is just one of the many ways you can contribute to critical brain disease research. Rally support from your friends and family with a peer-to-peer fundraiser, start a workplace giving program, or join the Brain Squad with a recurring gift to maximize your impact!

Get started or see more ways to support the American Brain Foundation here:

https://www.americanbrainfoundation.org/how-to-help/

We are overjoyed to share that our 2024 Commitment to Cures fundraising gala was a success – and it’s all thanks to the support of our amazing community!

Together, we raised $542,000 for critical research that will uncover treatments and cures for many brain diseases and disorders.

We are so grateful to the incredible people pushing research forward and supporters like you who make their work possible. Learn more about this year’s C2C gala and ways to support brain research year-round:

https://www.americanbrainfoundation.org/celebrating-the-2024-commitment-to-cures-gala/