BrightFocus Foundation
@brightfocus.bsky.social
BrightFocus funds groundbreaking research in an urgent effort to discover cures for Alzheimer's disease, macular degeneration and glaucoma.
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Team BrightFocus Foundation is on the ground in Atlanta for our #GlaucomaFastTrack program, the official pre-symposium workshop to the ISER/BrightFocus Glaucoma Symposium.
Glaucoma Fast Track brings together top researchers from across the globe to accelerate vision research. 💪 🔬
Glaucoma Fast Track brings together top researchers from across the globe to accelerate vision research. 💪 🔬
Until recently, there were no Alzheimer's drugs that targeted the underlying causes of the disease. Now there are two.
On Jan 22, hear from a leading neurologist about Leqembi and Kisunla—how they work, who's eligible, and what you need to know.
Register: https://bit.ly/4qhsHsO
On Jan 22, hear from a leading neurologist about Leqembi and Kisunla—how they work, who's eligible, and what you need to know.
Register: https://bit.ly/4qhsHsO
January 15, 2026 at 9:11 PM
Until recently, there were no Alzheimer's drugs that targeted the underlying causes of the disease. Now there are two.
On Jan 22, hear from a leading neurologist about Leqembi and Kisunla—how they work, who's eligible, and what you need to know.
Register: https://bit.ly/4qhsHsO
On Jan 22, hear from a leading neurologist about Leqembi and Kisunla—how they work, who's eligible, and what you need to know.
Register: https://bit.ly/4qhsHsO
Glaucoma doesn’t just affect older adults. It can affect anyone at any age.
Hillary explains why everyone, not just individuals with known risk factors, can benefit from regular eye exams to spot the earliest signs of glaucoma and other eye diseases.
Learn more at: www.stopglaucoma.org
Hillary explains why everyone, not just individuals with known risk factors, can benefit from regular eye exams to spot the earliest signs of glaucoma and other eye diseases.
Learn more at: www.stopglaucoma.org
January 14, 2026 at 5:52 PM
Glaucoma doesn’t just affect older adults. It can affect anyone at any age.
Hillary explains why everyone, not just individuals with known risk factors, can benefit from regular eye exams to spot the earliest signs of glaucoma and other eye diseases.
Learn more at: www.stopglaucoma.org
Hillary explains why everyone, not just individuals with known risk factors, can benefit from regular eye exams to spot the earliest signs of glaucoma and other eye diseases.
Learn more at: www.stopglaucoma.org
Join tomorrow's Glaucoma Chat with Dr. Mehul Nagarsheth, who will break down how early diagnosis opens the door to modern, less invasive treatment options.
🎧 Listen live tomorrow, Jan. 14 at 1 p.m. ET: https://bit.ly/4qFdiBH
🎧 Listen live tomorrow, Jan. 14 at 1 p.m. ET: https://bit.ly/4qFdiBH
January 13, 2026 at 6:52 PM
Join tomorrow's Glaucoma Chat with Dr. Mehul Nagarsheth, who will break down how early diagnosis opens the door to modern, less invasive treatment options.
🎧 Listen live tomorrow, Jan. 14 at 1 p.m. ET: https://bit.ly/4qFdiBH
🎧 Listen live tomorrow, Jan. 14 at 1 p.m. ET: https://bit.ly/4qFdiBH
Too many people see multiple specialists before receiving an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, losing precious time.
BrightFocus Foundation supports the Alzheimer’s Policy Working Group’s initiative to provide actionable policy guidance to accelerate diagnosis and improve care.
Read the report: alzpolicy.org
BrightFocus Foundation supports the Alzheimer’s Policy Working Group’s initiative to provide actionable policy guidance to accelerate diagnosis and improve care.
Read the report: alzpolicy.org
Alzheimers Policy Working Group
The idea of losing your mental abilities, your independence, your sense of self, is hard to accept. No one wants to believe their memories are slipping away, or that they will become a burden to their loved ones. And so most people won't recognize the s...
alzpolicy.org
January 10, 2026 at 12:00 AM
Too many people see multiple specialists before receiving an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, losing precious time.
BrightFocus Foundation supports the Alzheimer’s Policy Working Group’s initiative to provide actionable policy guidance to accelerate diagnosis and improve care.
Read the report: alzpolicy.org
BrightFocus Foundation supports the Alzheimer’s Policy Working Group’s initiative to provide actionable policy guidance to accelerate diagnosis and improve care.
Read the report: alzpolicy.org
“I watched my grandfather’s sharp, witty mind fade away with dementia. That experience drives me to search for answers so other families don’t feel the same helplessness.”
— Joe Herdy, PhD, BrightFocus Foundation Alzheimer's Disease Research grant recipient.
Read more: https://bit.ly/4jAd4d1
— Joe Herdy, PhD, BrightFocus Foundation Alzheimer's Disease Research grant recipient.
Read more: https://bit.ly/4jAd4d1
January 8, 2026 at 11:44 PM
“I watched my grandfather’s sharp, witty mind fade away with dementia. That experience drives me to search for answers so other families don’t feel the same helplessness.”
— Joe Herdy, PhD, BrightFocus Foundation Alzheimer's Disease Research grant recipient.
Read more: https://bit.ly/4jAd4d1
— Joe Herdy, PhD, BrightFocus Foundation Alzheimer's Disease Research grant recipient.
Read more: https://bit.ly/4jAd4d1
Glaucoma treatment has come a long way. Register for our Jan. 14 Glaucoma Chat where Dr. Mehul Nagarsheth will break down how diagnosing glaucoma earlier gives you access to modern, less invasive treatments.
🔗 Register today and ask your questions live. https://bit.ly/3NyIYub
🔗 Register today and ask your questions live. https://bit.ly/3NyIYub
Register for Glaucoma Chats
www.brightfocus.org
January 7, 2026 at 9:11 PM
Glaucoma treatment has come a long way. Register for our Jan. 14 Glaucoma Chat where Dr. Mehul Nagarsheth will break down how diagnosing glaucoma earlier gives you access to modern, less invasive treatments.
🔗 Register today and ask your questions live. https://bit.ly/3NyIYub
🔗 Register today and ask your questions live. https://bit.ly/3NyIYub
🧠 Why do some people stay sharp at 85 while others struggle at 76?
The answer is "cognitive reserve," your brain's built-in resilience that can be strengthened through lifelong learning, physical activity, social connections, and proactive health management.
Learn more: https://bit.ly/49nPMCf
The answer is "cognitive reserve," your brain's built-in resilience that can be strengthened through lifelong learning, physical activity, social connections, and proactive health management.
Learn more: https://bit.ly/49nPMCf
January 7, 2026 at 12:10 AM
🧠 Why do some people stay sharp at 85 while others struggle at 76?
The answer is "cognitive reserve," your brain's built-in resilience that can be strengthened through lifelong learning, physical activity, social connections, and proactive health management.
Learn more: https://bit.ly/49nPMCf
The answer is "cognitive reserve," your brain's built-in resilience that can be strengthened through lifelong learning, physical activity, social connections, and proactive health management.
Learn more: https://bit.ly/49nPMCf
The red cells are microglia—your eye's tiny defenders. 🛡️ These immune cells patrol the retina, protecting it from damage. Silvia Marinelli, PhD, a BrightFocus Foundation National Glaucoma Research grant recipient, is studying how we might harness them to fight vision loss.
🔬 https://bit.ly/4q6Ubkj
🔬 https://bit.ly/4q6Ubkj
January 2, 2026 at 8:46 PM
The red cells are microglia—your eye's tiny defenders. 🛡️ These immune cells patrol the retina, protecting it from damage. Silvia Marinelli, PhD, a BrightFocus Foundation National Glaucoma Research grant recipient, is studying how we might harness them to fight vision loss.
🔬 https://bit.ly/4q6Ubkj
🔬 https://bit.ly/4q6Ubkj
We're thrilled to announce that our Alzheimer's Fast Track 2025 workshop is being as the AARP Brain Health Action Collaborative Action of the Week!
By connecting early-career scientists with leading experts, we’re igniting new ideas to advance Alzheimer's research: https://bit.ly/3MOcThQ.
By connecting early-career scientists with leading experts, we’re igniting new ideas to advance Alzheimer's research: https://bit.ly/3MOcThQ.
Explore What's New from BrightFocus's Alzheimer's Fast Track 2025
From BrightFocus Foundation
bit.ly
December 23, 2025 at 6:37 PM
We're thrilled to announce that our Alzheimer's Fast Track 2025 workshop is being as the AARP Brain Health Action Collaborative Action of the Week!
By connecting early-career scientists with leading experts, we’re igniting new ideas to advance Alzheimer's research: https://bit.ly/3MOcThQ.
By connecting early-career scientists with leading experts, we’re igniting new ideas to advance Alzheimer's research: https://bit.ly/3MOcThQ.
🌍 Smart science knows no borders!
BrightFocus Foundation is funding innovative research across 16 countries, supporting 186 projects that are advancing our understanding of Alzheimer's, macular degeneration, and glaucoma.
Explore our 2025 research portfolios: https://bit.ly/4sa1OrC
BrightFocus Foundation is funding innovative research across 16 countries, supporting 186 projects that are advancing our understanding of Alzheimer's, macular degeneration, and glaucoma.
Explore our 2025 research portfolios: https://bit.ly/4sa1OrC
2025 Research Portfolios Spotlight Breakthrough Science
BrightFocus is proudly supporting 186 cutting-edge research grants, fueling the global fight against Alzheimer’s disease, macular degeneration, and glaucoma.
www.brightfocus.org
December 20, 2025 at 8:13 PM
🌍 Smart science knows no borders!
BrightFocus Foundation is funding innovative research across 16 countries, supporting 186 projects that are advancing our understanding of Alzheimer's, macular degeneration, and glaucoma.
Explore our 2025 research portfolios: https://bit.ly/4sa1OrC
BrightFocus Foundation is funding innovative research across 16 countries, supporting 186 projects that are advancing our understanding of Alzheimer's, macular degeneration, and glaucoma.
Explore our 2025 research portfolios: https://bit.ly/4sa1OrC
🧠 Researchers have identified a promising new class of blood biomarkers known as circular RNAs (circRNAs) for early Alzheimer's detection.
Read more : https://bit.ly/3N7zR3m
Read more : https://bit.ly/3N7zR3m
December 19, 2025 at 8:59 PM
🧠 Researchers have identified a promising new class of blood biomarkers known as circular RNAs (circRNAs) for early Alzheimer's detection.
Read more : https://bit.ly/3N7zR3m
Read more : https://bit.ly/3N7zR3m
BrightFocus Foundation Alzheimer’s Disease Research grant recipient Dr. Hongjun Fu grows “mini-brains” to study why certain neurons are vulnerable in Alzheimer’s & PSP.
These images show brain tissue at 60 days (left) and 120 days (right).
Read more about Dr. Fu’s project: https://bit.ly/4s29wnt
These images show brain tissue at 60 days (left) and 120 days (right).
Read more about Dr. Fu’s project: https://bit.ly/4s29wnt
December 18, 2025 at 3:51 PM
BrightFocus Foundation Alzheimer’s Disease Research grant recipient Dr. Hongjun Fu grows “mini-brains” to study why certain neurons are vulnerable in Alzheimer’s & PSP.
These images show brain tissue at 60 days (left) and 120 days (right).
Read more about Dr. Fu’s project: https://bit.ly/4s29wnt
These images show brain tissue at 60 days (left) and 120 days (right).
Read more about Dr. Fu’s project: https://bit.ly/4s29wnt
The EVOKE trials found that semaglutide, the GLP-1 drug behind several popular diabetes and weight loss medications, did not meaningfully slow cognitive decline in people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Explore this research and more news from #CTAD2025. https://bit.ly/48KgAxG
Explore this research and more news from #CTAD2025. https://bit.ly/48KgAxG
Breaking News Dispatch: New Findings on GLP-1 Drugs and Alzheimer's, Novel Treatments in Development, and More
Get the latest news from the 2025 Clinical Trials on Alzheimer's Disease (CTAD) conference.
www.brightfocus.org
December 17, 2025 at 12:09 AM
The EVOKE trials found that semaglutide, the GLP-1 drug behind several popular diabetes and weight loss medications, did not meaningfully slow cognitive decline in people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Explore this research and more news from #CTAD2025. https://bit.ly/48KgAxG
Explore this research and more news from #CTAD2025. https://bit.ly/48KgAxG
Did you know some people maintain sharp thinking skills even with Alzheimer's-related brain changes?
Building cognitive reserve through lifelong learning, social connections, and healthy lifestyle choices may help protect your brain.
Learn more: https://bit.ly/3MmMgAo
Building cognitive reserve through lifelong learning, social connections, and healthy lifestyle choices may help protect your brain.
Learn more: https://bit.ly/3MmMgAo
December 11, 2025 at 3:53 PM
Did you know some people maintain sharp thinking skills even with Alzheimer's-related brain changes?
Building cognitive reserve through lifelong learning, social connections, and healthy lifestyle choices may help protect your brain.
Learn more: https://bit.ly/3MmMgAo
Building cognitive reserve through lifelong learning, social connections, and healthy lifestyle choices may help protect your brain.
Learn more: https://bit.ly/3MmMgAo
New study results indicate that lifestyle changes can protect aging brains. The U.S. POINTER study tested whether a structured, healthy lifestyle program could protect cognitive function in at-risk older adults. The answer is YES.
Explore this news and more from #CTAD2025: https://bit.ly/4pTAgoa
Explore this news and more from #CTAD2025: https://bit.ly/4pTAgoa
Breaking News Dispatch: New Findings on GLP-1 Drugs and Alzheimer's, Novel Treatments in Development, and More
Get the latest news from the 2025 Clinical Trials on Alzheimer's Disease (CTAD) conference.
www.brightfocus.org
December 10, 2025 at 6:27 PM
New study results indicate that lifestyle changes can protect aging brains. The U.S. POINTER study tested whether a structured, healthy lifestyle program could protect cognitive function in at-risk older adults. The answer is YES.
Explore this news and more from #CTAD2025: https://bit.ly/4pTAgoa
Explore this news and more from #CTAD2025: https://bit.ly/4pTAgoa
🔬 $28.4 million.
🧠 111 projects.
🌍 13 countries.
BrightFocus Foundation’s is funding bold ideas and cutting-edge research that could lead to ways to prevent, treat, and ultimately cure Alzheimer’s for the 7+ million Americans living with it.
Explore the science: https://bit.ly/48HvKlM
🧠 111 projects.
🌍 13 countries.
BrightFocus Foundation’s is funding bold ideas and cutting-edge research that could lead to ways to prevent, treat, and ultimately cure Alzheimer’s for the 7+ million Americans living with it.
Explore the science: https://bit.ly/48HvKlM
December 9, 2025 at 6:33 PM
🔬 $28.4 million.
🧠 111 projects.
🌍 13 countries.
BrightFocus Foundation’s is funding bold ideas and cutting-edge research that could lead to ways to prevent, treat, and ultimately cure Alzheimer’s for the 7+ million Americans living with it.
Explore the science: https://bit.ly/48HvKlM
🧠 111 projects.
🌍 13 countries.
BrightFocus Foundation’s is funding bold ideas and cutting-edge research that could lead to ways to prevent, treat, and ultimately cure Alzheimer’s for the 7+ million Americans living with it.
Explore the science: https://bit.ly/48HvKlM
Can Alzheimer's be stopped before it starts? The AHEAD Study is exploring that question. On Dec 18, Dr. Joshua Grill will explain how researchers are testing Leqembi in people at elevated risk for Alzheimer's—targeting brain changes years before symptoms emerge.
Register now: https://bit.ly/4oEVZzm
Register now: https://bit.ly/4oEVZzm
December 8, 2025 at 6:44 PM
Can Alzheimer's be stopped before it starts? The AHEAD Study is exploring that question. On Dec 18, Dr. Joshua Grill will explain how researchers are testing Leqembi in people at elevated risk for Alzheimer's—targeting brain changes years before symptoms emerge.
Register now: https://bit.ly/4oEVZzm
Register now: https://bit.ly/4oEVZzm
A scientist funded by BrightFocus Foundation found a link between macular degeneration & Parkinson’s—a finding that led to the development of a new supplement to help protect sight.
Now, he’s searching for new treatments that could benefit millions facing vision loss: https://bit.ly/4adXAsb.
Now, he’s searching for new treatments that could benefit millions facing vision loss: https://bit.ly/4adXAsb.
New Supplement to Prevent Macular Degeneration Inspires Deeper Search for Cures
A Macular Degeneration Research-funded scientist launched a supplement based on a link he discovered between the eye disease and Parkinson's disease. Now he's continuing research in the hopes of finding novel cures.
www.brightfocus.org
November 28, 2025 at 9:19 PM
A scientist funded by BrightFocus Foundation found a link between macular degeneration & Parkinson’s—a finding that led to the development of a new supplement to help protect sight.
Now, he’s searching for new treatments that could benefit millions facing vision loss: https://bit.ly/4adXAsb.
Now, he’s searching for new treatments that could benefit millions facing vision loss: https://bit.ly/4adXAsb.
The landscape of Alzheimer’s disease treatments is shifting.
Dr. Marwan Sabbagh will join us to discuss the emerging therapies now in development—including disease-modifying drugs that target the underlying biology of Alzheimer’s.
Join us TODAY at 1 pm ET: https://www.youtube.com/live/e_o2GsmiFTA
Dr. Marwan Sabbagh will join us to discuss the emerging therapies now in development—including disease-modifying drugs that target the underlying biology of Alzheimer’s.
Join us TODAY at 1 pm ET: https://www.youtube.com/live/e_o2GsmiFTA
The Next Generation of Alzheimer's Treatments
Join behavioral neurologist Dr. Marwan Sabbagh for an in-depth discussion about emerging Alzheimer's therapeutics now in late-stage clinical development. Disease-modifying drugs including Anavex Life Science's oral drug blarcamesine, Roche's trontinemab...
www.youtube.com
November 20, 2025 at 3:03 PM
The landscape of Alzheimer’s disease treatments is shifting.
Dr. Marwan Sabbagh will join us to discuss the emerging therapies now in development—including disease-modifying drugs that target the underlying biology of Alzheimer’s.
Join us TODAY at 1 pm ET: https://www.youtube.com/live/e_o2GsmiFTA
Dr. Marwan Sabbagh will join us to discuss the emerging therapies now in development—including disease-modifying drugs that target the underlying biology of Alzheimer’s.
Join us TODAY at 1 pm ET: https://www.youtube.com/live/e_o2GsmiFTA
🚀 Exciting news! BrightFocus Foundation sponsored travel for 39 early-career scientists to attend @sfn.org's annual meeting in San Diego, and for many, it was their first time at the conference!
📸: A few of BrightFocus Foundation's travel grantees at #SfN2025.
📸: A few of BrightFocus Foundation's travel grantees at #SfN2025.
November 19, 2025 at 5:11 PM
🚀 Exciting news! BrightFocus Foundation sponsored travel for 39 early-career scientists to attend @sfn.org's annual meeting in San Diego, and for many, it was their first time at the conference!
📸: A few of BrightFocus Foundation's travel grantees at #SfN2025.
📸: A few of BrightFocus Foundation's travel grantees at #SfN2025.
In recognition of #NationalCaregiversMonth, our Nov Macular Chat will explore the role of caring for an individual with vision loss.
Our guest experts will discuss the realities of caregiving, financial challenges, practical resources & support.
🎧 Tomorrow @ 1pm ET: BrightFocus.org/LiveChatMDR
Our guest experts will discuss the realities of caregiving, financial challenges, practical resources & support.
🎧 Tomorrow @ 1pm ET: BrightFocus.org/LiveChatMDR
November 18, 2025 at 6:11 PM
In recognition of #NationalCaregiversMonth, our Nov Macular Chat will explore the role of caring for an individual with vision loss.
Our guest experts will discuss the realities of caregiving, financial challenges, practical resources & support.
🎧 Tomorrow @ 1pm ET: BrightFocus.org/LiveChatMDR
Our guest experts will discuss the realities of caregiving, financial challenges, practical resources & support.
🎧 Tomorrow @ 1pm ET: BrightFocus.org/LiveChatMDR
💬✨🧠🌟Wrapping up an incredible Alzheimer’s Fast Track workshop! We’re truly inspired by the brilliant minds that gathered in San Diego to explore breakthrough ideas in Alzheimer's disease research.
Exciting times ahead as we gear up for #SfN25! Special thanks to this year’s co-chairs and speakers!
Exciting times ahead as we gear up for #SfN25! Special thanks to this year’s co-chairs and speakers!
November 14, 2025 at 11:38 PM
💬✨🧠🌟Wrapping up an incredible Alzheimer’s Fast Track workshop! We’re truly inspired by the brilliant minds that gathered in San Diego to explore breakthrough ideas in Alzheimer's disease research.
Exciting times ahead as we gear up for #SfN25! Special thanks to this year’s co-chairs and speakers!
Exciting times ahead as we gear up for #SfN25! Special thanks to this year’s co-chairs and speakers!
Happening tomorrow: Get your glaucoma questions answered. Dr. Poonam Misra of Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital joins our Glaucoma Chat at 1 p.m. ET for a live conversation.
She’ll cover frequently asked questions about glaucoma.
Listen live tomorrow: https://bit.ly/4nz3KGw
She’ll cover frequently asked questions about glaucoma.
Listen live tomorrow: https://bit.ly/4nz3KGw
November 11, 2025 at 6:13 PM
Happening tomorrow: Get your glaucoma questions answered. Dr. Poonam Misra of Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital joins our Glaucoma Chat at 1 p.m. ET for a live conversation.
She’ll cover frequently asked questions about glaucoma.
Listen live tomorrow: https://bit.ly/4nz3KGw
She’ll cover frequently asked questions about glaucoma.
Listen live tomorrow: https://bit.ly/4nz3KGw
When Dave Palmer's father lost vision to age-related macular degeneration, Dave and his wife Leanna wanted to help. They started supporting Macular Degeneration Research at BrightFocus Foundation.
See the impact of donor support in our 2025 annual report: https://bit.ly/4o6LuFF.
See the impact of donor support in our 2025 annual report: https://bit.ly/4o6LuFF.
November 7, 2025 at 8:48 PM
When Dave Palmer's father lost vision to age-related macular degeneration, Dave and his wife Leanna wanted to help. They started supporting Macular Degeneration Research at BrightFocus Foundation.
See the impact of donor support in our 2025 annual report: https://bit.ly/4o6LuFF.
See the impact of donor support in our 2025 annual report: https://bit.ly/4o6LuFF.
A surprising connection: Parkinson's drug L-DOPA protects against age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Researcher Brian McKay, PhD, used this finding to discover a protective eye pathway & create an AMD supplement.
Now he's working on new treatments based on this discovery. 🔬
Now he's working on new treatments based on this discovery. 🔬
New Supplement to Prevent Macular Degeneration Inspires Deeper Search for Cures
A Macular Degeneration Research-funded scientist launched a supplement based on a link he discovered between the eye disease and Parkinson’s disease. Now he’s continuing research in the hopes of findi...
www.brightfocus.org
November 5, 2025 at 4:01 PM
A surprising connection: Parkinson's drug L-DOPA protects against age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Researcher Brian McKay, PhD, used this finding to discover a protective eye pathway & create an AMD supplement.
Now he's working on new treatments based on this discovery. 🔬
Now he's working on new treatments based on this discovery. 🔬