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American Brain Foundation
@abfbrain.bsky.social
220 followers 140 following 250 posts
We bring researchers and donors together to cure brain disease. #CureOneCureMany

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Alzheimer’s disease causes 60–80% of all dementia cases—affecting millions of people and families worldwide.

This Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, explore facts, research, and resources that bring hope for the future:
🔗 https://ow.ly/nGNM50XoyaU

#AlzheimersAwarenessMonth #BrainHealth
Alzheimer's disease accounts for 60 to 80% of all dementia cases.
November 8, 2025 at 5:01 PM
abfbrain.bsky.social
This week’s blog looks at brain fog, or symptoms of mild cognitive impairment, like difficulty concentrating. #Brainfog is common and usually temporary. Most of the time it’s not a cause for concern, but if it lasts for several weeks, doctors can help. 🧠 Learn more: https://ow.ly/RWYW50Xncn7
Brain Fog - American Brain Foundation
Struggling to focus or think straight? Find out what’s behind brain fog and expert tips to lift the haze and sharpen your focus.
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November 5, 2025 at 9:01 PM
abfbrain.bsky.social
Meet 2025 Next Gen. Research Grant recipient Peter Hadar, MD. He’s creating an atlas to predict seizures in #epilepsy. Funded w/ American Epilepsy Society, Epilepsy Foundation of America, & American Academy of Neurology. #NationalEpilepsyAwarenessMonth Learn more: https://ow.ly/T0WO50Xm8lg
Researcher Feature: Peter Hadar, MD, 2025 Next Generation Researcher studying Epilepsy. Epilepsy causes seizures due to disrupted nerve cell activity, and many cases resist treatment. Dr. Hadar is mapping brain networks involved in epilepsy to find the areas most responsible for seizures. His work could lead to new neurostimulation therapies that are more effective in preventing seizures.
November 4, 2025 at 5:02 PM
abfbrain.bsky.social
Researchers at the Allen Institute have designed a new #GeneTherapy that has successfully reversed symptoms of SYNGAP1-related disorders (SRD) in mice. It is the first successful gene supplementation solution for SRDs.

Research Discovery: Researchers have developed a new therapy that successfully treats disorders caused by a defective SYNGAP1 gene. Diseases Affected: SYNGAP1-related disorders (SRDs). Key Findings: Scientists used an adeno associate virus (AAV)—which does not replicate—to deliver a functional SYNGAP1 gene to brain cells. This caused a dramatic improvement in symptoms. It is the first successful gene supplementation therapy for SRDs. What's Next? This study was conducted with mice models. If this gene therapy is successful in human trials, it could effectively reverse the effects of SRDs, preventing debilitating symptoms including epilepsy, cognitive dysfunction, and behavioral problems—or even reducing them after they appear.
November 3, 2025 at 9:06 PM
abfbrain.bsky.social
Do you enjoy thrills and chills, be it riding rollercoasters or watching scary movies? This week’s blog post looks at the brain science of why we enjoy being frightened—as long as we’re not in real danger. 🎃🕷️👻🦇 Read the blog here ⬇️ https://ow.ly/MRA550XjmCP

Why do we like being scared? - American Brain Foundation
Why do we like being scared? Discover how the brain transforms fear into excitement, pleasure, and a surprising sense of reward.
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October 29, 2025 at 8:01 PM
abfbrain.bsky.social
A study in the journal Acta Neuropathologica has found that chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), an illness related to repeated head injuries, can be found at a significant rate among homeless/unhoused populations. #CTE #CTEAwareness #CTEResearch
Research Discovery: CTE has been found at a significant rate among homeless/unhoused people with no history of sports injury or military service. Diseases Affected: Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) Key Findings: Researchers detected signs of CTE the post-mortem brains of housing-deprived individuals. What's next? The international research team says that the next step is to develop better tools to detect CTE among living patients, which is currently not possible even with MRI scans.
October 27, 2025 at 8:02 PM
abfbrain.bsky.social
Your retirement savings can help unlock the next breakthrough. If you’re 70½ or older, a gift from your #IRA (#QCD) can meet your RMD—and support life-changing brain research at the same time. Together, we can build a future without brain disease. ➡️ buff.ly/XgeLDbl #Philanthropy
Image: A happy couple sitting on their couch and looking at something on a laptop. Text: Your retirement savings could unlock the next breakthrough.
October 25, 2025 at 4:03 PM
abfbrain.bsky.social
#MultipleSclerosis (MS) damages myelin, the coating protecting nerve endings. Scientists at UC San Francisco and Contineum Therapeutics developed a drug that induces cells to replace lost myelin, potentially reversing MS. It’s now in Phase II testing.
Research Progress: A drug to treat multiple sclerosis is currently in phase II trials. Diseases Affected: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Key Findings: A drug called PIPE-307 targets a specific receptor that induces the maturation of cells called oligodendrocytes, which then produce new myelin to replace myelin lost to MS. What's next? The drug cleared Phase I trials in 2021 and is now in wider Phase II trials.
October 24, 2025 at 8:02 PM
abfbrain.bsky.social
This week’s blog recaps last month’s Meet the Researchers webinar, which featured seven of this year’s Next Generation Research Grant recipients. The full #webinar is now archived on our YouTube channel. Read about the remarkable work they’re doing buff.ly/9pocjIo ⬇️ #BrainResearch #BrainSky
Meet the Researchers Webinar Recap - American Brain Foundation
See how American Brain Foundation Next Generation Research Grants fuel bold new discoveries in brain disease research.
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October 23, 2025 at 6:01 PM
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Congratulations to Dr. Jacqueline Palmer of the University of Minnesota Medical School, who has been awarded a major NIH grant to study “fast-moving SuperAgers.” Her team hopes to gain important insights to prevent age-related decline and disability:
Junior faculty member awarded $2.2 million through NIH to investigate fast-moving SuperAgers
Jacqueline Palmer, PT, DPT, PhD, has been awarded a $2.2 million New Innovator Award from the National Institutes of Health’s High Risk, High Reward Research program.
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October 19, 2025 at 4:30 PM
abfbrain.bsky.social
#ALS and #FTD have much in common, with overlapping genetic characteristics, causes, and protein deposits in nerve cells. We fund research across the entire spectrum of brain disease: discoveries that lead to a cure for one could lead to cures for others. #NeurodegenerativeDisease
October 17, 2025 at 8:02 PM
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Researchers at @jhu.edu used stem cells to grow tiny brain-like structures called #organoids. Through machine-learning, they identified a signature bioelectrical signal for #schizophrenia and #bipolar disorder.
Research discovery: Specific electrical signals have been identified in lab-created brain “organoids” grown from the cells of people with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Diseases Affected: Schizophrenia, bipolar disorder. Key findings: Scientists used tiny brain organoids (simplified, lab-grown versions of real organs) and machine learning to detect and study signature neurological misfirings that occur with these disorders. What's next? This process of creating brain organoids could be used for biological confirmation of a schizophrenia or bipolar disorder diagnosis and for testing potential drugs much more quickly.
October 16, 2025 at 6:03 PM
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CADASIL is a rare genetic disorder that causes the thickening of blood vessel walls, blocking blood flow to the brain. Patients experience migraine, strokes, and gradual cognitive decline toward dementia. More about #CADASIL on our new A-to-Z page here: buff.ly/uqlfaIv
CADASIL - American Brain Foundation
Learn what causes CADASIL, its symptoms, and the latest research advancing diagnosis and treatment of this rare brain disorder.
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October 15, 2025 at 8:01 PM
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💡 Meet 2025 Next Generation Researcher Giovanna Pilonieta, PhD, DDS, studying modifiable health behaviors, mental health, and #CognitiveFunction at UAB Birmingham. Funded with McKnight Brain Research Foundation and @aanmember.bsky.social. 🧠 Read more ➡️ buff.ly/rA78SBq #BrainHealth #Neuroscience
Researcher Feature: Cognitive Aging and Age-Related Memory Loss. Giovanna Pilonieta, PhD, DDS 2025 Next Generation Research Grantee. Dr. Pilonieta is studying how lifestyle factors influence memory and thinking, along with their effects on mental health. She will also examine whether men and women experience these effects differently.
October 12, 2025 at 6:01 PM
abfbrain.bsky.social
Board member Joanne Smikle, PhD, presents a new episode of her podcast #SmikleSpeaks with Super Bowl champion, #BrainHealth #advocate, and public speaker Ben Utecht. Dr. Smikle talks with him about his new book, The Champion’s Creed. 🎧 Listen Now ➡️ buff.ly/M9qQcCH
October 11, 2025 at 4:03 PM
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If your ears are “ringing,” or you are hearing a “phantom” sound without any external source, this is called #Tinnitus. There are many possible causes, including hearing loss. Fortunately, tinnitus and #HearingLoss can be treated.
October 10, 2025 at 8:02 PM
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Today is #DAFDay, which encourages the use of a donor advised fund (DAF): a tax-advantaged charitable giving account. It’s an easy, flexible, and cost-effective way to increase your impact on brain disease research. Learn more here: buff.ly/nZISSN4 #CharitableGiving #Philanthropy
Images: Two scientists working on a research project. Text: October 9th is DAF Day. With a Donor Advised Fund (DAF), you can give money—and accept a tax benefit—whenever you want. And when you are ready, you can direct a gift from your fund to the cause or organization of your choice.
October 9, 2025 at 6:00 PM
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In this week’s blog post, we look at the relationship between #grief and #dementia, explore what the brain is doing as people grieve, and suggest ways to help yourself heal from emotional trauma ➡️ buff.ly/qaXx6gK #Carer
Dementia and Grief - American Brain Foundation
Discover how dementia brings unique grief for patients and caregivers and learn ways to cope, heal, and find hope.
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October 8, 2025 at 10:15 PM
abfbrain.bsky.social
Ray Dorsey, MD, and Michael S. Okun, MD—both past recipients of Next Generation Research Grants—have a new book called The Parkinson’s Plan. This guide explains how environmental factors lead to #Parkinsons and shares a plan for prevention and treatment. buff.ly/r4UtjS0
The Parkinson's Plan book by Dr. Ray Dorsey and Michael Okun
The Parkinson's Plan book by Dr. Ray Dorsey and Dr. Michael Okun reveals how toxins fuel Parkinson's and how to prevent, slow, and treat it.
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October 7, 2025 at 6:01 PM
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Researchers at @michiganstateu.bsky.social and Rutgers University–New Brunswick have discovered how the protein #cypin codes other proteins to support learning and memory. Understanding cypin could lead to new treatments for diseases like #Alzheimers.
Research Discovery: The protein known as cypin “tags” other proteins in the gaps between neurons to make sure they’re in the right places for healthy brain functioning. Diseases Affected: Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and brain injuries. Key Findings: Cypin serves as the brain’s “librarian” protein, managing and organizing other proteins for learning and creating memories. It also increases the activity of the UBE4A protein for healthy synaptic function. What's Next? Studying the relationships between cypin and UBE4A and other proteins could lead to advances in counteracting the effects of neurodegenerative diseases and brain injuries.
October 6, 2025 at 8:00 PM
abfbrain.bsky.social
Scientists at @lji.org and @columbiauniversity.bsky.social Irving Medical Center have discovered that ALS might be an autoimmune disease. ABF Next Generation Research alumni Merit Cudkowicz and James D. Berry were co-authors of this study: buff.ly/jM7LQyD
Research Discovery: ALS may be an autoimmune disease. Diseases Affected: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) Key Findings: Researchers discovered that in ALS, inflammatory immune cells called CD4+ T cells target certain proteins called C9orf72 in the nervous system. What’s Next? Now that this autoimmune connection has been identified, future therapies for ALS might focus on boosting protective CD4+ T cell responses and reducing harmful inflammation.
October 3, 2025 at 8:01 PM
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@newscientist.com discusses the #CriticalBrainHypothesis, a concept proposing that the brain manages enormous complexity by operating at the tipping point between order and disorder. This has profound implications for brain disease research. #Brainsky
What is the Critical Brain Hypothesis? Increasingly, researchers are considering that the brain processes signals in a way that incorporates a delicate balance between order and chaos. So brain signals are random? No, not exactly. This hypothesis suggests that brain signals travel from neuron to neuron in chain reactions that incorporate mass complexity but also flexibility. Can you help me picture that? Think of forest fires and how they grow as flames spread out to trees that happen to be nearby. This behavior is mathematically predictable, but increasingly complex as the fire adapts to the various conditions in the moment. Why would the brain work like that? By operating at the edge between order and disorder, the brain is maximizing its network of neurons for complex thinking, but it’s also allowing for flexibility to adapt to new signals in the moment. If the brain operates like a forest fire, being on the edge of chaos helps to keep it under control.
October 2, 2025 at 7:45 PM
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This week’s blog recaps the #AmericanBrainFoundationGala: A Night of Brilliance and Breakthroughs, held at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in #Nashville, on Sept. 13. Thanks to all who helped make it our most successful fundraising event ever! Read the recap here buff.ly/geOLnhk ⬇️
Nashville Gala 2025 Recap - American Brain Foundation
Brain disease affects billions. We're trying to get to zero.
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October 1, 2025 at 8:00 PM
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Today is Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy (LGMD) Awareness Day, and September is National #MuscularDystrophyAwareness Month. LGMD specifically affects the muscles of the shoulders and hips. 🧠 To learn more about muscular dystrophy in general, please read our A-to-Z page on this topic: buff.ly/i2y8R2z.
Muscular dystrophy is a genetic brain disease that affects the muscles and causes them to weaken. This group of disorders includes more than 30 different genetic diseases. Our Brain Disease A to Z page explains everything you need to know about muscular dystrophy — from symptoms and diagnosis to treatment and research.
September 30, 2025 at 4:05 PM
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Brenda Bobo experienced a near-fatal case of viral meningitis and encephalitis, which was made worse by her local doctors’ inability to recognize the symptoms. She shares her story here and encourages everyone to do all they can to support greater awareness and research. buff.ly/67ekFnr ⬇️
Brenda's Story: Meningitis, Encephalitis, and the Need for Research
When Brenda became ill with meningitis and encephalitis, doctors told her family to say goodbye. But Brenda fought through a coma, brain swelling, and lasting complications to reclaim her life.…
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September 29, 2025 at 8:00 PM