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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 7h

Brain research is an investment that benefits everyone, and researchers need support. That’s why an anonymous donor is matching every gift the American Brain Foundation receives, through December 31, up to $500,000! 💓Make your gift go twice as far buff.ly/ryV8Oac 💫

A photograph of a community group standing together overlaid with the quote, "I am offering this $500,000 matching challenge because I believe deeply in the American Brain Foundation’s ability to accelerate discoveries that change lives. By matching every contribution, I hope to inspire others to join me and make their support go twice as far." from the anonymous matching donor.

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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

DAF Day 2026 is here. Today is a nationwide celebration of generosity through donor-advised funds. Make a DAF gift to the American Brain Foundation today to help fund brain research. Plus, all gifts to ABF are currently being matched! #DAFday buff.ly/ZCQbzcC

October 8th 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.

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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

2025 Next Gen. Researcher Dr. Tiffany Li is the lead author in a new study in Neurology. Dr. Li and her colleagues have identified factors that tend to make certain cancer patients more vulnerable to chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. #CIPN.

Peripheral neuropathy research: A new study has helped identify risk factors that make certain chemotherapy patients more vulnerable to peripheral neuropathy, a type of nerve damage.

Peripheral neuropathy refers to a group of disorders of the central nervous system that damage nerves and affect the way nerve cell signaling works. Peripheral neuropathy can result from other health conditions and medications, including chemotherapy, known as chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN).

Dr. Tiffany Li and her colleagues published a new study in Neurology. Based on a study of 901 individuals who had received neurotoxic treatments from oncology centers in Australia, these factors may increase vulnerability to CIPN: advanced age, diabetes, higher BMI, having previously received neurotoxic chemotherapy, female sex.

What's next? This insight could help care providers identify patients who may require more careful monitoring during chemotherapy. Earlier intervention could prevent or reduce CIPN.

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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Meet 2026 Cure One, Cure Many Award and 2020 Next Gen. Grant recipient Lenora Higginbotham, MD. She is researching molecular signatures to diagnose Lewy Body Dementia. Funded w/ Alzheimer’s Association and Michael J. Fox Foundation. #LBDawarenessmonth buff.ly/pQpEe5w

Researcher spotlight: Lenora Higginbotham, MD, 2026 Cure One, Cure Many Lewy Body Dementia Award.

Despite having the same diagnosis, individuals with Lewy body dementia (LBD) can differ from each other in terms of their symptoms and underlying biology. This diversity, at a molecular level, is referred to as disease heterogeneity.

To develop accessible methods to diagnose LBD in living patients, researchers must first identify the key biological signatures that correspond to different molecular processes and disease traits.

Dr. Higginbotham’s team will study LBD plasma samples using a method called proteomic analysis. This refers to a large-scale, comprehensive study of all the proteins in a cell. They will employ machine-learning approaches to help identify differences in protein measurements among the samples that correspond with how the disease presents itself clinically. This will help scientists better understand individual variability in LBD, and thereby help to improve precision in diagnosis, prediction, and treatment.

We're grateful to everyone who has made this research possible. This $1 million award is funded in collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Association, the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, and donors like you.

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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

On Saturday, October 10, Terri Kirby Erickson will celebrate the launch of her new poetry collection with a book signing in Lewisville, NC. A portion of proceeds from book sales will benefit American Brain Foundation research grants. For more info ➡️ buff.ly/121dpTU

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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Attention! An anonymous donor is matching every gift the American Brain Foundation receives, dollar-for-dollar, until December 31, 2026, up to $500,000! Make twice the impact in the fight against brain disease. 💓Click here to DOUBLE the value of your gift ➡️ buff.ly/L6vOhy0

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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Meet 2026 Next Gen. Researcher Jesús García-Castro, MD. He’s working to improve diagnosis for progressive supranuclear palsy and corticobasal degeneration. Funded w/ the Holloway Family Fund, @theaftd.bsky.social. #FTDawarenessweek

Researcher Feature: Jesús García-Castro, MD. Dr. García-Castro will combine blood testing and MRI brain scans to develop improved diagnostic methods for detecting subtypes of FTD called progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and corticobasal degeneration (CBD). Currently, both variants are difficult to diagnose in early stages because of symptoms that resemble other brain conditions. This research is co-funded with The Holloway Family Fund of the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration.

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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Last month, Dr. Riley Bove published two big studies. Her study with Dr. Maria Pia Campagna links earlier #menopause with faster #CognitiveDecline. In a second study, Dr. Bove puts forth a “roadmap” for future research on menopause. More in this webinar: buff.ly/wqjgLNO

Cognitive aging research: Earlier onset of menopause is tied to faster brain aging later in life. Scientists have a roadmap for research.

Based on MRI analysis, women who have experience early menopause (especially because of surgical intervention) tend to experience more white matter injury and earlier onset for cognitive decline, memory loss, and Alzheimer’s diagnoses.

“Menopause ... represents a midlife window for targeted prevention and personalized [dementia] risk mitigation.”, said Riley M. Bove, MD, University of California, San Francisco.

What’s Next? Dr. Bove presents a roadmap for how scientists can prioritize research on how menopause affects women’s neurological health, especially when it happens early, either surgically or spontaneously.

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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Thanks to everyone who supported the second annual ABF Gala on September 12 in Nashville, which raised more than $1.4 million for brain research! Special thanks to our awardees, Selma Blair, Chris Hanke, Leslie Odom Jr., and the Next Gen. Researchers.

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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

BIG NEWS! An anonymous donor will be matching every gift the American Brain Foundation receives, dollar-for-dollar, until December 31, 2026, up to an incredible $500,000. Make your support for brain research go twice as far! buff.ly/VuP0DT0

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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

With an ABF grant, Dr. Caghan Kizil has been studying APOE4, the strongest genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s. His team found #APOE4 responds to inflammation by producing #fibronectin. Targeting the #inflammation could help prevent #Alzheimers.

A new study offers a clue as to why some people with the APOE4 gene develop Alzheimer’s and others don’t. Dr. Caghan Kizil, recipient of a 2026 Cure One Cure Many Catalyst Award in Neuroinflammation, and his team shed light on why some people with the strongest genetic risk for Alzheimer’s never develop the disease.

The genetic variant APOE4 is the strongest genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s. Studying this how this gene works, Dr. Kizil and colleagues found that inflammation triggers production of the protein fibronectin, which damages the blood–brain barrier (BBB).

While it was known that damage to the BBB is an early feature of Alzheimers, this research is the first to explain the biological mechanism for this. Support cells produce fibronectin in response to inflammation, which causes further inflammation and directly damages the BBB.

What's Next? While APOE4 is an unpreventable genetic mutation, inflammation is modifiable. If care providers can identify and target the inflammation that causes the fibronectin response, this potentially could lead to a prevention strategy for Alzheimer’s disease, even in non-genetic cases.

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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

September is #LeukodystrophyAwarenessMonth. Dr. Danielle Kim is studying ALD, a type of leukodystrophy that severely affects young boys. With funding from Arrivederci ALD and ABF, Dr. Kim is seeing if vitamin D could be a low-cost preventative therapy. buff.ly/UgfttYK

What you should know about adrenoleukodystrophy.

What is adrenoleukodystrophy? Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is a rare genetic disorder caused by a mutation on the X chromosome. ALD results from the destruction of the protective myelin sheaths that insulate nerve fibers in the brain and central nervous system. As myelin is destroyed, symptoms worsen rapidly and could include blindness, loss of hearing, seizures, loss of muscle control, and progressive dementia. If untreated, ALD can progress rapidly, leading to the development of brain lesions that cause permanent disability or death two to five years after diagnosis.

What causes ALD? ALD is caused by a mutation in the ABCD1 gene on the X chromosome, but it can be inherited from either or both parents. The reason that the disease primarily affects males is because they only have one X chromosome, whereas women who inherit this faulty gene still have a second X chromosome to offset the mutation.

1 in 18,000 people have ALD. 35-40% of boys with a mutated ABCD1 gene develop the disease. There is a 50% chance that a pregnant woman carrying the faulty gene will pass it on to a child.

Meet a researcher studying ALD. Danielle Kim, PhD is the 2025 Next Generation Research Grant Recipient studying ALD. Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is a genetic disease that causes harmful fatty substances to build up in the brain. About one-third of boys with ALD develop cerebral ALD, which leads to brain damage. Dr. Kim is studying whether vitamin D can protect the brain by improving blood flow and boosting antioxidants.

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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

What causes “ice cream headaches”? @us.theconversation.com notes that they usually last for less than 30 seconds and are sensed by the trigeminal nerve. Kids seem to experience “ice cream headaches” more often than adults, but eating more slowly really can help.

Eating ice cream can cause “brain freeze” or a temporary headache. Biologically this is an action of the trigeminal nerve.

Have you ever experienced “brain freeze”—a brief headache that happens when you eat ice cream or a similar cold treat? Officially classified as a “cold-stimulus headache,” this phenomenon has been difficult to study because in most cases, the duration lasts for less than 30 seconds. One study found that kids who ate ice cream quickly (within 5 seconds) were about twice as likely to experience brain freeze as those who ate the same amount more slowly (within 30 seconds).

A recent article in The Conversation explains that it’s thought to be triggered by a sensation of the trigeminal nerve, one of the 12 cranial nerves that connect directly to the brain, bypassing the spinal cord. When the nerve senses the cold temperature, it causes pain in the forehead, temples, or around the eyes. There’s also thought to be an interaction between nerve signaling and blood flow.

What's next? Further research could establish whether or not there is an association between this type of headache and migraine, for example if people with migraine are more likely to experience an ice cream headache, if so, how that might expand scientific understanding of migraine.

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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

Special thanks to our Investigator Sponsors for supporting last night’s American Brain Foundation Gala: A Night of Brilliance and Breakthroughs. We are extraordinarily grateful for your kind and generous support for brain research.

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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

Special thanks to our Innovator Sponsors for supporting last night’s ABF Gala: Bank of America, Mass General Brigham Neuroscience Institute, The Raine Group, and WilmerHale. We are extraordinarily grateful for your kind and generous support for brain research.

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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

Special thanks to our Discovery Sponsors for supporting tonight’s ABF Gala: EnTrust Global, NFL Foundation, NFLPA, PJT Partners, TA Associates, Tennessee Titans Foundation, Venable LLP, and Winston Taylor. We are grateful for your kind and generous support for brain research.

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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

Special thanks to our Breakthrough Sponsors for tonight’s American Brain Foundation Gala: A Night of Brilliance and Breakthroughs: Fanatics Foundation, and Hellman & Friedman. We are extraordinarily grateful for your kind and generous support for brain research. #ABFGala2026

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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

Special thanks to our Momentum Sponsors for tonight’s American Brain Foundation Gala: A Night of Brilliance and Breakthroughs: ALS Network and AllianceBernstein. We are extraordinarily grateful for your kind and generous support for brain research. #ABFGala2026

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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

One more reason we can’t wait for the American Brain Foundation Gala: Leslie Odom, Jr. is performing! The Tony and Grammy Award-winning Hamilton star will take the stage September 12 in Nashville for an exclusive performance.

The 2026 American Brain Foundation Gala features an exclusive musical performance by Tony and Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, actor, bestselling author, and star of Hamilton, Leslie Odom, Jr.

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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

The ABF Gala is this Saturday! We’re proud to honor Wounded Warrior Project with our 2026 Game Changer Award for improving the lives of veterans affected by TBI and mental health challenges.

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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Check out these incredible items from our #ABFGala2026 live & silent auctions! You can bid during our live auction on 9/12, no ticket required, and join the bidding on our silent auction today! buff.ly/JlA5wwe

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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

Researchers at UC San Francisco and @imperialcollegeldn.bsky.social focused on #psilocybin, found in “magic” mushrooms. The drug increased diverse patterns of brain activity, and a single dose affected brain activity and possibly structure for up to a month.

Mental health research: A single dose of psilocybin, the psychedelic substance in magic mushrooms, can produce physical changes in the brain that last for weeks.

Researchers found that a single dose of psilocybin produced changes in brain activity and possibly brain structure that lasted up to a month. Participants who experienced the largest increase in flexible brain activity reported more improvements to their well-being.

"Psilocybin seems to loosen up stereotyped patterns of brain activity and give people the ability to revise entrenched patterns of thought. ... The fact that these changes track with insight and improved well-being is especially exciting."
—Taylor Lyons, PhD, Imperial College London

What’s Next? The findings from this study could help clinicians improve psilocybin therapies for mental health conditions, for example by identifying an ideal dose that produces a sufficient increase in meaningful insight without having too intense of a psychedelic experience.

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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

We’re proud to honor Apple TV’s #Shrinking with our 2026 Advocate Award for bringing the realities of brain disease & mental health to a wide audience. Harrison Ford, Jason Segel & creator Bill Lawrence @vdoozer.bsky.social will accept the award via video. Celebrate with us Sept. 12: buff.ly/ocWzoHe

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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Big news! 2007 Next Gen Researcher Amy Waldman, MD, led studies that have culminated in the FDA approval of the first-ever treatment for Alexander disease, a rare genetic disorder. The drug Zanvastro (zilganersen) works by reducing GFAP protein production.

The first-ever disease-modifying treatment for Alexander disease has received FDA approval. Alexander disease is a rare, progressive genetic disorder that damages the nervous system and destroys the white matter in the brain.

When mutated genes produce abnormal versions of the protein GFAP, these can accumulate in the brain and damage the nervous system. The drug Zanvastro (zilganersen) works by reducing GFAP production.

“As a clinician who cares for people living with Alexander disease, I see firsthand the profound and progressive impact this disease has on individuals and their families...zilganersen has the potential to change the trajectory of this devastating disease.”
—Amy Waldman, MD
Pediatric neurologist and lead investigator for the Phase 1-3 zilganersen study at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
2007 American Brain Foundation Next Generation Research Grantee

What’s Next? The drug, administered by spinal injection every three months, will provide much-needed therapy for both pediatric and adult patients with Alexander disease.

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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Last month, the World Health Organization (@who.int) released updated guidelines on reducing the risk of dementia, noting that 45% of #DementiaRisk can be attributed to modifiable factors.

Up to 45% of dementia risk could be prevented or delayed, according to the World Health Organization.

"We know more today than ever before about what drives dementia risk, and these guidelines translate that knowledge into action", said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.

Updated Guidelines: The WHO first published guidelines on reducing dementia risk in 2019, but so much research data has been collected since then that the organization decided to update these recommendations. Researchers continue to search for cures, but in the meantime, a significant portion of the risk (up to 45%) is attributed to modifiable risk factors.

Modifiable Risk Factors: Modifiable risk factors include behaviors such as: Tobacco use, Alcohol use, Physical inactivity, Social isolation, Exposure to environmental pollution, Noncommunicative diseases.

Following healthcare providers’ recommendations to prevent cardiovascular disease can make a big difference. Eat a nutritious diet. Maintain good blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Get sufficient exercise. Try to reduce excess body weight. Get plenty of good quality sleep.

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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

The FDA has cleared a new #Alzheimers blood test, developed by Drs. Randall Bateman (2004 Next Gen. Research Grant, 2019 Potamkin Prize) and David Holtzman (2003 Potamkin Prize) and their team at @washuneurology.bsky.social. The test, PrecivityAD2, is accurate and noninvasive.

Alzheimer's Research: A new blood test that can detect amyloid biomarkers for diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease has received FDA clearance.

Drs. Bateman and Holtzman and their team at WashU have developed a noninvasive blood test called PrecivityAD2 for detecting amyloid plaques. This could aid diagnosis of Alzheimer’s if patients show even mild symptoms of the disease.

“With FDA clearance, this innovation can reach more patients, increasing early and accurate diagnoses for people who are seeking causes of cognitive symptoms such as memory loss. With faster diagnosis, patients can receive earlier treatment, when treatments are most effective.” — Randall J. Bateman, MD, Washington University

What’s Next? With FDA clearance, PrecivityAD2 can be marketed more broadly to doctors and health systems. This step also makes it possible for the test to be covered by insurance, so it can be more affordable and accessible.

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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

The ABF Gala is coming to Nashville on September 12. Actress, advocate, and ABF Global Ambassador Selma Blair will present Chris Johnson with the 2026 Champion Award for his strength and courage in facing his ALS diagnosis. Get tickets or donate here: buff.ly/eUeQuio.

Selma Blair, the American Brain Foundation's Global Ambassador and National Chair for Brain Health Advancement, will present the 2026 Champion Award to Chris Johnson at the American Brain Foundation Gala in Nashville on September 12th.

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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

We're honored to present the 2026 Champion Award to former NFL running back Chris Johnson during the American Brain Foundation Gala on September 12 in Nashville for his courage in facing his #ALS diagnosis. Get tickets or donate here: buff.ly/eUeQuio.

Legendary Tennessee Titans player Chris Johnson will receive the 2026 American Brain Foundation Champion Award in Nashville on September 12th in recognition of his strength and courage facing his ALS diagnosis.

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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

If someone you know has experienced a brain disease or other neurological condition, that person’s experience can inspire hope for millions of others who might face similar circumstances one day. 💓 Make a tribute gift today to fund crucial research: buff.ly/cvn94pr

Image: A photograph of a father and son chatting and drinking coffee. Text: A tribute gift in honor of your loved one can make progress for millions of others.

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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Researchers: we want to give you money! As an early-career brain researcher, your study might qualify for a Next Generation #ResearchGrant. But time is running out! Applications are due September 10 for three of the awards, and October 8 for the others. Apply here: buff.ly/ovlHSXK

Image: A photograph of a team of brain researchers collaborating in the lab. Text: Calling all researchers! Research grant applications are open for: ALS, Cognitive Aging, Epilepsy, Mal de Débarquement Syndrome and Central Vestibular Disorders, Neuromuscular Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Peripheral Neuropathy, and Stroke.

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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

#Alzheimers disease is caused by accumulated amyloid beta and tau proteins in brain cells. @smithsonianmag.bsky.social reports that, in a clinical trial, an experimental drug called diranersen successfully reduced tau levels, slightly slowing cognitive decline.

Research Discovery: In a clinical trial, an experimental Alzheimer’s drug called diranersen showed success in causing the brain to produce less tau protein, slowing the rate of cognitive decline.

Key Findings: In a trial involving more than 400 participants with early-stage Alzheimer’s, the drug lowered tau levels in brain and spinal fluid by 50% to 65%, although surprisingly, the group with the lowest dose showed the greatest slowing of cognitive decline, by up to 26% in one test.

What’s Next? Biogen, the company that created diranersen, will test the drug with a larger population. Future tests that combine the tau-targeting drug with amyloid-targeting drugs are also a possibility.

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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

When someone you love is affected by brain disease, you may find yourself wishing you could do more to help others in the future. A gift to the American Brain Foundation in honor or memory of someone special turns your compassion into action and progress. 💓 Make a tribute gift ➡️ buff.ly/rZJPoa6

Image: A photograph of a mother and her daughter. Text: Their legacy can help create a healthier future.

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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

Andrew G. Breithaupt, MD, a recipient of a 2024 American Brain Foundation #NextGenerationResearchGrant, is the lead author of a journal article about using #AI to collect patient history info from older adults suspected of having #dementia.

Research Discovery: An AI tool could be used to assist busy clinicians with gathering complex family history information from patients prior to an in-person interview for a dementia diagnosis.

Diseases Affected: Alzheimer’s and related dementias.

Key Findings: 30 older adult patients from a cognitive neurology clinic participated in trials with a large language model (LLM) AI agent that would listen to and generate further prompts based on patients’ responses to questions. It allowed patients to speak at their own pace without time pressure.

What’s Next? This technology is intended to help doctors, not make diagnoses for them. It could help make dementia diagnosis more efficient. The study had several limitations, including a small sample size, but it notes that patients had a positive experience with the tool.

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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Researchers at @mit.edu and @york-university.bsky.social have been working to better understand how the #brain rewires itself as it learns to recognize objects visually. With computational modeling, this could help people design better training strategies for #visual tasks.

Research Discovery: Learning to identify a new object subtly reshapes visual processing in the brain.

Research Topics: Visual perception and learning.

Key Findings: Researchers compared how animals and artificial neural networks learn to visually identify the same objects, and found that when animals are trained to recognize an object, visual processing involves subtle neural changes in the inferior temporal cortex.

What’s Next? With the use of artificial neural networks, it may be possible to design more effective training strategies to aid visual learning.

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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

#WhiteMatterDisease has been added to the Brain Diseases from A to Z section of our website. When white matter in the brain doesn’t get sufficient blood supply, nerve fibers become damaged, leading to symptoms affecting memory and motor skills. buff.ly/MPEotDn

What you need to know about white matter disease.

White matter disease refers to damage to the brain’s white matter—the areas of the brain that are mostly composed of nerve fibers. It is a direct result of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) and/or reduced blood flow to the brain, meaning that white matter disease is a possible consequence of poor cardiovascular health. The condition can cause issues with memory, balance, and mobility, and it can increase the risk of stroke and cognitive decline.

40-60% of brain volume is composed of white matter. 10-20% of 60-year-olds have some white matter lesions. Nearly 100% of 90-year-olds have some white matter lesions.

White matter disease can affect memory, balance, and mobility. Learn more about its causes, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment on our website.

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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Meet 2026 Next Gen. Researcher Ariel Zhang, PhD. She is running experiments to see if reducing a specific protein called ATF2 could prevent #PeripheralNeuropathy in chemotherapy patients. Funded with @foundationforpn.bsky.social. 🧠 Learn more about Dr. Zhang's research 💡➡️ buff.ly/tvHFy3v

Researcher Feature: Ariel Zhang, PhD. Dr. Zhang is a 2026 Next Generation Researcher studying peripheral neuropathy. Her research will explore the role of a protein called ATF2 in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) and investigate if reducing the protein can protect against this condition. If so, this could pave the way for the development of safer cancer treatments. This research is funded by The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy.

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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Join us Sept. 12 in Nashville for the American Brain Foundation Gala, honoring Chris Johnson, the Wounded Warrior Project, and the cast and writers of #Shrinking, with Leslie Odom, Jr. performing. Details & Tickets: buff.ly/zwOsTII

The American Brain Foundation Gala will be back in Nashville on Saturday, September 12th, 2026. Join us for a night of brilliance and breakthroughs supporting life-changing brain research.

The Gala will feature awards presented to three awardees. Chris Johnson will receive the 2026 Champion Award. Apple TV's Shrinking will receive the 2026 Advocate Award, and Wounded Warrior Project will receive the 2026 Game Changer Award.

We will be joined for an exclusive performance by Tony and Grammy Award-winning, three-time Emmy and two-time Academy Award-nominated musical guest Leslie Odom, Jr.

Every ticket, sponsorship, and donation helps accelerate brain research that transforms lives. Learn more, become a sponsor, purchase tickets, or support groundbreaking brain research by visiting AmericanBrainFoundation.org/gala.

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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

We honor the power of giving through Donor-Advised Funds (DAF). Your DAF gift to the American Brain Foundation fuels life-changing research and advances treatments for brain diseases and disorders. Your DAF donation helps us move closer to breakthroughs. More about DAF Giving ➡️ buff.ly/EXe9sxk

Photo: A couple sitting together outside. Text: Your Donor-Advised Fund Gift fuels life-changing research.

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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

@ufresearch.bsky.social researchers have found that the popular supplement #glucosamine, which many older adults take for joint pain, is linked to faster #dementia progression. It seems to cause too many sugar molecules to get tagged onto proteins in cells.

Research Discovery: Glucosamine, a popular supplement for joint pain, could be linked to faster Alzheimer’s progression.

Key Findings: For patients with mild cognitive impairment, glucosamine use was associated with a 25% greater risk for dementia. For patients with dementia, it was associated with a 25% greater mortality risk. Glucosamine increases the attachment of sugar molecules to proteins in cells, contributing to Alzheimer’s progression.

What’s Next? This analysis only shows an association between glucosamine use and dementia risk, not proof of causation. However, future studies could build on these findings and lead to new treatments that target protein and sugar-tagging in cells.

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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

August is Make-A-Will Month. You can name ABF as a beneficiary in your will, so your assets can fund #BrainResearch. Our partner #FreeWill offers a simple tool to create your will for free, in as little as 20 minutes: buff.ly/KI3Acvc

Image: A photograph of a happy couple sitting together on their couch. Text: You could unlock the next breakthrough.

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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

A recent study suggests that exposure to road noise could lead to increased #Parkinson’s risk. However, further studies are needed to verify if the noise itself causes increased risk or if it’s merely one possible explanation for increased #stress.

Research Discovery: Excess road noise could be an environmental factor that increases risk for Parkinson’s disease.

Key Findings: A study of 3.1 million Danish participants aged 40 and older, over 18 years, found that risk increased by 3% for every 11.5dB increase in noise reaching the most exposed side of a residence.

What’s Next? More research is needed to rule out other possible contributing factors. It’s possible that noise is simply one of many factors that increases stress, which can worsen Parkinson’s symptoms.

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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

The brain is a complex and fascinating organ. You probably learned quite a bit about it in science class, but revisiting some key concepts never hurts. Our latest blog looks at five different aspects of the human brain and explores how it works. Read more here: buff.ly/44zois0

5 things about the brain you learned in school.

Axons can vary in length from as little as a millimeter to more than a meter.

Your brain sends signals at up to 350 miles per hour.

Your gut contains about 500 million neurons. That’s why scientists often talk about the gut-brain connection. Our latest blog is all about brain facts you may have forgotten. Read more at the link in our bio.

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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

A @ucalgary.bsky.social study shows that niacin—a high dose of vitamin B3—could help fight #glioblastoma. Niacin appears to revitalize immune cells, halting disease progression, but it can be toxic unless carefully monitored by medical professionals.

Research Discovery: High doses of vitamin B3 could help the immune system battle one of the deadliest brain cancers.

Key Findings: Early results of a clinical trial suggest that niacin may help revive immune cells shut down by glioblastoma tumors. This can help them fight cancer more effectively. After six months, 82% of 24 patients had no signs of disease progression.

What’s Next? The early results of the study are encouraging, but the study currently only includes 24 participants. The team hopes to complete its analysis after doubling the number of participants by early 2027.

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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

Reminder for researchers: This Thursday, July 30, is the deadline to submit applications for the 2027 Next Generation Research Grant in ASXL-Related Neurodevelopmental Diseases. Co-funded by the #ASXL Rare Research Endowment. To apply, please visit here: buff.ly/sFng6o9

Reminder! Thursday, July 30th is the deadline to submit applications for the 2027 Next Generation Research Grant in ASXL-Related Neurodevelopmental Diseases.

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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

Not everyone who develops #tau protein buildups ends up having #Alzheimers. Researchers have identified that microglia switch functions from one phase to another, and this transition may be responsible for the difference.

Research discovery: The transition between two different microglial activities may explain why not everyone who has amyloid and tau protein buildups in their brain cells develops Alzheimer’s.

Key Findings: At a certain point, microglia (the brain’s immune cells) switch from an inflammatory response related to amyloid to an antigen-presenting state related to tau. This second state can still be active in those without Alzheimer’s, so that may be due to how this transition happens.

What's next? Future research that focuses on the nature of this transition of microglia function could lead to new biomarkers to identify Alzheimer’s or potentially targeted therapies to treat or prevent it.

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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 18/07/2026

With #wildfire smoke affecting air quality throughout North America, it’s important to take precautions to protect your health. Funded researcher Jill Goslinga, MD, MPH, has been exploring the connection between smoke-polluted air and #ALS risk. Read more: buff.ly/lGvOkW8

Images: Two blended photographs of wildfire and smoke in the forest and the smoky, smoggy skyline of buildings in a city.

Text: The potential hidden connection between air pollution and neurological disease. Evidence shows a connection between environmental toxins and brain diseases and disorders.

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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

Meet Ryan Dhindsa, MD, PhD, a 2026 #CureOneCureMany awardee studying viruses that cause Alzheimer’s, mapping data for possible #Alz vaccines at @bcmhouston.bsky.social. Funded with National MS Society, Gates Ventures, NFL Players Association, Genentech, and WoodNext Foundation. 🔗 buff.ly/M34lU8B

Researcher Spotlight: Ryan Dhindsa, MD, PhD, 2026 Cure One, Cure Many Breakthrough Award Recipient in Neuroinflammation.

Alzheimer’s & neuroinflammation Research: Many chronic neurological conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, have been linked to viral infections, such as SARS-Cov2, HSV-1, and VZV. These viruses cause neuroinflammation, which contributes to the effects of neurodegeneration.

But scientists don’t yet know which viruses contribute to Alzheimer’s risk or why some individuals seem to be more susceptible than others to these viral infections.

Dr. Dhindsa and his team, based at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, will leverage AI to analyze millions of gigabytes of data and identify human genetic variations that increase the risk of virally triggered Alzheimer’s disease and neuroinflammation. These studies could enable new antiviral and vaccination strategies to treat Alzheimer’s.

Dr. Dhindsa will also work with teams led by Artem Babaian, PhD, at the University of Toronto and Caleb Lareau, PhD, at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

We're grateful to everyone who has made this research possible.

This $2 million Breakthrough award is funded in collaboration with the National MS Society, Gates Ventures, NFL Players Association, Genentech, the WoodNext Foundation, and donors like you.

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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

So far in 2026, the Brain Squad has raised $22,312.17 for brain research! You can join these all-stars by signing up to make a recurring donation in any amount via our website. Cancel or change your donation amount at any time. Thank you, Brain Squad! 💓 🦸 Join the Brain Squad ➡️ buff.ly/vuTIcIi

The American Brain Foundation's Brain Squad of recurring monthly donors has raised over $22,000 for brain research since the start of 2026! Our deepest thanks to these superheroes who are making research in search of the next breakthrough possible. You can join this incredible squad of heroes by clicking the link in the post or our bio.

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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

What if finding "nothing" is actually progress? Studies that don't confirm their hypothesis still help researchers refine future experiments, avoid repeating mistakes, and move us closer to better treatments. Learn why "null results" are an essential part of science. 🔗 buff.ly/6eo245n

Image: Two nested photographs of neuroscientists in the lab researching the brain.

Text: The Importance of Finding Nothing. Big scientific breakthroughs may get all the attention, but discovering “nothing” is surprisingly important. Learn why research with results that don’t support its hypothesis has a significant impact on the field of neuroscience and how it leads to new discoveries. Read more at the link in our bio.

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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 11/07/2026

Join our fight for a future without brain disease. Please donate to help fuel the research that will lead to cures. Thank you. buff.ly/QMNviFP 💓

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