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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 1d

Want to hear more from Dr. Pilonieta? She joined our Meet the Researchers #webinar to talk about her work — alongside other experts uncovering new insights into the brain 🧠💡

We’ll be posting the full recording soon! Subscribe on YouTube so you don’t miss it 🎥🔔 buff.ly/tvZ4VR8

American Brain Foundation

Since 1992, the American Brain Foundation has been investing in research to defeat brain diseases and disorders. We are a national foundation for the brain dedicated to the relentless pursuit of…

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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 1d

💡 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.

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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 2d

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

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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 3d

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.

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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 4d

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.

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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 5d

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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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 6d

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

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.

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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 10d

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.

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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 11d

@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.

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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 12d

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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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 13d

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.

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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 14d

Please consider donating today to fund brain disease research. Your gift will help researchers discover biomarkers, improve diagnostic tools, and bring better care within reach for others like Brenda buff.ly/R80FobL ⬇️

Brenda’s Story: Why Your Gift Matters

Brenda’s life changed in an instant. What began as aches and chills quickly escalated into paralysis from the waist down. Within days, she was in a coma. Her husband was told to call their daughters…

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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 14d

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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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 16d

American Brain Foundation board member and popular podcaster Joanne Smikle continues her interview series with Matt Picard, who joined the board himself after his own experience with prolonged post-concussive syndrome. 🎧 Listen to part 3 of their conversation on #SmikleSpeaks buff.ly/u3PtnbY ⬇️

Brain Matters, Featuring Matt Picard, Pt. 3 | Podcast Episode on RSS.com

Matt Picard has first-hand knowledge of brain matters. After suffering two serious hits in lacrosse and football he started on a difficult journey towards recovery from prolonged post-concussive…

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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 18d

Brenda nearly died from viral #meningitis and #encephalitis. If her local doctors had been better informed about these diseases, they might have recognized the need for emergency care and helped her avoid permanent brain injury. 📖 Read Brenda's story in this week's blog buff.ly/c1w6B7e%E2%A...

Brenda's Story - American Brain Foundation

After meningitis left her in a coma, Brenda fought back to rebuild her life. Discover her story and why brain research is so vital.

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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 20d

Could living near croplands or vineyards be a risk factor for #ALS? A study in @europeanjournalofneurology.ean.org points to environmental contaminants including neurotoxic pesticides. Dr. Maurizio Grassano, recipient of a 2023 ABF Next Gen Research Grant, contributed to this important research.

Research discovery: living in close proximity to crops correlates with a higher risk for ALS.

Key findings: researchers found a direct association between arable crops occurrence and ALS risk in the same municipalities and an inverse association between arable crops and vineyards proximity and age at onset.

What's next? This study highlights the relationship between environmental exposure to crop-related contaminants and increased ALS risk, but it doesn’t prove that residential proximity to crops plays a causative role in disease onset. Further research is needed to clarify that relationship.

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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 21d

Tonight, at 7 p.m. Central, tune into a free webinar to meet Next Generation Researchers about their projects to study brain diseases. 💻 Register now to watch live and hear how their findings will lead to new preventions, treatments, and cures: buff.ly/da5LjYM #BrainSky #BrainHealth

Don't miss tonight's free webinar! Next Generation Research Grants launch long-term research careers through funding innovative projects by early-career investigators. Join us to meet the researchers and hear how their finding will lead to new preventions, treatments, and cures across the full spectrum of brain diseases and disorders. The webinar will be held Monday, September 22 at 7 PM Central Time.

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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 23d

Climate change is responsible for increased summer #wildfires that consume forests and produce smoky air. Jill Goslinga, MD, MPH, received an ABF Next Generation Research Grant to study the connection between air quality and #ALS. 🌍 Read more buff.ly/SnzCnhp ⬇️

The Effects of Climate Change on Brain Disease | American Brain Foundation

A new study links climate change to worsening brain disease symptoms. We need more research on how environmental factors impact brain disease.

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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 24d

Our inaugural #ABFGala2025 raised nearly $1.5 MILLION for brain research!
We're so grateful to everyone who made this night possible. There's still time to help us achieve a future without brain disease today: bit.ly/46bRkPq

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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 26d

This week’s blog looks at #insomnia and brain health. Chronic insomnia is a risk factor for high blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes, and dementia, including Alzheimer’s. Fortunately, insomnia is treatable. 📖 Read the blog buff.ly/7WtvIU6 ⬇️

The Effect of Insomnia on Brain Health - American Brain Foundation

Insomnia is more than lost rest. Explore its link to brain health and Alzheimer’s and find practical ways to improve your sleep quality.

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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 27d

Thank you to AllianceBernstein, American Roots, @clevelandclinic.bsky.social, Dechert, FGS Global, @mcdermottlaw.bsky.social, Norton Rose Fulbright, NHLPA, PJT, Simpson Thacher, Upland Workshop, Veritas Solutions Group, and the Wounded Warrior Project for sponsoring the ABF Gala.

American Brain Foundation Investigator Sponsors AllianceBernstein, American Roots, Cleveland Clinic, Dechert, FGS Global, McDermott Will & Schulte, NHLPA, PJT, Norton Rose Fulbright, Simpson Thacher, Upland Workshop, Veritas, and Wounded Warrior Project.

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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 27d

Meet 2025 Next Generation Research Grant recipient Sophie Rengarajan, MD, PhD, of UCLA Medical Center. Dr. Rengarajan is studying gene-expression changes in Duchenne #MuscularDystrophy (#DMD). Funded with the Neuromuscular Study Group and @aanmember.bsky.social. 🧠🔬 More: buff.ly/IFon3kD #BrainSky

Researcher feature: Sophie Rengarajan, MD, PhD, 2025 Next Generation Grantee in neuromuscular disease. Dr. Rengarajan is studying Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). DMD weakens muscles due to a genetic defect. Dr. Rengarajan is investigating how cell interactions contribute to DMD and how affected cells respond to gene therapy. Her findings could improve treatment and reduce side effects of gene therapy.

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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 28d

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to @mayoclinic.org for their generous sponsorship of the American Brain Foundation Gala: A Night of Brilliance and Breakthroughs this past weekend at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville.

American Brain Foundation Gala Innovator Sponsor Mayo Clinic.

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American Brain Foundation @abfbrain.bsky.social · 29d

📅 Reminder: Next Monday, Sept 22, at 7 p.m. CT, is your opportunity to hear directly from some of the brilliant Next Generation Researchers about their projects to unlock the mysteries of brain diseases. 🧠 Register today to watch the free webinar live: buff.ly/FLsNsFn

The American Brain Foundation's Meet the Researchers webinar will be held on Monday, September 22 at 7 P.M. Central Time. You can still register to attend for free at the link below.

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