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American Brain Foundation
@abfbrain.bsky.social
220 followers 140 following 260 posts
We bring researchers and donors together to cure brain disease. #CureOneCureMany

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abfbrain.bsky.social
@aanmember.bsky.social reports new findings that 54% of people in the United States (more than 180 million) are affected by a neurological disorder. This analysis underscores the urgent need for increased funding for #BrainResearch. #Brainsky #Migraine #Neuropathy
A new systemic analysis published in HAMA Neurology has found one in two people in the United States is affected by a neurological disease or disorder.
November 26, 2025 at 8:00 PM
abfbrain.bsky.social
Executive Director Michelle Heritage contributed an opinion piece in today’s edition of @usatoday.com in support of #MedicalResearch funding. Scientists are on the verge of breakthroughs; the government should value and continue to fund research. #ResearchFunding

🔬🧠 Read the essay ➡️ buff.ly/Tc4CiJ4
A background image of researchers with text that says, "Federal Funding Cuts Hinder Lifesaving Brain Research, written by Michelle Heritage. Featured in USA Today."
November 24, 2025 at 6:35 PM
abfbrain.bsky.social
We’re excited to share that a new study by THREE past ABF Next Generation Research Grant recipients shows that older adults can slow the onset of #Alzheimers symptoms just by taking 3,000 steps per day! Congrats, Drs. Yau, Chhatwal, and Sperling! #Brainsky
Research Discovery: Older adults can delay cognitive decline from Alzheimer’s disease with just a modest amount of physical activity. Diseases Affected: Alzheimer's Disease Key Findings: Adults with elevated levels of amyloid-beta proteins (a precursor to Alzheimer’s) can delay cognitive decline by three years just by taking 3,000 steps per day. And they can delay this decline by seven years by taking 5,000 to 7,500 steps per day. What's Next? The researchers plan to explore which types of physical activity might be most important, and the biological mechanisms linking physical activity, tau protein buildup, and cognitive health.
November 22, 2025 at 8:00 PM
abfbrain.bsky.social
Researchers at @upenn.edu have identified that Y1 receptor-expressing #neurons in the brainstem’s lateral parabrachial nucleus are associated with #chronicpain. This suggests possibilities for future biomarkers and treatments. #Brainsky
Research discovery: Certain cells in the brainstem are responsible for transmitting signals of chronic pain. They could potentially serve as biomarkers for chronic pain or even an “off switch.” Diseases affected: chronic pain
November 18, 2025 at 8:01 PM
abfbrain.bsky.social
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
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
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
#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
abfbrain.bsky.social
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
abfbrain.bsky.social
💡 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
abfbrain.bsky.social
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
abfbrain.bsky.social
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
abfbrain.bsky.social
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
abfbrain.bsky.social
@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
abfbrain.bsky.social
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
abfbrain.bsky.social
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. Diseases affected: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (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.
September 23, 2025 at 4:02 PM
abfbrain.bsky.social
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.
September 22, 2025 at 8:01 PM
abfbrain.bsky.social
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
September 19, 2025 at 8:00 PM
abfbrain.bsky.social
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.
September 16, 2025 at 8:01 PM
abfbrain.bsky.social
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.
September 16, 2025 at 6:02 PM