BrightFocus Foundation

With advancements in diagnostic technology, blood tests are becoming a powerful tool for early detection, risk assessment, and monitoring of Alzheimer’s disease. ?? Join us and guest expert Suzanne E. Schindler, MD, PhD of Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis to learn the basics of what blood biomarkers are, how they work, and why they’re considered a game-changer in Alzheimer’s research and clinical care. Register to ask your questions live: https://lnkd.in/e6SuD6Ev. #Health #Innovation #Knowledge

Thanksgiving is the busiest day for travel in the United States. Are you gearing up for your holiday journey? Dr. Preeti Subramanian, Director, Vision Science Research at BrightFocus Foundation shares must-know travel tips and essential apps for a successful trip with low vision. #Health #Travel #VisionLoss

Check out our perspective on the inclusion of oligodendrocytes in #ADRD research. Diane Bovenkamp As researchers, we’re well aware of the structural and molecular shifts that define Alzheimer’s and related dementias. But amid the focus on neurons, microglia, and astrocytes, we risk overlooking a critical player: oligodendrocytes. Mounting evidence, including recent findings from the Allen Institute, shows that oligodendrocytes experience massive early loss and transcriptomic changes well before neuronal decline becomes apparent. This could be the very first stage in neurodegeneration. The science is there—changes in myelin integrity, regional disconnection, and disease associated oligodendrocyte transcriptomic signatures are repeatedly reported in the literature. If we fail to include these cells as central players in ADRD research, we risk missing crucial insights that could drive new therapeutic approaches. We cannot afford another setback. As we work diligently to continue to disentangle the multifactorial nature of ADRD, we need to continue to broaden our lens. We urge the research community to recognize the foundational role of oligodendrocytes in ADRD onset and progression. Let’s push the field forward by giving these cells the attention they deserve in our studies and funding priorities. BrightFocus Foundation https://lnkd.in/eEmz73rx

? You have likely heard about Alzheimer’s blood tests. But do you understand how they work and how to get one? Join us today, Nov 21 at 1 p.m. ET for an in-depth discussion about #Alzheimers blood tests with guest expert Suzanne E. Schindler, MD, PhD, of WashU Medicine. Watch live on YouTube. ??

Did you know that blue light—a high-energy visible light emitted from digital devices and the sun—can damage your eyes and increase risk of macular degeneration? Explore how BrightFocus Macular Degeneration Research grant recipient Dr. Yong-Su Kwon of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is investigating antioxidants as a potential treatment. #MacularDegeneration #Health #Research

Vision loss caused by macular degeneration deeply affects lives by limiting daily activities and independence, and by influencing emotional health. Join our upcoming Macular Chat featuring guest expert Dr. Allysin E. Bridges-German of Towson University to explore adaptive technology, key resources, and practical insights for living well with low vision ?? Visit BrightFocus.org/Live-Chat to listen live at 1 p.m. ET today! #VisionLoss #MacularDegeneration #Technology

Researchers are exploring if Kisunla, an anti-amyloid Alzheimer’s therapy, can prevent cognitive decline in people with Alzheimer’s disease before their symptoms begin. Read more about this and learn about other exciting #Alzheimers news announced at #CTAD24: https://lnkd.in/eJGNXRQQ. #ResearchNews #Neuroscience #Health

What if boosting blood flow to the eye could help treat vision loss? New research explores how tiny vessels in the retina hold big implications for macular degeneration. #Science #Innovation #Discovery

??? ?? Glaucoma causes an energy crisis in cells that carry visual information from the eye to the brain. Research is underway to test drugs that may boost energy to help restore vision. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eJvxUpZ3 #Glaucoma #Science #Impact

The AHEAD 3-45 Study—a prevention trial for Alzheimer’s—has developed a new screening protocol to identify individuals with #Alzheimers disease before symptoms start. Read about this and other breaking news from #CTAD24: https://lnkd.in/eq75erb4. #ResearchNews #Dementia #Health