Reading a text message, recognizing a grandchild's face, navigating a familiar route: these ordinary acts rely on central vision. For nearly 20 million Americans, age-related macular degeneration puts all of that at risk. But early detection offers hope. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4bD2WOG.

Breaking News: On Feb 3, Congress passed, and the President signed into law, the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bill providing critical federal funding for the NIH, protecting brain and eye research. Read more. https://bit.ly/46qFBvV

You wouldn't skip your other wellness appointments—so why skip eye exams? Cynthia reminds us that protecting our vision deserves the same priority we give to other aspects of self-care. Watch her story. ⬇️ Get the facts about glaucoma this #GlaucomaAwarenessMonth: www.stopglaucoma.org

TOMORROW: Learn how retinal prostheses are designed to restore vision—not just slow its loss. Join us Wed, Jan 28 at 1 pm ET to explore the PRIMA implant and other breakthrough technologies currently in production. Watch live: https://bit.ly/4qJtjXX

CRISPR in action! The healthy cells (left) & disease-modified cells (right) create a 'mosaic' pattern, typical of gene editing. Dr. Brittany Carr, BrightFocus Foundation Macular Degeneration Research grantee, is using this technique to build more precise disease models. https://bit.ly/3YKpMMC

For decades, Alzheimer's drugs only treated symptoms. That's changed. Two FDA-approved therapies now target amyloid protein in the brain. But what does that mean for people living with the disease? Watch live: https://www.youtube.com/live/41AMx2fsdHM

Until recently, there were no Alzheimer's drugs that targeted the underlying causes of the disease. Now there are two. On Jan 22, hear from a leading neurologist about Leqembi and Kisunla—how they work, who's eligible, and what you need to know. Register: https://bit.ly/4qhsHsO

Glaucoma doesn’t just affect older adults. It can affect anyone at any age. Hillary explains why everyone, not just individuals with known risk factors, can benefit from regular eye exams to spot the earliest signs of glaucoma and other eye diseases. Learn more at: www.stopglaucoma.org

Join tomorrow's Glaucoma Chat with Dr. Mehul Nagarsheth, who will break down how early diagnosis opens the door to modern, less invasive treatment options. 🎧 Listen live tomorrow, Jan. 14 at 1 p.m. ET: https://bit.ly/4qFdiBH

Too many people see multiple specialists before receiving an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, losing precious time. BrightFocus Foundation supports the Alzheimer’s Policy Working Group’s initiative to provide actionable policy guidance to accelerate diagnosis and improve care. Read the report: alzpolicy.org

“I watched my grandfather’s sharp, witty mind fade away with dementia. That experience drives me to search for answers so other families don’t feel the same helplessness.” — Joe Herdy, PhD, BrightFocus Foundation Alzheimer's Disease Research grant recipient. Read more: https://bit.ly/4jAd4d1

Glaucoma treatment has come a long way. Register for our Jan. 14 Glaucoma Chat where Dr. Mehul Nagarsheth will break down how diagnosing glaucoma earlier gives you access to modern, less invasive treatments. 🔗 Register today and ask your questions live. https://bit.ly/3NyIYub

🧠 Why do some people stay sharp at 85 while others struggle at 76? The answer is "cognitive reserve," your brain's built-in resilience that can be strengthened through lifelong learning, physical activity, social connections, and proactive health management. Learn more: https://bit.ly/49nPMCf

The red cells are microglia—your eye's tiny defenders. 🛡️ These immune cells patrol the retina, protecting it from damage. Silvia Marinelli, PhD, a BrightFocus Foundation National Glaucoma Research grant recipient, is studying how we might harness them to fight vision loss. 🔬 https://bit.ly/4q6Ubkj

We're thrilled to announce that our Alzheimer's Fast Track 2025 workshop is being as the AARP Brain Health Action Collaborative Action of the Week! By connecting early-career scientists with leading experts, we’re igniting new ideas to advance Alzheimer's research: https://bit.ly/3MOcThQ.

🌍 Smart science knows no borders! BrightFocus Foundation is funding innovative research across 16 countries, supporting 186 projects that are advancing our understanding of Alzheimer's, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. Explore our 2025 research portfolios: https://bit.ly/4sa1OrC

🧠 Researchers have identified a promising new class of blood biomarkers known as circular RNAs (circRNAs) for early Alzheimer's detection. Read more : https://bit.ly/3N7zR3m

BrightFocus Foundation Alzheimer’s Disease Research grant recipient Dr. Hongjun Fu grows “mini-brains” to study why certain neurons are vulnerable in Alzheimer’s & PSP. These images show brain tissue at 60 days (left) and 120 days (right). Read more about Dr. Fu’s project: https://bit.ly/4s29wnt

The EVOKE trials found that semaglutide, the GLP-1 drug behind several popular diabetes and weight loss medications, did not meaningfully slow cognitive decline in people with Alzheimer’s disease. Explore this research and more news from #CTAD2025. https://bit.ly/48KgAxG

Did you know some people maintain sharp thinking skills even with Alzheimer's-related brain changes? Building cognitive reserve through lifelong learning, social connections, and healthy lifestyle choices may help protect your brain. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3MmMgAo

New study results indicate that lifestyle changes can protect aging brains. The U.S. POINTER study tested whether a structured, healthy lifestyle program could protect cognitive function in at-risk older adults. The answer is YES. Explore this news and more from #CTAD2025: https://bit.ly/4pTAgoa

🔬 $28.4 million. 🧠 111 projects. 🌍 13 countries. BrightFocus Foundation’s is funding bold ideas and cutting-edge research that could lead to ways to prevent, treat, and ultimately cure Alzheimer’s for the 7+ million Americans living with it. Explore the science: https://bit.ly/48HvKlM

Can Alzheimer's be stopped before it starts? The AHEAD Study is exploring that question. On Dec 18, Dr. Joshua Grill will explain how researchers are testing Leqembi in people at elevated risk for Alzheimer's—targeting brain changes years before symptoms emerge. Register now: https://bit.ly/4oEVZzm

A scientist funded by BrightFocus Foundation found a link between macular degeneration & Parkinson’s—a finding that led to the development of a new supplement to help protect sight. Now, he’s searching for new treatments that could benefit millions facing vision loss: https://bit.ly/4adXAsb.

The landscape of Alzheimer’s disease treatments is shifting. Dr. Marwan Sabbagh will join us to discuss the emerging therapies now in development—including disease-modifying drugs that target the underlying biology of Alzheimer’s. Join us TODAY at 1 pm ET: https://www.youtube.com/live/e_o2GsmiFTA

🚀 Exciting news! BrightFocus Foundation sponsored travel for 39 early-career scientists to attend @sfn.org's annual meeting in San Diego, and for many, it was their first time at the conference! 📸: A few of BrightFocus Foundation's travel grantees at #SfN2025.

In recognition of #NationalCaregiversMonth, our Nov Macular Chat will explore the role of caring for an individual with vision loss. Our guest experts will discuss the realities of caregiving, financial challenges, practical resources & support. 🎧 Tomorrow @ 1pm ET: BrightFocus.org/LiveChatMDR

💬✨🧠🌟Wrapping up an incredible Alzheimer’s Fast Track workshop! We’re truly inspired by the brilliant minds that gathered in San Diego to explore breakthrough ideas in Alzheimer's disease research. Exciting times ahead as we gear up for #SfN25! Special thanks to this year’s co-chairs and speakers!

Happening tomorrow: Get your glaucoma questions answered. Dr. Poonam Misra of Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital joins our Glaucoma Chat at 1 p.m. ET for a live conversation. She’ll cover frequently asked questions about glaucoma. Listen live tomorrow: https://bit.ly/4nz3KGw

When Dave Palmer's father lost vision to age-related macular degeneration, Dave and his wife Leanna wanted to help. They started supporting Macular Degeneration Research at BrightFocus Foundation. See the impact of donor support in our 2025 annual report: https://bit.ly/4o6LuFF.

A surprising connection: Parkinson's drug L-DOPA protects against age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Researcher Brian McKay, PhD, used this finding to discover a protective eye pathway & create an AMD supplement. Now he's working on new treatments based on this discovery. 🔬

Join us for our next Glaucoma Chat on Nov. 12 at 1 pm ET, featuring Dr. Poonam Misra, a glaucoma specialist & fellowship co-director at Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital, who'll address some of the most common questions listeners have shared over the past year. Register: https://bit.ly/3WDDLTn

"If you can't help the one you love, help the one you can." When the Sahyun family faced both vision loss & dementia diagnoses, this advice transformed their heartbreak into hope. Read about how they—and other families—are fueling Alzheimer’s research in our annual report: https://bit.ly/4ovA8L6

Join our Macular Chat tomorrow, October 29, with Dr. Jeffrey Stern, co-founder of the Neural Stem Cell Institute. He'll cover the latest science, share clinical trial updates, and explain what these advances mean for people living with AMD. Listen live. 🔊 ↘️

🧠 New infographic: FDA-approved Alzheimer's treatments at a glance—how they work, administration methods, and which disease stages they target. View it here: https://bit.ly/42Ziuaq Made possible by sponsorships from Eisai and Lilly.

🧠 Did you know your gut health could impact your Alzheimer's risk? Join Dr. Beau Ances from @WashU today (Oct 21) at 1 p.m. ET as he breaks down the emerging science connecting trillions of gut bacteria to brain health. Watch live and get your questions answered. ⤵️

New research is exploring how to restore vision after glaucoma damage. Dr. Lucy Q. Shen breaks down the science and shares what makes her hopeful about the future of treatment. 🔊 Listen here: https://bit.ly/47aaLau #GlaucomaChat #Glaucoma #BrightFocusFoundation

Could gut bacteria affect your brain? 🧠🦠 Join Dr. Beau Ances Oct 21 at 1 p.m. ET to explore the gut-Alzheimer's connection and learn steps to support both gut and brain health. Register at: https://bit.ly/4qhsHsO #Alzheimers #BrightFocusFoundation #ZoomInAlz

Thanks to donor support, we're funding bold projects like Dr. Joe Herdy's—exploring how genetics and inflammation intersect in Alzheimer's disease. Together, we’re building a future with better treatments and more hope. 💙 Discover his story: https://bit.ly/46QVIUq

🔬 Research into macular degeneration is advancing fast—from earlier detection to new treatments. Drs. Bovenkamp and Rossi discuss the projects making an impact and where the field is headed next. Listen to our full Macular Chat: https://bit.ly/3JaiRrH

Electronic implants in the retina or brain can restore partial vision in people who have lost the light-sensing cells in their eyes. This technology is offering hope to those with severe vision loss due to diseases like age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Learn more: https://bit.ly/3KUJr8J

🔬 Restoring vision with eye transplants has long been out of reach—but BrightFocus-funded research is changing that. Dr. Jason Meyer's work may not only help restore sight lost to glaucoma, but could reshape what we thought possible in vision science. Find out more. ⤵️

That's a wrap on Glaucoma Fast Track 2025! Researchers from around the world gathered in Atlanta to learn from experts, present their work & build networks that will drive glaucoma research forward. Breakthroughs happen when talented researchers get the mentorship, resources & community they need.

Team BrightFocus Foundation is on the ground in Atlanta for our #GlaucomaFastTrack program, the official pre-symposium workshop to the ISER/BrightFocus Glaucoma Symposium. Glaucoma Fast Track brings together top researchers from across the globe to accelerate vision research. 💪 🔬

Tune in today (Oct 8) for our next Glaucoma Chat featuring Dr. Astrid Werner to learn what causes dry eye, how to recognize the symptoms, and effective treatment options—including preservative-free drops, artificial tears, and eyelid care routines. 🔊 Listen live: https://bit.ly/3KzA0eK.

Join us for our next Glaucoma Chat on Wednesday, Oct 8, featuring Dr. Astrid Werner to learn what causes dry eye, how to recognize the symptoms, and effective treatment options—including preservative-free drops, artificial tears, and eyelid care routines. Register today: https://bit.ly/46v9zQ2.

Tune in to tomorrow's episode of Zoom In on Dementia & Alzheimer’s. Dr. Laura Baker will share results from the U.S. POINTER trial—the largest study of its kind to test how lifestyle changes impact brain health: https://www.youtube.com/live/eh7EwYm11zY

📢 Our 2025 annual report is here! Thanks to donors, BrightFocus Foundation funded 186 research grants in 16 countries advancing the fight against Alzheimer's, macular degeneration & glaucoma. Read the full report: https://bit.ly/4nD6rrp

Can your lifestyle choices protect your memory? New findings from the U.S. POINTER trial suggest they can. Join us on Oct 2 to learn how combining key lifestyle strategies could be your best defense against dementia. Register: https://bit.ly/4pHZNle

Can doctor's slow geographic atrophy progression? Retina specialist Dr. Sara Fard has answers. Join our Macular Chat tomorrow (Sept. 24) at 1 p.m. ET. Listen live 🔊 https://bit.ly/46cyZlj