Brain Research Foundation

06/01/2026

Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, affecting over 55 million people worldwide. Every 3 seconds, someone develops dementia — meaning nearly everyone will know a parent, grandparent, or friend touched by this condition.

Alzheimer’s challenges memory and thinking, but it also reveals the strength of families, caregivers, and communities who rise to meet it. Their resilience inspires hope and fuels the search for solutions.

Discover more about Alzheimer’s, explore resources, and support research at thebrf.org.

Together, we can move toward a future defined not by loss, but by progress and compassion 💜

05/26/2026

Williams Syndrome affects about 1 in 10,000 people worldwide. While that may be rare, every family deserves understanding and support.

From cardiovascular care to educational resources, awareness drives action. It ensures that children and adults with Williams Syndrome get the medical attention and opportunities they need.

Together, we can build a world where rare doesn’t mean forgotten.

🔗 explore ways to help at www.thebrf.org

05/15/2026

Many people have never heard of Guillain-Barré Syndrome — yet it can change lives overnight. GBS occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the nerves, disrupting signals between brain and muscles.

It often begins with tingling in the feet or hands, spreading upward to cause weakness or even paralysis. In severe cases, breathing muscles can be affected, making it a medical emergency.

For families navigating recovery, our 2025 article remains a trusted guide. Even now, it offers reassurance and practical knowledge for those supporting someone with GBS.

🔗 https://bit.ly/4d4iEmb

05/12/2026

You’ve probably seen ALS in your news feed, but how much do you really know about it?

ALS, or 𝐚𝐦𝐲𝐨𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐢𝐜 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐬, is a progressive disease that attacks motor neurons — the nerve cells that control voluntary movement.

As these neurons die, muscles weaken and shrink. Over time, everyday actions like walking, speaking, swallowing, and even breathing become difficult. Most cases are sporadic, though about 10% are inherited.

Recent advances, like targeted genetic therapies and new medications, are showing promise in slowing progression. Each discovery brings hope that ALS will one day be a treatable condition rather than a terminal diagnosis.

05/07/2026

A stroke can feel like a lightning strike in the brain — sudden, powerful, and life-changing. But recognizing the signs early can mean the difference between recovery and lasting damage.

At BRF, we fund research into prevention and rehabilitation, helping patients reclaim independence and dignity. Science is showing us new ways to protect the brain’s delicate wiring.

Every second matters. By spreading awareness, we can turn urgency into hope and save countless futures.

05/05/2026

As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month this May, we are looking beyond the green ribbons and into the laboratory. To support mental health is to support the study of the brain’s incredible capacity for change and recovery.

Central to this is 𝗻𝗲𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆—the brain’s ability to reorganize itself. Through 𝘀𝘆𝗻𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗶𝘀 (the birth of new synapses), the brain can heal from the physical impacts of stress and trauma. Research into 𝗻𝗲𝘂𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗵𝗶𝗰 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 is teaching us how to trigger this natural repair process.

This biological adaptability makes scientific innovation the true roadmap to a cure. This May, Brain Research Foundation celebrates the researchers mapping the brain’s architecture to foster resilience for everyone. Awareness builds empathy; research builds the future 🧠

04/27/2026

Why do memories fade in Alzheimer’s disease – and can they be restored? Restoring dopamine levels, including with the drug Levodopa, improved memory function in preclinical models.

Read more about a study by Dr. Kei Igarashi, funded in part by Brain Research Foundation.

UC Irvine study points to new therapeutic strategy targeting dopamine

04/23/2026

Every discovery begins with a single idea, and your support can make that idea a reality!

By contributing to the Brain Research Foundation, you help scientists explore the mysteries of the brain, from neurodevelopment to neurodegeneration.

Every gift, big or small, brings us closer to breakthroughs that improve lives and unlock hope for millions. Donate today: https://bit.ly/4irzqvL ✨

04/20/2026

How does the brain distinguish between a comforting touch and something painful?

Dr. Ishmail Abdus-Saboor explores this question—and what it reveals about human connection, behavior, and experience—in our upcoming presentation!

Join us live on Zoom and be part of the conversation.
👉 Register here: https://bit.ly/4mIjhVR

04/14/2026

Most people think sunlight just helps you wake up.
But it actually plays a quiet role in how your brain regulates sleep, energy, focus, and daily cognitive rhythm.

Try this for one week: step outside within the first hour of waking and get a few minutes of natural light. No phone, no rush. Just daylight.

You may notice subtle changes over time: mornings feel less foggy, energy feels steadier during the day, and sleep starts to feel more naturally timed.

This is exactly the kind of everyday biological process brain research is continuing to explore — how simple environmental cues shape complex neurological systems 🧠 Help show support by making a donation, spreading the word. or explore other ways to give at https://bit.ly/4jFinGV ✨