McKnight Brain Research Foundation

06/08/2026

It's normal to be nervous about how your brain will change with age. In fact, an McKnight Brain Research Foundation survey found that 59% of Americans are more afraid of developing a neurodegenerative disease, like Alzheimer's, than chronic illnesses, like cancer or diabetes. We understand the concern, but want to help people understand that the majority of adults won't develop a cognitive disease at all. It's true your brain changes with age, but developing diseases, like Alzheimer's and dementia aren't an inevitable part of aging. Healthy habits like regular exercise, good nutrition, social engagement, and mental stimulation can help keep your brain healthy and sharp. This Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month, learn more about what you can do to protect your brain health here: https://shorturl.at/HLns7

Most U.S. adults think brain health is at least as important as physical health, according to a new survey from the Alzheimer’s Association.

05/28/2026

While the term cognitive aging may be confusing, your brain ages just like the rest of your body, so it's important to learn what changes you can expect and what you can do to keep your brain healthy with age. Having the right resources can be the difference between being nervous or feeling in control of how your brain ages. Whether you're a patient or a healthcare provider, now's the time to learn about cognitive aging and what you can do to prevent decline. Check out our patient resources available here: https://shorturl.at/eY1HP

Preserving memory, enhancing life

05/07/2026

Did you know that your mental health plays an important role in your overall brain health? Studies have found older adults who experience loneliness and social isolation have reduced cognitive functions and an increased risk of dementia. This learn more about how you can prioritize your mental health to help protect your brain and cognitive health as you age: https://mcknightbrain.org/mental-health-and-brain-health-whats-the-connection/.

Better understanding the role mental health plays in your brain health can help you take steps to maintain and improve your well-being over time…

04/28/2026

As we wrap up, , take a few minutes to learn what a stress response looks like and how to better manage your stress. Our bodies are made to endure certain kinds of stress, but a lot of times we take on more than we can handle. Constantly elevated stress levels can make a significant impact on our brain health. Chronic fight or flight can lead to inflammation and an overactive immune response, impacting sleep, memory, emotions, and decision-making. For more, check out this article: https://shorturl.at/5nJCd

04/20/2026

Thanks to the University of Arizona Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute for hosting the 17th Inter-Institutional Meeting and bringing together 100+ researchers from the four McKnight Brain Institutes for an engaging two-day meeting! Presenters shared interesting research and new collaborations were formed all while enjoying the beautiful scenery in Tucson! We're looking forward to meeting again next year at UAB - The University of Alabama at Birmingham! University of Arizona Psychology Department Umiami Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute McKnight Brain Institute of the University of Florida

04/07/2026

Meet our 2024 Innovator Awardee, Sanaz Sedaghat, PhD. In this Q&A, Dr. Sedaghat shares how the Innovator Award has impacted her career, saying that "Support from the Innovator Award allowed me to take my prior data a step further to begin studying cognitive aging specifically and has really helped me develop a valuable professional network and increase my visibility in the research community."

Learn more about Dr. Sedaghat's work here: https://bit.ly/3NSOtol and Apply for the 2027 Innovator Awards now before the April 15 Letter of Intent deadline: https://mcknightbrain.org/for-researchers/innovator-awards-in-cognitive-aging/!

In this interview, Dr. Sedaghat discusses her project to use protein data from a large, long-term study of Black and White adults with the goal of developing

04/04/2026

Congratulations to the 2026 recipients of the McKnight Brain Research Foundation's Clinical Translational Research Scholarships! Maria Pia Campagna, PhD, University of California San Francisco, and Quentin Devignes, PhD, University of Michigan each will receive $150,000 to advance their mentored research on cognitive aging and age-related memory loss. Learn more about their research here: https://mcknightbrain.org/announcing-the-2026-mcknight-brain-research-foundation-clinical-translational-research-scholars/.

03/30/2026

We're thrilled to see research from 2023 Innovator Award recipient, Christoph Thaiss, PhD, published in Nature! The study reveals new information on how the gut contributes to cognitive aging and age-related memory loss in mice. If the findings are confirmed in people, this research could lead to the development of gut-targeted therapies to reverse cognitive decline. Read the full paper here: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-026-10191-6. And learn more about the Innovator Awards here: https://mcknightbrain.org/for-researchers/innovator-awards-in-cognitive-aging/. The RFA period is open now with Letters of Intent due April 15, 2026.

Age-related microbiome changes increase medium-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria, driving GPR84-mediated myeloid inflammation, impaired vagal signalling and hippocampal dysfunction; targeting this gut–brain pathway restores memory in aged mice.

03/26/2026

One of the most unnerving things about aging is facing the unknown, especially when it comes to your brain. We focus so much on the diseases and conditions that may occur with age, it's hard to separate the normal signs of aging from something more serious. Your brain ages just like the rest of your body and some changes in memory, learning, and decision making are a normal part of getting older. Next time you're with your HCP, start a conversation about your brain health and share any changes in cognition you may be experiencing. Our tip sheet can help with ideas on how to start the conversation: https://shorturl.at/KcTez

Preserving memory, enhancing life

03/24/2026

🧠The Request for Application window is open now for the McKnight Brain Research Foundation Innovator Awards! 🧠 We're providing two 3-year awards of $750,000 (USD) each to advanced Assistant Professors and recently appointed Associate Professors (MDs and PhDs) to support outstanding research in cognitive aging and memory loss.
Learn more and apply here 👉

Preserving memory, enhancing life