McKnight Brain Research Foundation

08/27/2026

A recent study found that arts and cultural activities, like visiting museums, reading, journaling, and dancing, can stress our stress response, which helps slow the biological aging processes. While the study is the first to connect the arts and aging at the biological level, MBRF trustee Dr. Sharon Brangman told Health that previous research has linked engaging in arts and cultural activities with anti-aging benefits. Dr. Brangman recommends participating in a cultural hobby of your choice at least once a week for consistent stress relief and the most anti-aging benefits. Read the full article here:

A recent study published in Innovation in Aging linked participation in arts and cultural activities with slower biological aging…

08/05/2026

Apply now for the 2027 McKnight Brain Research Foundation Clinical Translational Research Scholarship in Cognitive Aging and Age-Related Memory Loss. Two scholarships of $65,000 per year for two years, plus a $10,000 per year stipend will be awarded to support education and research-related costs for early-career investigators pursuing clinical studies relevant to age-related cognitive decline and memory loss. Learn more about the award and apply now before the September 10 deadline: https://mcknightbrain.org/.../apply-for-the-scholarship/.

Preserving memory, enhancing life

07/31/2026

We're excited to share the recording from last week's webinar with the American Federation for Aging Research, “Preserving Brain Health: Advances in Aging Research and Biotech.”
The webinar was moderated by MBRF CEO Alice Luo Clayton, PhD, and AFAR Board Member Sergey Young, of the BOLD Longevity Growth Fund. Featuring discussion by Innovator Awardees, Leah Acker, MD, PhD, of Duke University and Denise J. Cai, PhD, of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; and biotech leaders, Amit Etkin, MD, PhD, of Alto Neuroscience; and Mariam Khayretdinova, of Brainify.AI, the webinar discussed the latest advances in aging research and brain health.
Watch the recording now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zT8yY6nt_qA

07/13/2026

We rely on the mind constantly, but rarely stop to consider how it works. We follow conversations in noisy rooms, shift between tasks, make decisions on the fly, interpret a glance, and adjust our behavior—rarely stopping to consider it. What feels seamless is actually the result of multiple mental processes working together in real time.

Scientists refer to this system as cognition—the set of abilities that allows us to take in information, make sense of it, and respond. It is not a single ability, but a system of interdependent functions, including attention, memory, language, processing speed, and executive function. Read this article to learn more about what cognition is and the functions involved:

We rely on the mind constantly, but rarely stop to consider how it works. As its demands change, understanding cognition is becoming increasingly important…

07/09/2026

Less than two weeks until our free webinar with American Federation for Aging Research. Join us Tuesday, July 21st from 11am-12pm ET for an expert panel discussing advancements in brain health science, featuring Leah Acker, MD, PhD, of Duke University, and Denise J. Cai, PhD, of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, in conversation with Amit Etkin, MD, PhD, of Alto Neuroscience. Moderated by McKnight Brain Research Foundation CEO Alice Luo Clayton, PhD, and AFAR Board Member Sergey Young, of the BOLD Longevity Growth Fund. Learn more & RSVP here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/.../reg.../WN_uEnIyFF9Qw699U6BS4OIkA

07/02/2026

We're thrilled to be joining with the American Federation for Aging Research to host a free webinar on July 21 exploring progress in brain health science. Moderated by McKnight Brain Research Foundation CEO Alice Luo Clayton, PhD, and AFAR Board Member Sergey Young, Founder of the BOLD Longevity Growth Fund, the webinar will feature Innovator Awardees Leah Acker, MD, PhD, of Duke University and Denise J. Cai, PhD, of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai sharing their research with leaders in neurotech.
Learn more and RSVP here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_uEnIyFF9Qw699U6BS4OIkA

06/22/2026

The application window for the McKnight Brain Research Foundation Clinical Translational Research Scholarship in Cognitive Aging and Age-Related Memory Loss is open now through September 10, 2026. The Foundation is offering two scholarships of $65,000 per year for two years, plus a $10,000 per year stipend to support education and research-related costs for a total of $150,000. If you're an early-career investigator pursuing clinical studies relevant to age-related cognitive decline and memory loss, learn more about the award and apply now: https://mcknightbrain.org/for-researchers/mcknight-clinical-translational-research-scholarship/apply-for-the-scholarship/.

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…