As we enter our 30th year, the American Brain Foundation continues to support and fund brain disease research across the spectrum of disease. We’re taking a look at what’s to come in 2022.
For 30 years, the American Brain Foundation has funded research across all brain diseases and disorders in pursuit of improved treatments, preventions, and cures. In 2022, we will continue to further our commitment, raise more public awareness, and fund more brain disease research with a focus on the following five priorities.
A New Class of Next Generation Research Grant Recipients
Our Next Generation Research Grant program supports research projects by the best and brightest early-career researchers. In collaboration with the American Academy of Neurology and other partners, we help launch research careers that will lead to treatments and cures for brain diseases. To date, our Next Generation Research grants have funded more than 270 researchers, providing more than $33 million.
In 2022, we’ll welcome a new class of NGRG recipients who are poised to find better treatments, prevention, and cures. These grants will help researchers launch long-term careers in clinical neuroscience while also making critical discoveries.
“Cure One, Cure Many” Awareness and Education
Our philosophy of “cure one, cure many” drives our mission. We know that all brain diseases are interconnected. So when we cure one brain disease, it will lead to cures for others. Because of this, we bring donors and researchers together to invest in research across the whole spectrum of brain diseases and disorders to find the connections that will lead to better treatments and cures. We partner with the American Academy of Neurology and other leading disease-specific organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association, the Epilepsy Foundation, and The Michael J. Fox Foundation to collaborate in the pursuit of cures for brain disease.
In the coming year, we will continue to build awareness of our holistic approach. We’ll also provide education on how different brain diseases are interconnected. In addition, we’ll show how research in one area can inform and spark breakthroughs in other areas. We’ll also continue to partner with other leading organizations to tap into an expansive network of researchers and connect resources. Ultimately, we’ll move closer to a life without brain disease.
The 2022 Cure One, Cure Many Award
We have partnered with the Alzheimer’s Association, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, and the American Academy of Neurology to establish the 2022 Cure One, Cure Many Award. This $3 million, multi-year research award was established with the goal of attracting the brightest minds in brain disease research to find a biomarker for early diagnosis of Lewy body dementia.
We look forward to supporting this research in 2022. Hopefully, it will ultimately improve the diagnosis of this disease to provide clarity for patients and develop effective therapies. This research also has the potential to increase our understanding of other degenerative brain diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, and other forms of dementia.
Health Disparities Research Funds
We support research across all brain diseases and disorders. But we also believe all people deserve access to diagnoses and treatments. To improve access, the Foundation invests in a number of Health Disparities research funds. These funds support research that broadens our understanding of different racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups, social determinants, and health disparities. In addition, they help us understand the impact on neurological health and ways to address disparities.
In the next year, we will continue to invest in the Health Disparities research funds, including our clinical research training scholarships in neurodisparities and our pilot grant that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion in autism research. It is crucial to increase our knowledge of populations that have previously been underrepresented in research. In doing this, we ultimately gain a more complete picture of brain disease and improve health outcomes for all.
Public Education
Part of our Foundation’s mission involves sharing information so that those suffering from brain disease, their loved ones, and the general public have a better understanding of its impact. We believe education on brain health is an effective way to build awareness and support for brain disease research.
For 2022, we’re proud to offer several events, including in-depth discussions with neurology experts. We will host free webinars about brain disease and brain health for public education, and make the recordings available for later viewing.
These 2022 research priorities and projects will pave the way for continued progress in building awareness and finding cures for brain diseases. It is truly a team effort across researchers, donors, and supporters. We invite you to join us in 2022. Together, we can make life without brain disease a reality.
The American Brain Foundation is committed to finding cures for brain diseases. Donate today to make a difference. With your help, we won’t have to imagine a world without brain disease; we’ll be able to live in one.