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Mission

Envisioning a world where we all age free from diseases of mind and sight.

BrightFocus Foundation is on a mission to cure Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias and stop vision loss in its tracks.

What We Do

We invest in the most promising science.

Our donors fuel the work of scientists who are paving the way toward cures for Alzheimer’s disease, macular degeneration, and glaucoma.
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Over 50 Years of Bold Research

We believe that having the courage to invest in innovative ideas will lead to revolutionary therapies. Explore how the research we’ve funded has fostered life-changing breakthroughs across Alzheimer’s disease, macular degeneration, and glaucoma.

1 in 7

People over age 40 in the U.S. affected by Alzheimer’s disease, macular degeneration, or glaucoma.

202

Active scientific projects funded by BrightFocus worldwide.

6,386

Scientists from 25 countries supported by BrightFocus grants working toward cures.

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Resources

We’re here for you.

Find free resources, virtual information programs, and so much more to help you navigate Alzheimer’s disease, macular degeneration, and glaucoma.
Jaehong Han, MD
Glaucoma Chats

Glaucoma Explained: Types, Risk Factors, and Treatments

Join us for an insightful conversation with Dr. Jaehong Han about the different types of glaucoma, including open-angle, angle-closure, normal-tension, and more, discussing who is most affected by each and how treatments can vary.

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Macular Chats

Wet AMD Treatments: Updates, Challenges, and Future Innovations

Join us for an in-depth discussion on the latest developments in wet age-related macular degeneration treatment.

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Downloadable Resource

Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease affects people’s memories, but it involves far more than simple forgetfulness. Learn more about this devastating disease.

A mature African American businesswoman day dreams while looking out of her office window.
Downloadable Resource

Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease: Understanding the Differences

Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are not one and the same. Learn about the differences between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. 

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Video

Treating Early-Stage Alzheimer’s Disease: Newly Available Treatments and What They Mean for Patients

This hour-long webinar helps caregivers and patients understand newly approved therapies that treat Alzheimer’s itself, not just the symptoms.

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Expert Information

Can AI Prevent Vision Loss From Glaucoma?

What you need to know about how artificial intelligence could improve glaucoma detection, treatment, and care.

Dr. Allysin E. Bridges-German, OTD, MA, OTR/L, BCG, CAPS
Macular Chats

Adapting to Life with Low Vision

Learn about practical tips for maintaining quality of life with low vision.

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Expert Information

Top 5 Expert Answers About Stargardt Disease

Explore key facts about Stargardt disease, a rare form of juvenile macular degeneration, with expert insights from a retina specialist.

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Macular Chats

Taking Charge of Your Geographic Atrophy

Hear from guest expert Dr. Veeral Sheth about the latest treatments and research breakthroughs for geographic atrophy, and what you can do to protect your vision.

Virtual Programs

Connect With Experts

Explore a variety of programs for people with Alzheimer’s, macular degeneration, and glaucoma to hear directly from experts, ask questions, and build community.

Zoom In on Dementia & Alzheimer’s

A live, interactive virtual discussion series with renowned research scientists and clinicians to keep you informed about the latest brain health breakthroughs and findings.

Learn More

Macular Chats

Accessible audio conversations with scientists and vision experts about treatments, research breakthroughs, news, and tips for living with macular degeneration.

Listen Now

Glaucoma Chats

Scientists and vision experts weigh in about treatments, research breakthroughs, news, and tips for living with glaucoma through accessible audio conversations.

Listen Now
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News

Accelerating Progress in Brain and Vision Science

Read about the latest advancements to diagnose, slow the progression, treat, and ultimately cure these diseases of mind and sight.
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Could Listening in to Cellular Communication Help Treat Glaucoma?

By unlocking the secrets of how cells communicate, this first-of-its-kind BrightFocus National Glaucoma Research-funded study could help prevent vision loss and restore sight for those living with the disease.

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A BrightFocus-Funded Non-Invasive Treatment Slows Alzheimer’s Progression in Yearlong Study

Sinaptica Therapeutics unveils breakthrough Phase 2 results for an experimental non-invasive treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.

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National Glaucoma Research Report: Fall 2024

In This Issue: Blocking a “Master Switch” in the Eye to Treat Glaucoma, Growing Cells to Restore the Eye-Brain Connection, Researcher Spotlight: Mark Prausnitz, PhD, Treatment Options: Which One Is Right for You? And more!

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Breaking News Dispatch: A Non-Invasive Alzheimer’s Treatment, Early Detection, and More

Get the latest in Alzheimer’s screening and treatments.

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Could Finding and Treating Tiny Blood Clots in the Brain Delay Alzheimer’s?

A BrightFocus-funded scientist is investigating a novel imaging tool that could be used to find treatable blood clots in the brain and slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

Speakers, chairs, and event organizers of BrightFocus Foundation’s 16th annual Alzheimer’s Fast Track.

BrightFocus Workshop Helps Shape Future Alzheimer’s Leaders

Students and senior Alzheimer’s researchers gathered in Chicago for an immersive workshop hosted by BrightFocus Foundation.

BrightFocus National Glaucoma Research grant recipient Jennifer Fan Gaskin, MBChB, MD, FRANZCO (far right) with her research team in the lab. Photo courtesy Jennifer Fan Gaskin.

2024 Research Portfolios Now Available

BrightFocus proudly supports over 200 cutting-edge research grants, fueling the global fight against Alzheimer’s disease, macular degeneration, and glaucoma.

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Helping the Eye Repair Itself: New Study Offers Clues to Restoring Vision Lost to Glaucoma

A new BrightFocus-funded study uncovers genetic clues that could point to new strategies for regrowing neurons in people living with glaucoma.

A heartwarming moment between an elderly woman and her adult daughter. Both have white hair, and they are smiling warmly at each other, with their foreheads touching in a loving gesture. The scene conveys tenderness and closeness, set in a bright, cozy indoor environment.

Reduce Your Dementia Risk: Two New Risk Factors Identified

“It’s never too early in life or too late in life to reduce risk for dementia,” says Dr. Quincy Samus, a member of the Lancet Standing Commission on Dementia Prevention, Intervention, and Care. Learn more about two new ways to do so.

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Perspectives

I appreciate BrightFocus Foundation’s support of funding high-risk, high-reward projects. That is what truly investing in the next generation of scientists means—supporting these new ideas, which can sometimes be high risk. But they also come with high rewards, and that is helping us to bring new ideas to the table.

Zahra Shirzadi, PhD, Alzheimer’s Disease Research Grant Recipient

Zahra smiling at the camera.
After I was diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration, I had no idea where to turn. Fortunately, a friend and neighbor shared with me a newsletter from BrightFocus Foundation. Since then, I have participated in the nonprofit’s monthly Macular Chats and Age-Related Macular Degeneration Community Circle group. I’ve been able to connect with people across the U.S. who are also living with macular degeneration. BrightFocus has been a huge part of my life.

Maureen Foley, Diagnosed with macular degeneration

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BrightFocus serves as a crucial catalyst for the careers of emerging investigators. By making their new findings possible, BrightFocus supports entire communities of scientists who have dedicated their lives to addressing these brain and eye conditions.

John S. Penn, PhD, Associate Dean and Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine

Man with glasses and a gray beard, wearing a suit and red tie, smiling at the camera.
I am an artist, and shortly after I was diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration, I printed out a picture I painted to bring to my eye doctor. It was a picture of my granddaughter drinking a cup of hot cocoa. I wanted him to see what I do and how important my vision is to me.

Wynicia Clute, Diagnosed with macular degeneration

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Donate Now to Fund Critical Research

Your gift today can help drive innovation in Alzheimer’s, macular degeneration, and glaucoma research. By donating, you’ll support life-changing research and provide valuable resources for those affected by these devastating diseases. Give now to fuel hope and bring us closer to finding cures.

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Get Involved

Ways to Support Our Work

There are many ways to get involved and help us defeat diseases of mind and sight.

Help Find a Cure

Nearly 1 in 10 U.S. adults aged 65 and older has dementia. Macular degeneration and glaucoma are leading causes of irreversible blindness, robbing millions of Americans of their vision and independence. Help us end these diseases for good.

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Macular Degeneration Research grant recipient, Yong-Su Kwon, PhD

Search for a Clinical Trial

Clinical trials are key to advancing medical science, breakthroughs, treatments, and cures.

Their success depends on volunteer participants. Learn more about the clinical trial process and find a clinical trial near you.

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Become a Partner

We work with public and private companies that share our values and commitment to end these diseases.