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.
Resources
We’re here for you.
Can Non-Drug Interventions Reduce Glaucoma Risk?
Can lifestyle changes help reduce glaucoma risk? Join us as glaucoma specialist Jullia A. Rosdahl, MD, PhD, discusses how diet, exercise, sleep, and other non-drug interventions may impact eye pressure and overall eye health. Learn about the latest research on nutrition, supplements, and daily habits that could support vision preservation.
Light Therapy and Macular Degeneration: What You Need to Know
Join us for a conversation about light therapy and macular degeneration, where we’ll explore how different types of light—blue, red, and sunlight—affect the retina, the science behind light therapy, and the newly approved Valeda red light therapy
The Path Forward in Stopping Alzheimer’s Disease
Join our conversation with Dr. Rudolph Tanzi as he explains how stopping Alzheimer’s disease will require a combination of early detection using blood biomarkers, presymptomatic intervention with safe and affordable therapies, and lifestyle modifications.
Gathering Support For Your Glaucoma Diagnosis
Join Dr. Lawrence S. Geyman as he outlines effective ways to find support for your glaucoma diagnosis.
Navigating Clinical Trials for Alzheimer’s Disease
Join our conversation with Dr. Jeffrey L. Cummings, renowned expert in dementia drug development and research studies, for insights into the different types, qualification processes, and phases of studies that may be right for you or your loved one.
Environmental Pollution Can Increase Your Alzheimer’s Risk, Say BrightFocus-Funded Scientists
Urban and rural communities alike face potential long-term health consequences from environmental toxins that could lead to Alzheimer’s disease.
Geographic Atrophy: Making An Informed Treatment Choice
Learn about how to navigate treatment options, engage in shared decision-making with your healthcare team, and maximize your eye health.
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.
Glaucoma and Macular Degeneration: Can You Be Diagnosed With Both?
Learn about the similarities and differences between these two vision diseases, whether someone can develop both conditions at the same time, and how to reduce your risk.
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.
Macular Chats
Accessible audio conversations with scientists and vision experts about treatments, research breakthroughs, news, and tips for living with macular degeneration.
Glaucoma Chats
Scientists and vision experts weigh in about treatments, research breakthroughs, news, and tips for living with glaucoma through accessible audio conversations.
News
Accelerating Progress in Brain and Vision Science
Alzheimer’s Science News: Winter 2025
In this issue: Alzheimer’s Linked to Fragmented Sleep and Brain Degeneration, Researcher Spotlight: Brittany Butts, PhD, Alzheimer’s Disease: Home Safety Precautions, and more!
National Glaucoma Research Report: Winter 2025
In this issue: Developing Tools to Prevent Vision Loss, Experimental Drug Could Improve Vision, Researcher Spotlight: Xiaorong Liu, PhD, and more!
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.
Turning Back the Biological Clock on Aged and Injured Eye Cells
A de-aging technique offers hope for halting damage in early macular degeneration.
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.
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!
Breaking News Dispatch: A Non-Invasive Alzheimer’s Treatment, Early Detection, and More
Get the latest in Alzheimer’s screening and treatments.
New Research Links Blue Light to Macular Degeneration Risk, Antioxidants May Offer Hope
Blue light may damage the eyes by causing unstable “free radicals” to form, which increases the risk of age-related macular degeneration. BrightFocus-funded research offers a potential way to protect the eyes from blue light.
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.
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
Become a Partner
We work with public and private companies that share our values and commitment to end these diseases.