Alzheimer’s Los Angeles Partners With BrightFocus Foundation to Fund New Alzheimer’s Study

Local Alzheimer’s Group Donates $50,000 to Scientific Research

Los Angeles, CA (August 6, 2018) — Alzheimer’s Los Angeles (ALZLA), a local dementia-focused nonprofit serving Greater Los Angeles and the Inland Empire, today announced a donation of $50,000 to BrightFocus Foundation to help support an important new Alzheimer’s study by Los Angeles researcher Sara Gallant, PhD.

With a postdoctoral fellowship from BrightFocus, the University of Southern California researcher is studying the locus coeruleus, a small region of the brainstem that helps us to selectively focus on important information and ignore distraction during stress or excitement.   Gallant’s research seeks to better understand how this critical part of the brain may degrade with both aging and Alzheimer’s disease.

According to Gallant, little research has been done in this area, stating, “my ultimate goal is to identify ways that we can protect and preserve cognition and brain function in the later stages of life.  I am grateful to both ALZLA and BrightFocus for enabling me to pursue these critical questions,” Gallant said.   Gallant traces her research interests back to when, as an undergraduate in Canada, she volunteered at a caregiver relief program for those impacted by Alzheimer’s and related dementia.

“We are pleased to work with BrightFocus and honor the dedication of Dr. Gallant in the field of Alzheimer’s,” said Heather Cooper Ortner, President and CEO, Alzheimer’s Los Angeles.  “We are committed to supporting young, local researchers to help eradicate this disease.

“BrightFocus is honored to partner with ALZLA to support such a talented scientist at this early stage of her promising research career,” said the foundation’s President and CEO Stacy Pagos Haller. “Only through bold, innovative science will we develop more effective treatments and ultimately a cure for this terrible disease.”

About Alzheimer’s Los Angeles

For 37 years Alzheimer’s Los Angeles has been serving Greater Los Angeles and the Inland Empire. 100% of funds raised stay local, providing free support and services for individuals and families. Low cost training and education are also offered for professionals. Alzheimer’s Los Angeles focuses on care, support, advocacy, and local research. Alzheimer’s is a devastating neurodegenerative disease that weakens the memory and other cognitive and emotional functions. For more information, call the Helpline at 844.HELP.ALZ or visit www.AlzheimersLA.org.

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