American Brain Foundation

GRANTS: In 2022, the American Brain Foundation funded Next Generation Research grants in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS); Alzheimer's; Cognitive Aging and Age-Related Memory Loss; Epilepsy; Frontotemporal Degeneration; Lewy-Body Dementia; Multiple Sclerosis; Muscular Dystrophy; Neuromuscular Disease; Parkinson's Disease; Stroke; and Tourette Syndrome. These are two-year clinical innovative research projects that launch the research of early-career investigators. Over 80% of the nearly 300 researchers the foundation has funded have received additional research funding from the NIH and other entities to continue the research started with our grants. Also in 2022, the Amreican Brain Foundation funded a seed grant in autism to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in autism research. Finally in 2022, the American Brain Foundation led in the development and funding of an initiative to find a biomarker for the early diagnosis of Lewy body dementia with partners the Alzheimer's Association, the Michael J. Fox Foundation, and the American Academy of Neurology. We expect this research to lead to more clarity and effective therapies for people struggling with LBD, and to increase our understanding of other neurodegenerative brain diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.

PUBLIC OUTREACH: The American Brain Foundation continued to invest in a large-scale public awareness campaign with the purpose of educating the public about the need for brain disease research. The multi-channel campaign provided resources and information about brain diseases and disorders, the latest brain research news, and stories from patients and caregivers. The American Brain Foundation produced free monthly webinars with neurology experts for the public on topics such as Deep Brain Stimulation, Sleep and the Brain, and Migraine Research and Treatment. The Commitment to Cures gala was a hybrid event and was attended by nearly 2,000 people and raised over $850,000. All key performance indicators for public outreach exceeded goals. Comparing 2022 to 2021, Social media followers increased 51%, website traffic increased 50%, and email subscribers increased 31%.

AWARDS: The American Brain Foundation honored and provided financial support to leaders in the fight against brain disease-both scientists and members of the public. Among these were the internationally known Potamkin Prize in Pick's, Alzheimer's, and related diseases, and the Sheila Essey Award for Research in ALS. Other awards included: PUBLIC LEADERSHIP IN NEUROLOGY AWARD: The award honors an individual or group outside of the medical profession known for advancing public understanding and awareness of neurological disease, being effective advocates for neuroscience research, and making significant contributions to improve patient care. Seth Rogen and Lauren Miller Rogen received the 2022 award for their role in supporting families dealing with dementia, educating young people about living a brain-healthy life, and inspiring the next generation of Alzheimer's advocates and researchers. SCIENTIFIC BREAKTHROUGH AWARD: This award honors a scientist or team of scientists responsible for a significant research breakthrough in preventing, curing, or treating a brain disease or disorder. The 2022 recipient was Dr. Stephen Hauser, MD. Dr. Hauser's research has advanced our understanding of the genetic basis, immune mechanisms, and treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). His work led to the development of B cell therapies for MS patients, representing a powerful new approach for relapsing forms of the disease. His 40+ year, career-long commitment has changed the landscape of treatment for what has been, until now, a relentlessly progressive form of MS. ASSOCIATION OF INDIAN NEUROLOGISTS IN AMERICA LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: This award is given to a North American neurologist dedicated to advancing the training of North American neurologists of Indian origin and promoting innovation and research in the field of neurology. The 2022 recipient was Dr. Aneesh Singhal, MD, FAAN. MRIDHA SPIRIT OF NEUROLOGY AWARD: This humanitarian award recognizes neurologists or neuroscientists who have served a distressed, destitute, or marginalized population, or have provided care in impoverished communities of the world. The 2022 recipients were Dr. Bindu Menon, MD, DM, DNB, PGDCN, FRCP, MNAMS, FICP, FIAN, FWSO and Dr. Bruce Ovbiagele, MD, MSc, MAS, MBA, FAAN. TED BURNS HUMANISM IN NEUROLOGY AWARD: This award aims to celebrate neurologists whose work embodies humanism in patient care, education, advocacy, and everyday encounters. The 2022 recipient was Dr. Barbara S. Giesser, MD, FAAN. AMERICAN ACADEMY OF NEUROLOGY SCIENTIFIC AWARDS: The American Brain Foundation underwrote the American Academy of Neurology's prestigious scientific awards including the Dreifuss-Penry Epilepsy Award, Norman Geschwind Prize in Behavioral Neurology, Mitchell B. Max Award for Neuropathic Pain, Movement Disorders Research Award, Michael S. Pessin Stroke Leadership Prize, Sleep Science Award, Jon Stolk Award in Movement Disorders for Young Investigators, Founders Award, S. Weir Mitchell Award, Neuro-oncology Scientific Award, Neuroinfectious Disease Award, Kenneth M. Viste Jr, MD, Patient Advocate of the Year Award, Bruce S. Schoenberg Award, Harold Wolff-John Graham Award, Wayne A. Hening Sleep Medicine Investigator Award.