Alzheimer’s Research News You Can Use - 11/4

Dear ,

Scientific advancements result from careful, deliberate research—which sometimes makes us wonder: What does real, concrete progress against neurodegenerative disease actually look like?

This past month brought an extraordinary example of that, as a new Parkinson’s drug with roots in the Fisher Center Lab, solengepras, succeeded in a large Phase 3 clinical trial. The trial showed how solengepras improved symptom control and everyday functioning for people with Parkinson’s disease—offering powerful validation for the approach to the study of neurodegeneration that the Lab is now applying to Alzheimer’s disease.

We are also excited to share that Dr. Olivier Hermine, head of the Imagine Institute in Paris, became Chair of Experimental Medicine at the Collège de France. Dr. Hermine investigates the role of mast cells in Alzheimer’s pathology and treatment, and this prestigious appointment shines a light on the synergy between basic research and clinical medicine at the heart of the work we support.

Alongside these developments, last week we were profoundly saddened by the passing of Ursula von Rydingsvard, the celebrated sculptor and wife of Dr. Paul Greengard, founding director of the Fisher Center Lab. Ursula was a cherished friend who brought fierce devotion to the fight against Alzheimer’s. We commemorate her legacy with admiration, as a champion who exemplified and strengthened all the Foundation’s values.

Discovery, legacy, and resilience all take shape over time. In tandem with that idea, this edition of Alzheimer’s Research News You Can Use looks at two practices that may help us build greater brain resilience over the course of our lifespan: learning and volunteering.

Our first article examines evidence that staying in school longer can reduce dementia risk decades later. Similarly, our second article explores how even a few hours a week spent helping others may lead to slower cognitive decline over time.

From scientific breakthroughs to how we learn, connect, and lift up one another, effective brain health comes in all shapes and forms. Every insight adds another piece to the picture—and so does every step we take toward better self-care.

Wishing you strength for today and hope for what lies ahead,
Lorenzo Bartolucci, PhD
Information Program Manager