CHAPEL HILL, NC — A new partnership between the BrightFocus Foundation’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research program and Dementia Alliance of North Carolina (DANC) is set to accelerate groundbreaking Alzheimer’s research in the state. Together, the organizations will co-fund a $300,000, three-year grant to support the work of Todd Cohen, PhD, associate professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Dr. Cohen’s research project, Harnessing the Protein CHIP/STUB1 to Reduce Alzheimer’s Brain Pathology, explores the potential of the CHIP/STUB1 protein to prevent harmful tau protein aggregation—a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. By engineering variants of CHIP that enhance its protective functions, the research aims to reduce tau pathology and improve cognitive outcomes. This innovative approach could lay the foundation for future gene therapy treatments for Alzheimer’s and related tauopathies.
Dr. Cohen is joined by co-principal investigators Nicolas Brown, PhD, and Jonathan Schisler, PhD, in this promising endeavor.
The grant is named in honor of Lina Mae Edwards, recognizing the generous support of Guardian Angel Thrift, which funds DANC’s programs and research through proceeds from its thrift stores.
“We’re thrilled to continue our relationship with Dementia Alliance of North Carolina through this special award,” said Dr. Todd Cohen. “This award is especially near and dear to us, because we truly believe it will open up new avenues for future therapies for Alzheimer’s patients.”
“This partnership underscores our shared vision of supporting bold, innovative science while nurturing talented investigators in North Carolina,” said Stacy Pagos Haller, President and CEO of BrightFocus Foundation. “We are excited to work with Dementia Alliance of North Carolina to accelerate research that could transform our understanding and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.”
“This collaboration with BrightFocus Foundation is a meaningful step forward for families in North Carolina and beyond who are living with the realities of Alzheimer’s every day,” said Lisa Levine, Senior Director of Programs for DANC. “We’re proud to help support Dr. Cohen’s promising work at UNC, right here in our home state, and to be part of a partnership that brings real hope through science, innovation, and local impact.”
Beyond funding, the partnership will promote cutting-edge research to the public, engage local experts in national conversations, and strengthen the pipeline of Alzheimer’s researchers in North Carolina through BrightFocus’ Alzheimer’s Fast Track program and other career development initiatives.
This collaboration marks a significant step toward advancing innovative solutions for Alzheimer’s disease—bringing together science, community, and hope.