BrightFocus Foundation

Our urgent goal — saving mind and sight through research

We drive innovative research worldwide and support awareness to end Alzheimer’s, macular degeneration, and glaucoma.

About BrightFocus Foundation

BrightFocus: Investing in Science to Save Mind and Sight

We're here to help.

Explore our tools, tips, and expert advice to help you understand, manage, and live with Alzheimer's disease, macular degeneration and glaucoma.

“I was recently diagnosed.”
Understand your diagnosis and get support with making decisions.
“I am living with a disease.”
Get useful information to help you manage your disease and care
"I am caring for someone else.”
Learn what it’s like to care for someone and get caregiver tips.

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Expert

Open-Angle Glaucoma: Are There Symptoms?

Learn why open-angle glaucoma, often called the “silent thief of sight,” rarely causes symptoms in the early stages of the disease.

July 16, 2018
Expert

Is Alzheimer’s a Genetic Disease?

Learn the role that genes play in the risk of developing the early- and late-onset forms of Alzheimer’s disease.

July 3, 2018
New Diagnosis?

Managing a mind and sight disease is a journey. And you’re not alone. We can help.

Take the first step
Expert

Should You Receive Genetic Testing for AMD?

Learn about genes that are closely associated with age-related macular degeneration, and whether genetic testing is currently recommended.

June 29, 2018
Expert

How to Find a Memory Care Unit

Learn some helpful tips for how to find a memory care facility and how to evaluate the quality of care being provided.

June 25, 2018
Expert

Six Questions to Ask Before Starting Glaucoma Treatment

When evaluating treatment options for glaucoma, it is wise to come prepared to your eye doctor’s appointment with questions that will help you make an informed decision.

June 18, 2018

Expert

Is Alzheimer’s a Genetic Disease?

Learn the role that genes play in the risk of developing the early- and late-onset forms of Alzheimer’s disease.

July 3, 2018
Expert

How to Find a Memory Care Unit

Learn some helpful tips for how to find a memory care facility and how to evaluate the quality of care being provided.

June 25, 2018
New Diagnosis?

Managing a mind and sight disease is a journey. And you’re not alone. We can help.

Take the first step
Expert

The History of Alzheimer’s Disease

Learn about how Alzheimer’s disease was discovered, the search for the cause of this brain disease, and the future of Alzheimer’s treatment.

June 8, 2018
Expert

Gut Bacteria and Brains: How the Microbiome Affects Alzheimer’s Disease

Learn how microorganisms that live in our gut may influence physical and cognitive health.

May 23, 2018
What happens to your brain duringAlzheimer's Disease?
Track how nerve cells and the brain change from healthy to affected by mild and then severe Alzheimer's disease.
View Infographic

Expert

Should You Receive Genetic Testing for AMD?

Learn about genes that are closely associated with age-related macular degeneration, and whether genetic testing is currently recommended.

June 29, 2018
Expert

Eye Diseases that Can Cause Legal Blindness

What is legal blindness? This article defines the term and discusses several eye diseases that can lead to this condition.

June 4, 2018
New Diagnosis?

Managing a mind and sight disease is a journey. And you’re not alone. We can help.

Take the first step
Expert

The Top Five Questions My Patients Ask About Age-Related Macular Degeneration

The diagnosis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) raises a number of concerns. Here’s a list of the top five questions my patients ask me.

April 30, 2018
Expert

Driving and Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Many people with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or their family members ask if it is safe to drive with this eye condition. This is an important and sometimes complex question that needs to take into consideration visual function, safety, and the person’s desire for independence.

April 4, 2018
By 202040 million
People will have visual impairments from advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
View Infographic

Expert

Open-Angle Glaucoma: Are There Symptoms?

Learn why open-angle glaucoma, often called the “silent thief of sight,” rarely causes symptoms in the early stages of the disease.

July 16, 2018
Expert

Six Questions to Ask Before Starting Glaucoma Treatment

When evaluating treatment options for glaucoma, it is wise to come prepared to your eye doctor’s appointment with questions that will help you make an informed decision.

June 18, 2018
New Diagnosis?

Managing a mind and sight disease is a journey. And you’re not alone. We can help.

Take the first step
Expert

Eye Diseases that Can Cause Legal Blindness

What is legal blindness? This article defines the term and discusses several eye diseases that can lead to this condition.

June 4, 2018
Expert

How is Eye Pressure Measured?

Eye pressure is a very important measurement for ophthalmologists to use when evaluating your eye health. Learn about the various methods of eye pressure measurement.

May 14, 2018
More than3 million
Americans aged 40 and older have glaucoma. It is estimated that the number will double to 6 million people by 2050.
View Infographic

Stories & Thanks

World War II veteran Gonzalo wrote a book about caring for his wife, Dolores.
Add Your Story
I thank you for the information regarding Alzheimer's disease. I have been diagnosed with it and have noticed during the past week that I have become more confused and forgetful. I have to admit that I am a 74-year-old woman and would appreciate your prayers. God Bless.
Aggie in Missouri
Thank a Researcher

Our Impact

We have one, important goal: to end brain and eye diseases in our lifetime.

Learn more

We support innovative science through our three programs:

Alzheimer’s Disease Research
Macular Degeneration Research
National Glaucoma Research

Learn more about our grants

Promising Science

Can We Clear Toxic Proteins from the Brain? An Encouraging Breakthrough
Research by BrightFocus grantee Matthew Campbell, PhD, of Trinity College Dublin, suggests a unique way to help clear the brain of toxic amyloid beta protein, which contributes to the development of Alzheimer’s.
Scientists Uncover New Clues About How Macular Degeneration Forms
An international research team has uncovered some clues to how age-related macular degeneration (AMD) begins, and their findings could lead to new avenues of research and early diagnosis.
Treating Alzheimer’s Before It Becomes Alzheimer’s
Up until now, the best method scientists have had to fight Alzheimer’s has been using drugs to treat the symptoms of the disease after they start to show. But new research offers them new hopes for treatments to attack the disease sooner.

BrightFocus Updates

Leading Scientists and Advocates Recognized by BrightFocus Foundation

BrightFocus Foundation hosted an awards dinner on June 6 at Washington National Cathedral, to honor leading researchers and advocates working to help end diseases of mind and sight.

Thursday, June 7, 2018
BrightFocus Foundation to Showcase Science and Advocacy Awards for Alzheimer’s, Macular Degeneration and Glaucoma

BrightFocus Foundation is hosting its third annual dinner to celebrate and showcase some of the world’s most promising science to end Alzheimer’s disease, macular degeneration and glaucoma.

Wednesday, May 30, 2018
BrightFocus-Led Panel Examines Impact of Lifestyle on AMD and Glaucoma

BrightFocus organized an ARVO 2018 symposium where experts weighed in on exercise, diet, and nutritional supplements for eye health. What research is being done, and are there any benefits for AMD and glaucoma?

Tuesday, May 29, 2018