Ongoing collaboration advances promising Alzheimer's drug discovery research in Southern California.
June 4, 2025 — CLARKSBURG, Md. and LOS ANGELES — BrightFocus Foundation is proud to renew its partnership with Alzheimer’s Los Angeles (Alzheimer’s LA) with continued support for Alzheimer’s researcher Paul Seidler, PhD, Assistant Professor at the University of Southern California.
This latest investment builds on a partnership that began in 2017, when Alzheimer’s LA and BrightFocus first joined forces to support bold scientific ideas through the BrightFocus Alzheimer’s Disease Research program. Dr. Seidler was the inaugural recipient of that joint support as a postdoctoral researcher. Today, he is pursuing a standard award in his own laboratory, now entering its second year of funding.
Dr. Seidler’s work uses structural biology and computational chemistry to explore how natural plant compounds might prevent the toxic buildup of tau proteins, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases. His lab is focused on leveraging these natural compounds to develop both pharmaceutical candidates and dietary supplements aimed at promoting healthier brain aging.
Because few chemicals can meaningfully impact aging-related brain health in the near term, Dr. Seidler’s research focuses on rapidly implementing dietary supplement formulations of DHM, a naturally derived compound, to help counteract the buildup of age-related protein aggregates in the brain.
To date, the BrightFocus–Alzheimer’s LA collaboration has jointly funded seven pioneering research projects across Southern California. This partnership continues to spotlight local leadership in Alzheimer’s research innovation.
“Alzheimer’s Los Angeles is honored to continue our longstanding partnership with BrightFocus, a preeminent funder of innovative research in Alzheimer’s and other dementias,” says Heather Cooper Ortner, Alzheimer’s Los Angeles President & CEO. “We’re thrilled to see Dr. Seidler, a local LA-based researcher, recognized with additional funding and look forward to seeing his critical work continue.”
“BrightFocus is proud to continue this valued partnership with Alzheimer’s Los Angeles,” said Stacy Pagos Haller, President and CEO of BrightFocus Foundation. “Together, we’re investing in scientists who are pushing boundaries and offering real hope for the future of Alzheimer’s care and treatment.”
About Alzheimer’s Los Angeles
For more than 40 years, Alzheimer’s Los Angeles has served families in the greater Los Angeles area. 100% of funds raised stay local, providing free support services and low-cost training for caregivers and professionals. Alzheimer’s LA focuses on care, support, advocacy, and local research. For more information, call the Helpline at 844.HELP.ALZ or visit www.AlzheimersLA.org.
About BrightFocus Foundation
BrightFocus Foundation is a nonprofit organization supporting research and public education to help end Alzheimer’s disease, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. Learn more at www.brightfocus.org.
Media Contacts
Julia Roth
BrightFocus Foundation
(301) 556-9366
jroth@brightfocus.org
Heather Cooper Ortner
Alzheimer’s Los Angeles
(323) 930-6224
hortner@alzla.org
BrightFocus Foundation is a premier global nonprofit funder of research to defeat Alzheimer’s, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. Through its flagship research programs — Alzheimer’s Disease Research, Macular Degeneration Research, and National Glaucoma Research— the Foundation has awarded nearly $300 million in groundbreaking research funding over the past 51 years and shares the latest research findings, expert information, and resources to empower the millions impacted by these devastating diseases. Learn more at brightfocus.org.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is a public service of BrightFocus Foundation and is not intended to constitute medical advice. Please consult your physician for personalized medical, dietary, and/or exercise advice. Any medications or supplements should only be taken under medical supervision. BrightFocus Foundation does not endorse any medical products or therapies.
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