Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation Initiates Bold New Campaign
In a commendable effort to enhance the fight against Alzheimer’s disease, the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) is launching an inspiring initiative named
Milestones in Motion. This strategic shift not only marks a departure from conventional fundraising dinners but aims to foster a culture of sustained impact and investment in innovative research. This initiative is especially significant as it coincides with
Alzheimer's Awareness Month, emphasizing a timely commitment to battle this pervasive illness.
The campaign is spearheaded by prominent Palm Beach community members including Heidi McWilliams, Bonnie Lautenberg, Nancy Goodes, Silvia Zoullas, and Ann Jackson, demonstrating a collective commitment to elevate awareness and drive funding for vital research.
Alongside this campaign, the ADDF is also set to open the fifth season of its critically acclaimed symposium series,
Tomorrow's Breakthroughs Today, held at The Society of the Four Arts. This season promises engaging discussions led by none other than Howard Fillit, MD, Co-Founder and Chief Science Officer of the ADDF. He will engage with leading scientists who are at the forefront of developing pioneering treatments for Alzheimer's and related dementias.
Dr. Fillit reflects on the progress made since the establishment of ADDF nearly three decades ago, stating, "When Leonard and Ronald Lauder founded the ADDF, there was scarce hope for those affected by Alzheimer's disease. Today, we witness remarkable advancements: disease-modifying drugs, accessible blood tests, and proven steps for prevention—each reflects the impact of the ADDF's initiatives."
Currently, over 6.9 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, a figure projected to double by 2060 without effective measures in prevention or treatment. This escalating public health challenge accentuates the need for bold scientific endeavors and ongoing partnerships across academia, industry, and philanthropy. By fostering high-risk, high-reward research initiatives and supporting the development of new diagnostics and therapies, the ADDF aims to dramatically change the landscape of Alzheimer’s treatment.
Mark Roithmayr, CEO of the ADDF, expresses a renewed sense of optimism, stating, "The milestones we've reached are transformative—they are genuinely saving lives. But our work is not finished yet. Each advancement brings us closer to a future where Alzheimer's isn't merely treatable, but preventable."
Upcoming Events in the Palm Beach Symposium Series
The symposium series will feature the following key lectures:
- - November 19, 2025: Regenerating the Aging Brain – Dr. Roberta Diaz Brinton discusses her landmark phase 2 clinical trial regimen aimed at stimulating neurogenesis and restoring cognitive functions in Alzheimer’s patients.
- - January 28, 2026: How Blood Tests Are Transforming Alzheimer's Patient Care – Dr. Joel Braunstein presents groundbreaking innovations in Alzheimer's blood testing facilitated by ADDF, introducing the new-generation PrecivityAD2™ platform, which enables earlier and more precise diagnoses.
- - March 30, 2026: Advancing Biomarkers, Facilitating Alzheimer’s Breakthroughs – Dr. Danielle Graham highlights how novel biomarkers can enhance clinical trial efficiency by ensuring appropriate patient testing, thus speeding drug development and increasing success rates.
All lectures are only
$20, and admission is free for members of the Four Arts.
To delve deeper into the Milestones in Motion campaign or support the ADDF's mission, readers are encouraged to visit
www.alzdiscovery.org.
About the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation
Established in 1998 by Leonard A. and Ronald S. Lauder, the ADDF is committed to expediting the discovery of drugs aimed at preventing, treating, and eventually curing Alzheimer’s disease. Employing a unique venture philanthropy model, the ADDF focuses on funding innovative research in both academic and biotech settings. Their vital contributions to the field have successfully facilitated groundbreaking developments like the first Alzheimer's PET scan (Amyvid®) and the Alzheimer’s blood test (PrecivityAD®), as well as supporting the robust drug pipeline of Alzheimer research. So far, the ADDF has financed over 765 programs across 21 countries, utilizing more than
$370 million in donor funding.
For further updates, follow their journey at
www.alzdiscovery.org.