Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a new drug that slows the progression of Alzheimer’s disease — the most common form of dementia that afflicts so many of us, our families and friends. While the approval of new drugs are an important step forward, there’s much work to be done to help those suffering with dementia, and FAU researchers are stepping up to the challenge.
Working with our hospital partners, including Memorial Health Systems, our scientists are setting up investigations with other Florida state university system institutions to look at new drugs, as well as gain insights through vast troves of data. The state of Florida committed about $30 million to fund such projects. Our Institute for Human Health and Disease Intervention is well positioned to help lead some of these efforts.
In addition, FAU is also busy recruiting top researchers that focus on Alzheimer’s disease. Coming to campus
is a nationally renowned physician scientist that specializes in risk reduction and treatment of cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease. He will be profiled in the pages of this magazine in the next edition.
The power of research collaborations has been on full display as our country and the world continues to beat back COVID-19 through vaccines. It was years of basic research that allowed scientists to quickly develop effective vaccines. Our collective scientific power, working with partners in academy and health care providers, is what will help us find new and effective treatment approaches for dementia. FAU researchers are part of that shared effort that one day will alleviate the anguish such disease causes to so many.
Daniel C. Flynn, Ph.D.
Vice President for Research