THE CHALLENGE
We need better ways to communicate the science and the challenges of addressing neurodegenerative diseases.
The new science of Alzheimer’s is emerging in exciting areas including biomarker utilities, genetics, and inflammatory targets, but current visuals and storytelling tools for scientists are not adequate; they don’t communicate the exciting potential of these new research paradigms as well as they could.
THE SOLUTION
BrainMind is creating an open source library of 3D scientific visualizations, animations, VR experiences, compelling story-based explanations, and customizable presentations focused on new research in neurodegeneration.
This is a multi-org collaboration with research institutes consulting on the most up-to-date science, world-renowned artists and science writers producing the resources, and leading neuroscience-focused nonprofits supporting dissemination to the scientific community. The content will include:
A widely published library of open-source 3D visuals
Modifiable presentation decks for scientists to use in their own talks, publications, and fundraising efforts
A website housing downloadable copies of all materials
INITIAL TOPICS
Understanding Alzheimer’s
Basic overview of the current biology
Genetics
APOE4
Polygenic risk
Christchurch mutation
Risk Factors
Medical risk factors
Lifestyle variables
Biomarker Utilities
Simple blood tests, Future prognosis
Clinical endpoints
Future treatment effects
New Therapeutic Targets
Cognition Enhancers, Inflammatory targets, Membrane stabilization, Oxidative stress, Growth factors, Tau protein, Cell cycle regulation, Biologic disease modifiers, Heparin
Presymptomatic interventions
Neuropsychiatric Features
THE PRIORITIES
Accuracy
All content on the platform will be reviewed and approved by experts in the field. The National Institute of Aging has committed to supporting this initiative with content review.
Usability
Materials will be published online and packaged as downloadable, fully editable presentation files that can be modified and personalized for individual use.
Accessibility
100% of the materials created will be free to use, modify, and distribute for all educational institutions, nonprofits, and supporting organizations.
THE IMPACT
Scientists all over the world will use this new toolkit to share their learnings and explain the complexities of the brain and neurodegeneration.
Patient advocacy organizations and research groups have agreed to participate by disseminating the materials within their communities to enhance public understanding of their scientific findings.
GET INVOLVED
We are inviting collaborators to support this powerful new resource for the Alzheimer’s research community.
Funders
Funding for this program will enable the creation of the first-ever free library of breathtaking, customizable scientific visualizations focused on new research in neurodegeneration. If you are a funding organization, we would love to partner with you to scale this effort to its maximum impact.
Content Contributors
Our contributing scientists come from the Banner Institute, Weill Cornell Medical School, the National Institute of Aging, the MD Anderson Neurodegeneration Consortium, and other groups. If you are a researcher or scientific organization, we would love to have your “wish list” of what to include in this resource.
Communities
Scientists all over the world need to have compelling visualization and storytelling aids to enhance public understanding of their work, and to attract new funding to advance the field. Join the Alzheimer’s Association, the Tau Consortium, the BrightFocus Foundation, and many other well-regarded groups in the dissemination efforts.
If you would like to get involved, please reach out to us directly.
