The Problem

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a debilitating illness that affects more than 5 million people in the US today. Approximately 500,000 people die of this disease each year.  It is the number one cause of death without a known cure, and it snatches the independence of its victims, proving to be an emotional and monetary stressor for not only the afflicted but also for their families and friends. While the cause of the disease is unknown, it has recently been discovered that Alzheimer’s disease may be closely linked to diabetes, which is why the disease is often referred to as “Type III Diabetes.” We believe that our research can bring scientists one step closer to uncovering the connection between AD and diabetes in hopes to find a cure for this terrible disease.

Our Role

As a part of the Gemstone interdisciplinary research program in the University of Maryland Honors College, Team Brain Blast is conducting research on the connection between Alzheimer's disease and diabetes. We are investigating the therapeutic effects of specific diabetes drugs on an Alzheimer’s diseased mouse model by using an intranasal method which delivers these drugs straight to the brain. This method has never been used with this drug before, so we are pioneering this specific methodology. We hope to see what more we can learn about underlying causes regarding this disease, and to determine if these drugs have therapeutic effects on Alzheimer’s disease.

We Need You!

Promising data from the first phase of our study confirms that our intranasal method can  deliver the diabetes drug straight into the brain without harmful effects to the rest of the body. Our next step is to look more closely into the effects of this diabetes treatment on the Alzheimer’s brain. We are excited to see what discoveries will be unveiled in the next phases of our study, but in order to do so, we need your help! We would appreciate any donation you would like to give to help support the monetary costs of our research, from ordering the diabetes medications, to caring for our mice.

Thank you so much for considering supporting our project! Together, we can move one step closer to combatting this devastating disease. Visit our website for more information: ter.ps/BrainBlast

Gifts in support of the University of Maryland are accepted and managed by the University of Maryland College Park Foundation, Inc., an affiliated 501(c)(3) organization authorized by the Board of Regents.  Contributions to the University of Maryland are tax deductible as allowed by law.  Please see your tax advisor for details.