In Case You Missed It: CADRC Researchers Find that Alzheimer’s Disease Can Be Reversed in Animal Models
A CADRC-led study challenges the belief that Alzheimer’s brain damage is permanent. Researchers restored cellular energy in animal models using a compound called P7C3-A20, which not only stopped disease progression but reversed existing brain damage and fully restored memory and cognitive function. While human trials are still needed, the findings suggest the brain may be capable of recovery—not just maintenance—opening a new, hopeful direction for Alzheimer’s research.
CADRC In the Community
The Cleveland Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (CADRC) continues to strengthen community engagement through various outreach initiatives. In 2025, CADRC hosted 69 events across Northeast Ohio, reaching multiple populations: 26 events targeted African American communities, 7 focused on Hispanic communities, and 36 served the general population. Highlights included culturally tailored programs such as the Mama Joe Project and Divine Nine Lunch and Learn for African American communities, and the NOAH/Hispanic Health Fair for Hispanic residents. To visualize the impact, CADRC developed a geographic map showcasing event locations across the region, helping identify areas of high engagement and opportunities for future outreach.
These efforts underscore CADRC’s commitment to inclusivity and awareness, fostering education and support for caregivers and individuals impacted by Alzheimer’s disease. By meeting communities where they are—at wellness fairs, parades, and local gatherings—CADRC advances its mission to promote brain health and equitable access to resources.
Coming in February: Black History Month Brain Health Webinar Series
Join us for our 5th Annual Black History Month Webinar Series!
This four-part series will feature expert panelists and bold intended to inform, empower, and spark meaningful conversation regarding brain health. Designed for community members, these sessions will offer clear, evidence-based information and thoughtful discussion that connects science to real-world experiences. All webinars will take place at 6:00 PM EST on Thursdays throughout February 2026.
Here’s what’s on the horizon:
• Pollution, Toxins, and the Brain: The Hidden Threats in Our Communities
(February 5, 2026)
Learn how toxins, including lead, air pollution, and emissions from industrial plants or waste sites can affect cognitive function. This session will also highlight different factors that place communities at greater risk and share practical steps to help reduce these exposures.
• Brain Aging: What Hurts, What Helps
(February 12, 2026)
Tune in as we review how everyday factors, such as nutrition, supplements, and sleep, shape how the brain functions over time. This discussion will also address differences between communities regarding healthy sleep.
• Enhancing Brain Health: Addressing Psychosocial and Cognitive Stressors in Special Populations
(February 19, 2026)
Join us as we explore the biological pathways that investigate the impact of psychosocial and cognitive stressors on brain health in special populations. This session will also highlight the necessity of representative research to better understand these impacts and to help reduce overall cognitive risk.
• Everyday Technology and the Brain: Empowering Health While Avoiding Harm
(February 26, 2026)
Take a closer look at how everyday technologies such as telehealth, imaging, and smart watches can enhance brain health. This session will also address concerns related to algorithmic bias in apps and AI as well as challenges regarding access to these technologies.
We hope to see you there!
Meet the CADRC Academic Ambassadors
Coordinated by the chair of our Community Advisory Board, Edna Fuentes-Casiano, the CADRC Academic Ambassador Program provides an opportunity for students to contribute to the mission of the CADRC while learning about Alzheimer’s Disease research.
Ambassadors have dedicated their time to helping with our community outreach efforts, social media presence, and our newsletter, and some are collaborating with the Alzheimer’s Association Cleveland Chapter on community education.
Please visit the program’s webpage to learn more about these motivated and talented youth.
Clockwise from the left: Justin Lee, Anuj Pullakandam, Elizabeth Weir,Carly Parker, Edna Fuentes-Casiano, Salayna Abdallah, Sally Farah, HiyaKachhawa. Not pictured: Owen Emch
Member Spotlight – Meet Denise Rucker-Burton!
Denise, the Regional Director of Sales for McGregor PACE in Cleveland, is a member of the CADRC Community Advisory Board.
Denise Rucker-Burton,
Community Advisory Board
Are you Interested in participating in Research at the CADRC?
Researchers from Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland Clinic, MetroHealth, University Hospitals, and the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center have joined together to form the Cleveland Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (CADRC).
The CADRC is one of over 30 centers funded by the National Institute on Aging. The center aims to study the different forms of dementia in the hope that learning more about the disease can lead to new forms of treating and eventually curing Alzheimer’s and related disorders.
Volunteers are critical to the research process. The center studies both people with Alzheimer’s disease and healthy individuals who are at risk for developing dementia. This study is most interested in including volunteers who have a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, mild cognitive impairment, Lewy Body Dementia, or Atypical dementia. If you would like to be contacted about research opportunities at the CADRC for yourself or someone you know, please click the link below to fill out the form or contact us at: 1-888-311-ADRC (2372).
Education Corner
Did you know that dementia is an umbrella term that describes a range of neurological conditions affecting the brain? Check out this infographic by the National Institute on Aging and learn more here.
Source: the National Institute on Aging https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-and-dementia/understanding-different-types-dementia
