This spring, the Cleveland Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (CADRC) paused from the work of science to honor the people who make that science possible. Across two festive Appreciation Brunches held in May, the CADRC brought together research participants, care partners, study team members, and leading researchers to celebrate five years of shared commitment — and to say, plainly and warmly: your contribution matters.

The first event took place on Saturday, May 2nd, at LaVera Party Center in Willoughby Hills, where the venue’s own culinary team provided the brunch spread. The second gathering followed on Saturday, May 16th, at the Church Hall of St. Mary’s Romanian Orthodox Cathedral in Cleveland, with a catered brunch provided by Italian Creations. Both events ran from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and drew a full room of guests who began the morning mingling, registering, and warming up with ice breaker questions placed at each table.

A Morning of Recognition

Each event opened with a moment of reflection before shifting into a program centered on gratitude and discovery. Among the highlights at both brunches was a special recognition of participants and their care partners who had logged the most study visits over the course of their involvement with the CADRC — a tangible tribute to the years of dedication that quietly power every research milestone. One attendee captured that spirit: "It was wonderful to get an overview of the studies. The panel was very knowledgeable and forthcoming. I very much felt part of a GROUP effort, rather than just a volunteer who showed up." Raffle baskets added a note of celebration, and the energy in both rooms reflected something deeper than a typical event: a community that has grown around a shared purpose.

May 2nd: LaVera Party Center, Willoughby Hills

Master of Ceremony Elizabeth “Biz” Kisela, CADRC Administrator, guided guests through the morning at LaVera. Featured presentations were delivered by Jagan Pillai, MD, PhD — CADRC Administrative Core Lead and Director of the Cleveland Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center — who spoke on What the Future Looks Like with the CADRC, and Andrew Pieper, MD, PhD, CADRC Clinical Core Co-Investigator, who presented on Prevention and Reversal of Alzheimer’s Disease.

The presentations led into a lively panel discussion moderated by Darlene Walker, Co-Chair of the CADRC Community Advisory Board, with panelists Dr. Pillai, Dr. Pieper, Martha Sajatovic, MD, CADRC Outreach, Recruitment and Engagement Core Lead, Allison Kraus, PhD, CADRC Biomarker Core Lead, and Mary Beth Gersten, a study partner of a CADRC participant, whose perspective grounded the conversation in lived experience.

Guests also had the chance to visit resource tables, connect with an Art Therapist from University Hospitals Connor Whole Health, and capture the day at a fun photo booth.

May 16th: St. Mary’s Romanian Orthodox Cathedral, Cleveland

At St. Mary’s, Edna Fuentes-Casiano, MSSA, LSW, CADRC Outreach Coordinator, served as Master of Ceremony. Presentations were delivered by Brian S. Appleby, MD, CADRC Clinical Core Lead and Neuropathology Core Co-Lead, who spoke on What the Future Looks Like with the CADRC, and Kylie Meyer, PhD, MSc, who presented on New Horizons in AD Caregiver Research.

The panel discussion that followed was moderated by Denise Rucker-Burton, a member of the CADRC Community Advisory Board. Panelists included Dr. Appleby, Dr. Meyer, Frank DiFilippo, PhD, CADRC Neuroimaging Core Co-Leader, Jonathan L. Haines, PhD, CADRC Data Management and Statistics Core Leader, and Diane Reichard, an attendee who graciously stepped in on the day to share her perspective as a care partner when the scheduled panelist was unexpectedly unable to attend — a moment that spoke to the spirit of community the CADRC has fostered over five years.

Guests also had the opportunity to visit resource tables and enjoy a lively photo booth to cap off the celebration.

Looking Ahead

Together, these two events reflected what the CADRC has built over five years: not just a research enterprise, but a community. Participants and care partners who have given their time, their trust, and in many cases pieces of their own stories to advance the understanding of Alzheimer’s disease deserve more than acknowledgment in a study report. They deserve a room full of people who see them, celebrate them, and are energized by them. As one guest put it afterward: "The doctor and the researchers were so interesting and informative. It was also nice to hear your appreciation for all of us participants as well. Thank you."

The CADRC looks forward to many more years of partnership — and many more mornings worth celebrating.

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have received a five-year, $6.2 million grant from the National Institute on Aging to help identify new ways to treat Alzheimer's disease. Led by Dr. Jonathan L. Haines, CADRC Data Management & Statistics Core Lead and chair of the Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences at the School of Medicine, the project will use artificial intelligence and genetic data to better understand what causes Alzheimer's and uncover new targets for future treatments.

Current Alzheimer's medications mainly focus on reducing amyloid plaques in the brain and can slow the progression of the disease for some. However, these treatments do not stop or cure Alzheimer's. This new research aims to discover additional biological pathways involved in the disease which will lead to new treatment approaches. The goal of the project is to provide researchers and drug developers with a roadmap of the most promising new treatment targets.

By combining genetics, advanced computing, and large-scale research data, this work has the potential to accelerate the development of more effective therapies for Alzheimer's disease.

The KINDER study began in September 2025 and is expected to start recruiting family caregivers this fall. Although Dr. Meyer and her team are based at Case Western Reserve University and collaborate with the Cleveland Clinic Center for Geriatric Medicine, all study activities will be conducted remotely, allowing family caregivers from anywhere in the United States to participate.

How are you involved with the Cleveland Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center?
As a CADRC Ambassador, I will be helping raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease research and the CADRC. I plan to share information about current research studies, educational resources, and ways community members can become involved in advancing our understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias

What are your main activities and goals as a student ambassador?
My outreach efforts will primarily take place in Southeast Ohio, including the Athens, Newark, and greater Central Ohio communities. I also plan to share information with fellow students, community members, healthcare professionals, and individuals interested in Alzheimer’s disease research.

Why is participating with the CADRC important to you?
I became interested in the CADRC Ambassador Program because I am passionate about healthcare and community education. Alzheimer’s disease affects millions of individuals and families, and I believe increasing awareness of research opportunities is an important step toward improving prevention, treatment, and quality of life. As a future healthcare provider, I want to learn more about Alzheimer’s disease while helping connect people in my community with valuable research and educational resources.

To donate, visit give.ccf.org/WDDetailing-PorscheBeachwood-NORPCA-CADRC  or  download the commitment form below

The CADRC's partnership with Porsche Beachwood keeps gaining speed — and on May 31st, we were proud to be part of one of the dealership's most beloved community traditions.

Porsche Beachwood's monthly Cars & Coffee gathering brought automotive enthusiasts together from 8 to 11 a.m. at the dealership's home at 3750 Orange Place in Beachwood. The lot came alive with an impressive lineup of vehicles — from iconic air-cooled 911s and modern 911 GT3 RSs to exotic Ferraris, Lamborghinis, McLarens, and Corvettes. For car lovers, it was a dream morning. For the CADRC, it was something even more meaningful.

This marked the third time Porsche Beachwood has opened its doors in support of our mission as part of the 2026 Porsche Restoration Challenge. What began in January with a high-energy fundraising kickoff, and continued in March with a presentation to over 230 NORPCA members, has grown into a genuine community movement. At this Cars & Coffee event, the CADRC was featured as the sponsored donation recipient. Porsche Beachwood encouraged attendees to consider a gift to the CADRC, with QR codes on flyers and social media making it easy to give on the spot, and a donation box at the entrance welcoming cash and check contributions.

We are deeply grateful to the team at Porsche Beachwood for continuing to champion Alzheimer's research and for sharing their community with us. Every event, every donation, and every conversation brings us closer to our $500k  goal — and ultimately, closer to a cure.

Source: the National Institute on Aging 

Interested in learning more about the CADRC and procedures involved? View the videos on our website!