Scientist Honored with Alzheimer's Research Award

From the Alzheimer's Association:

On April 20, Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chapter board members, staff and guests gathered to celebrate the presentation of the Margaret M. Cahn Research Award and the 100th birthday of Margaret M. Cahn at the Osborn in Rye.

Margaret M. Cahn is a Westchester County philanthropist and a longtime supporter of Alzheimer’s research. This is the eighth year the award has been given in her name.

The Margaret M. Cahn Research Award is presented annually to a promising young scientific researcher seeking treatment and a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. This year’s recipient was Rutgers University researcher Radek Dobrowolski, who is working with a team experimenting with chemical compounds they believe could restore communication between brain cells.

Dobrowolski, assistant professor in the Department of Biological Sciences/Faculty of Arts and Sciences, is the main investigator of “Brain Injury Induced Alzheimer’s-Like Disease,” a multi-school research collaboration seeking to create therapeutic compounds to prevent destruction within the brain triggered by traumatic brain injury.

Researchers have found that the buildup of certain proteins in the brain prevents neurons from communicating, resulting in the loss of memory and inability to perform basic tasks. Dobrowolski is working to understand why this process happens in order to determine how to prevent it.

The award was presented to by Margaret Cahn’s son, Andy Cahn, a board member and past board chair of the Hudson Valley Chapter.

The reception featured live saxophone music. Hors d’oeuvres were served, and the Osborn created a special signature cocktail in honor of the occasion. The drink was purple, the hue symbolizing the fight against Alzheimer’s.

The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research. Its mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.

Further information is available through the Alzheimer's Association website.