ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE is the sixth leading cause of death in the US, affecting over 5 million Americans every year. Alzheimer’s Disease is an age related disease characterized by progressive dementia, for which there is currently no cure. Memory loss, confusion and inability to take care of basic day to day needs greatly impacts patients and families, often years before the disease reaches the critical stage. For each Alzheimer’s patient, extended family members and care givers are affected, straining emotional and financial resources. With increasing life span due to healthier living and advances in medical care, Alzheimer’s Disease will continue to devastate individuals and families until causes are identified, and a cure for the disease is found.

PARKINSON’S DISEASE is a slowly progressing neurodegenerative disease that destroys cells in the brain region controlling movement, the substantia nigra. Over one million people are diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in the US, and an estimated five million people are affected worldwide. The current treatment for Parkinson’s Disease is replacement of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is lost when dopamine producing cells in the substantia nigra are destroyed by disease. This provides temporary relief for many patients, but there are currently no drugs available that prevent the destruction of neurons in Parkinson’s Disease. New drugs that protect neurons and prevent the spread of disease are essential in order to treat the cause of disease and halt disease progression.