SECOND ANNUAL PALM BEACH HOPE LUNCHEON SEMINAR

STRESS AND THE BRAIN: THE LINK BETWEEN STRESS AND DEPRESSION

In 2026, Hope for Depression Research Foundation marks 20 years at the leading edge of scientific research into depression.

The year kicked off with our Second Annual Palm Beach HOPE Luncheon Seminar, modeled after our annual New York City luncheon in the Fall. Over 130 guests gathered at the Colony Hotel in Palm Beach on January 22 to learn about breakthroughs towards new treatments for depression and anxiety.

The seminar focused on “Stress and the Brain: The Link between Stress and Depression” and addressed science-backed tools to protect brain health and well-being. HDRF Founder and Chair Audrey Gruss and Executive Director Louisa Benton hosted the event.

Audrey Gruss emphasized the urgency of HDRF’s mission in today’s world. One third of Americans experience symptoms of depression, yet only half of patients respond to common medications. Since the introduction of the first SSRI in 1985, there has been little change in the common treatment of depression.

Louisa Benton summarized what HDRF scientists have discovered about the negative impact of toxic stress on the brain and how depression can result.

After a decade of essential brain research, HDRF’s Depression Task Force has identified numerous genes and molecules in the brain that can lead to novel treatments. HDRF is now launching the Clinical Trial-Drug Discovery Program to test new potential treatments in humans.

The Palm Beach Luncheon Seminar was made possible by our generous Luncheon underwriter, Yafa Signed Jewels. Yafa was represented at the Luncheon by Chris Del Gatto, Veronica Webb, and Sharleen and Maurice Moradof.