ST. PAUL, MN (March 20, 2003) - Finding the answers on how to tailor life-saving treatments for hemorrhagic stroke is one of the research areas supported by the 10-year old American Academy of Neurology Foundation. "This year we're celebrating the achievements of the past decade and launching a new fund which we hope will provide life-altering treatments for the one in five people who will experience a neurological disorder or trauma in their lifetime," said Cynthia Joyce, Foundation director. "The need to develop greater awareness and understanding of these diseases is clear."
Since its creation in 1993, the Foundation (then called the American Academy of Neurology Education & Research Foundation) has worked with private and public donors to fund research leading to clinical breakthroughs in the treatment of neurological diseases like stroke, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and multiple sclerosis. Neurological disorders are those that affect the brain, spine, nervous system, and peripheral nerves. Selected results of this research are now available in a new publication, Seeds of Discovery, which was published in March 2003.
The Foundation works with its parent organization, the American Academy of Neurology, to support neurological research across the spectrum of disorders and to researchers in various stages of their careers, including:
- Clinical Research Training Fellowships and Young Investigator Awards- supports emerging researchers at the post-graduate stage. This year the Foundation will support researchers in the areas of dementia, Fragile X premutation, and temporal labectomy.
- Major achievement awards - supports awards that honor great scientific works, including the Potamkin Prize for Research in Pick's, Alzheimer's, and Related Diseases; the Sheila Essey Award for ALS Research; and the Michael S. Pessin Stroke Leadership Prize
- Aventis Minority Scholars - encourages minority medical students to pursue careers in neurology
The Foundation has announced plans to establish The Fund for Brain Research with the goal of raising $12 million to underwrite clinical research over the coming decade.
For a copy of "Seeds of Discovery: Ten Years of Advancing the Power & Promise of Neurology Through Research," a booklet that profiles many of the important neurological discoveries over the past 10 years, contact the Foundation at 651-695-2712 or foundation@aan.com.
Please visit the public website of AAN Foundation at www.thebrainmatters.org for information on neurological disorders and resources to assist patients and their families. The mission of AAN Foundation is to broaden the base of support for public education and research in the neurosciences.
For more information contact:
Cynthia Joyce, 651-695-2759, cjoyce@aan.com
Kathy Stone, 651-695-2763, kstone@aan.com