AAN Foundation launches new PSA on finding cure for brain disease

Oct 12 2011

With one in six people in the United States now affected by brain disease such as dementia, multiple sclerosis and epilepsy, the American Academy of Neurology Foundation is marking its 20th anniversary with the launch of a new public service announcement (PSA) to raise awareness about the need for more research to cure brain disease.

"There is vast research potential for finding new treatments for brain disease, but limited funding to support it," said John Mazziotta, MD, PhD, Chair of the American Academy of Neurology Foundation's Board of Trustees and Professor and Chair of UCLA's Brain Mapping Center in Los Angeles. "It is essential that people join us now in our fight to find a cure for brain disease by supporting the Foundation."

The American Academy of Neurology Foundation has raised more than $16 million dollars for research into finding cures for brain disease, including stroke, which is the third leading cause of death in the United States, and Alzheimer's disease, which is the sixth leading cause of death in the nation.

"Brain disease is in the news every day, and it is nearly impossible to find someone who has not had a family member or friend affected by one of the many forms of brain disease that attack the brain and nervous system," said Mazziotta, who is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology. "People are also concerned they, or their family members, will become affected by brain disease directly."

Source: American Academy of Neurology Foundation