The Catholic University of Louvain (UCL) launched a vast campaign for funds via the Louvain Foundation on Tuesday. It wants “to boost research into neurosciences”, it explained in a press release. The objective is to get 1,2 million euros in a year, “to improve the quality of life for 250,000 people with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, or Multiple Sclerosis, and are in chronic pain”. “In Belgium, more than 250,000 people have either Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, or Multiple Sclerosis, and are in chronic pain”, says the UCL. And 250,000 patients means 1,2 million people affected: parents, children, neighbours, friends, carers etc”.
More precisely, 150,000 people have Alzheimer’s, 50,000 have Parkinson’s, and 12,000 have Multiple Sclerosis. “One Belgian in three will one day suffer from chronic pain”, says the UCL.
“Academics, clinicians and researchers from the UCL Neuroscience Institute have already made important discoveries. With more available, they could go further”, says the University. “For Alzheimer’s, UCL research has already established that cholesterol present in the brain has a big role in the illness. For Parkinson’s, UCL researchers have shown that rehabilitation can, in certain cases, allow patients to get certain movements back”, the university stated.
Funds will be given to four research projects. The appeal is being done via the internet site www.foundationlouvain-neuroscience2015.be.
(Source: Belga)
