Glenn Close Fights the Stigma of Mental Illness at Neuroscience 2010

On Saturday, November 13, 2010, award-winning actress and advocate Glenn Close participated in the featured Dialogues Between Neuroscience and Society at Neuroscience 2010. Her presentation, entitled "Bringing Change to Mind on Mental Illness," focused on how science and society can work together to change minds on mental illness. Acknowledging that much work must be done to help the American public understand that mental illness is a brain disease, Close tackled questions like: "how do we reduce misconceptions, stigma, and bias that confront those with conditions like depression, bipolar disorder, and PTSD?" and "how can we help the public discern fact from fiction to bring positive change for families struggling with mental illness?" Glenn Close's nephew, Calen Pick, and her sister, Jessie Close, also spoke about their personal struggles with mental illness.

View the full video of the dialogues.

Rep. Kennedy Rallies for Brain Research

On Monday, November 15, 2010, Rep. Patrick Kennedy, a tireless advocate for biomedical research and for people struggling with brain-based illnesses, highlighted his vision for a new campaign for brain research at Neuroscience 2010. Kennedy delivered the special presentation, entitled "A Neuroscience 'Moonshot': Rallying a New Global Race for Brain Research," to a crowd filled with Neuroscience 2010 attendees and the general public at the San Diego Convention Center. His speech addressed the urgency of helping a generation of veterans affected by PTSD and TBI, and how public advocacy combined with growing science funding can help realize major advances in basic research and translational application for all brain-based conditions.

View the full video of Kennedy's presentation.

Public Advocacy Forum — Military TBI and PTSD Research

On Nov. 16, 2010, SfN held the Public Advocacy Forum entitled “Military TBI & PTSD Research: Advancing Science, Reducing Stigma, and Providing Hope” at Neuroscience 2010 in San Diego. The forum featured a military leader, U.S. and international scientists, and a brain injury patient advocate for a discussion of the role and future of military research on these “signature injuries” of war; progress and new discoveries being made; and how emerging knowledge can be applied to address broader civilian health issues, from epilepsy to depression and PTSD. Moderator was Bruce S. McEwen, PhD. Speakers included Robert J. Ursano, MD, Professor of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Services; Mark J. Ashley, ScD, CCC-SLP, CCM, President/CEO, Centre for Neuro Skills; Milos Pekny, MD, PhD, Professor, Center for Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, Göteborg University; and Regina Armstrong, PhD, Professor of Anatomy, Physiology, & Genetics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Services.

View the full video of the Public Advocacy Forum.