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The Society for Neuroscience (SfN) recently joined the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) and other professional societies, patient advocacy groups, and foundations to establish the American Brain Coalition (ABC). This initiative evolved from the One Voice Neurological Coalition, originally started in March 2000 by AAN and numerous professional and patient organizations.
Renamed the American Brain Coalition, representatives of AAN, SfN, and other organizations formulated a new mission and vision statement, as well as a business plan for the revamped coalition.
ABC's mission is to reduce the burden of brain disorders to individuals, families, and society. The vision for ABC is to develop a strong and powerful voice for people with disorders of the nervous system by bringing together organizations that represent concerned and interested patients, families, and professionals to advocate for increased support of biomedical research.
Among ABC's goals are: 1) to advocate for research funding and progress toward effective therapies and cures for brain disorders; 2) to help build a health-care system more responsive » more
Message from the President
The explosion of new findings in basic neuroscience research in recent years has driven the development of better treatments for some of the most prevalent neurological and psychiatric disorders that affect the population. We all know that there is much more to be done to alleviate the suffering of millions of people who have devastating brain disorders.
Discussing clinical advances that come from basic research is important to convince political leaders and the public about the value of neuroscience research to ensure continued adequate funding. At the same time, we must keep our sights on the intrinsic connection between basic and clinical research that results in better treatments.
During my congressional testimony in March, I outlined several translational neuroscience advances which were fully dependent on basic research. In the field of schizophrenia, new drugs have been developed that clear minds, improve lives, and save millions of dollars. In stroke, research has led to new treatments, better prevention, and improved rehabilitation. In depression, scientists are now discovering potentially powerful strategies for entirely new classes of antidepressants. In multiple sclerosis, scientists are homing in on the complex interaction between genes and the environment, diagnosing earlier, and treating it more effectively. » more
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