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MARCH-APRIL 2024 BRAINWIRE
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WELCOME: GLOBAL BHP BRAINTRUST
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A Message from Dr. Andrea Pfeifer, Chair of the Global BHP BrainTrust
On April 11th, World Parkinson’s Day shed light on the daunting reality: Over 8.5 million people still continue to battle the relentless disease worldwide that is projected to get worse, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). With no cure in sight, each diagnosis shatters lives, leaving patients, families and caregivers in uncertainty.
Despite this blurry outlook, there has been notable scientific progress, particularly in the months of March and April. At this year’s Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease (AD/PD) conference, scientists, advocates and industry professionals delved into new and possible research directions with a particular emphasis on blood-based biomarkers and imaging techniques. These discussions hold promise for more targeted clinical trials and deeper understanding of Parkinson’s complex relationship with other neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
However, it is imperative to integrate the voices of those directly affected by Parkinson’s disease into this scientific pathway. As Michael J. Fox, renowned actor and Parkinson’s patient emphasized during the conference, the inclusion of patient perspectives is paramount. “When do we ask patients? What do they think of this and that process? Sharing experiences in journal form, what they go through, what their goals and hopes are and then involve them into clinical research”, become indispensable steps, he remarked. Ultimately, “it’s all about patients, the people after all. It’s about science, it’s not about numbers on paper, but it’s about patients getting better”, he concluded.
By taking his sincere message into account and integrating patient voices into the scientific dialogue, we can ensure that research efforts remain grounded in real-world experiences and needs of those affected by Parkinson’s and other brain and mental health diseases.
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Global- US BrainTrust Quarterly Dialogue
Where Music and The Arts Meet Brain Science
May 22nd 12:00-1:00 EDT | 18:00 -19:00 pm CEST | Virtual
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Embark on a journey into the forefront of interdisciplinary research, where music and the arts connect to the science of brain and mental health. Join us as our Global BHP BrainTrust Dialogue celebrates world renown artist, Renée Fleming’s new anthology, Music & Mind: Harnessing the Arts for Health and Wellness, where she shares emerging scientific insights into the profound influence of artistic expression on neurological well-being and its power to connect with those deep into Alzheimer’s disease.
Gain invaluable knowledge from our esteemed panel of experts with cutting-edge research, glean real-world examples, and practical strategies for leveraging the power of music and the arts in fostering brain health across the lifespan.
Whether you're a healthcare professional, artist, policymaker, or simply curious about this intersection of art and science, this webinar offers an exclusive opportunity to explore innovative approaches that help to shape the future of brain health.
- Dr. Andrea Pfeifer - CEO, AC Immune SA
- Mara Hank Moret - Vice Chair Global BHP BrainTrust, Honorary President Women's Brain Project
- Renée Fleming - Internationally renowned Musical Artist, Global Arts and Health Ambassador WHO
- Dr. Rudolph E. Tanzi - Director Genetics and Aging Research Unit, Director of The McCance Center for Brain Health at Massachusetts General Hospital, and Kennedy Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School
- Megan Carroll Beyer - Former Diplomat, US Embassy Bern, Switzerland, Director of Art in the Embassies, U.S. State Department
- Dr. Matthias Röder - Managing Director, Karajan Institute and Board Member of the Karajan Foundation
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SPOTLIGHT
Renée Fleming
Renée Fleming is a 2023 Kennedy Center Honoree and world renowned singer of our time, performing on the stages of the world’s great opera houses and concert halls. Honored with five Grammy® awards and the US National Medal of Arts, she has sung for momentous occasions from the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony to the Super Bowl. In recent years, Renée has become a leading advocate for research at the intersection of arts, health, and neuroscience. As Artistic Advisor to the Kennedy Center, she helped launch the first ongoing collaboration between The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the National Institutes of Health. She has presented her program Music and Mind in more than 50 cities around the world, and in May 2023, Renée was named a Goodwill Ambassador for Arts and Health for the World Health Organization. Renée’s other awards include the 2023 Crystal Award from the World Economic Forum, the Fulbright Lifetime Achievement Medal, and honorary doctorates from eight leading universities.
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PODCAST
Dr. Rudy Tanzi - How to shield the brain (Part 1 & 2)
Brain health and lifestyle interventions play an important role in longevity. Dr. Rudy Tanzi, Director of the Genetics and Aging Research Unit, Director of The McCance Center for Brain Health at Massachusetts General Hospital, and Kennedy Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School, spoke with host Meryl Comer about the latest brain health research. Dr. Tanzi explains the tools for presymptomatic detection and the importance of early diagnosis. Listen as they discuss the benefits of a healthy diet and exercise, and what he’s learned about super agers. You won’t want to miss this episode!
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BBP CAMPAIGN
Brain Health Tip:
Drop and Give Me Zen!
When it feels like there aren’t enough hours in the day, that’s when you know you need dedicated time for meditation. Practice for that. Quiet your mind and close your eyes for at least 10 minutes today. We know, 10 minutes might seem like a long time – especially when you’re in the middle of it. But it does wonders, I promise.
Get started with an expert – check out this guided meditation with Deepak Chopra.
See you in ten!
Make sure to sign up for our 30-Day Brain Health Challenge.
Available in English, French, German, and Italian.
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Biden signs executive order to boost women's health research
Amidst political pressure for the next U.S. president candidacy, Biden just signed an executive order with $200 million for women’s health care. Curious to know what it includes?
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Huge Alzheimer's breakthrough as scientists say new jab could "transform" lives
Discover a potential game-changer in Alzheimer's research: a revolutionary vaccine targeting toxic brain proteins. Promising trials offer hope of preventing or delaying the disease's progression, sparking optimism among experts and participants alike.
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Living with Alzheimer's: How Early Diagnosis and Intervention Changes Lives
Advances in early detection and management of the disease have changed the way patients view an Alzheimer’s diagnosis—and how they live with it.
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What Middle-Aged People Can Do Now to Help Prevent Dementia Later
Intervening earlier to improve brain health might help you stay sharper as you age. Uncover how proactive measures enhance your quality of life.
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Diabetes, Pollution and Alcohol Amplify Dementia Risk
Researchers identified risk factors and genetic influences impacting a specific brain network vulnerable to aging, schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s disease. Learn more about the intricate interplay of genetics and lifestyle factors shaping dementia’s landscape.
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Opera legend Renée Fleming teams up with Dr. Francis Collins to study how music can improve health
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