Newswise — SAN DIEGO – A Massachusetts researcher will receive $240,000 to continue his research on immune system changes in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) through the Richard Olney, MD, Clinician-Scientist Development Three-Year Award funded by The American Brain Foundation and The ALS Association. The award was presented in San Diego during the American Academy of Neurology’s 65th Annual Meeting, the world’s largest meeting of neurologists.
James D. Berry, MD, MPH, a researcher at the Massachusetts General Hospital and instructor at Harvard Medical School, received this award for his investigation of cells in the immune system that could potentially be used as a blood test for ALS. This award aims to recognize the importance of good clinical research and encourage young investigators in clinical studies. The three-year award will consist of an annual salary of $75,000, plus $5,000 per year in educational expenses.
ALS, often referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Affecting 30,000 Americans, its cause is unknown, there is no specific test for diagnosis, and there is no cure.
Clinical research is the fundamental transition stage between discovery and treatment. Clinical research provides the scientific basis for all forms of care, addresses patient and caregiver needs and is the backbone for drug development and cost-effectiveness studies needed to improve lives. Fellowships provide recipients with up to three years of “protected time,” with salary that allows them to continue important research projects.
The American Brain Foundation, the foundation of the American Academy of Neurology, supports vital research and education to discover causes, improved treatments and cures for brain and other nervous system diseases. Learn more at http://CureBrainDisease.org. The American Academy of Neurology, an association of more than 25,000 neurologists and neuroscience professionals, is dedicated to promoting the highest quality patient-centered neurologic care. A neurologist is a doctor with specialized training in diagnosing, treating and managing disorders of the brain and nervous system such as Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, migraine, multiple sclerosis, brain injury, Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy.
For more information about the American Academy of Neurology, visit http://www.aan.com or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and YouTube.
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