One of the focus areas of BRAINS is research into the blood-brain barrier and the development of brain-specific research techniques. The first research that is now starting within BRAINS is a study into the blood-brain barrier at Amsterdam UMC.
Research into the blood-brain barrier
The blood-brain barrier protects your brain. Good substances are allowed through, bad substances are stopped. Unfortunately, medications are also often withheld. This is a major problem in the treatment of brain disorders such as epilepsy.
In brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and multiple sclerosis (MS), the blood-brain barrier does not work properly. This can contribute to or even cause the disease.
In this research project, researcher Elga de Vries from Amsterdam UMC wants to find out what happens to the blood-brain barrier in brain disorders. With this knowledge she wants to develop models in which you can see how the barrier behaves in a specific brain disorder. This is an important step because it can be used to improve and develop treatments.
Why does Alzheimer Netherlands support this research?
It is known that changes in the blood-brain barrier occur in dementia, but we do not yet know exactly how this works. This research will provide more knowledge about the precise role in the development and progression of dementia. Marco Blom, Head of Research at Alzheimer Netherlands, is looking forward to the results: ‘It is a very nice step that this research will start through our partnership. Knowledge about the blood-brain barrier can be of great significance for future treatments for dementia.’
Over BRAINS
BRAINS is a collaboration between Alzheimer Netherlands, EpilepsieNL, Brain Foundation and MS Research Foundation. Within this collaboration, the health funds will bundle their public-private allowances for Research & Innovation for 10 years. Together with Health~Holland, the funds intend to invest 800,000 euros per year in research into the causes and treatments of brain disorders. Research institutions and companies also contribute; our joint ambition is an investment of 15 million over 10 years in research. BRAINS focuses on issues that transcend disorders. In this way, the funds together achieve more for people with a brain disorder.
BRAINS originated from the National Plan for Main Affairs; a movement that wants to realize solutions for people with a brain and/or mental illness. The collaborative project is co-financed with a PPP allowance that has been made available to BRAINS by Health~Holland, Top Sector Life Sciences & Health, to encourage public-private partnerships.
Read more information about Health~Holland in National Plan Essentials.
2023-09-28 15:38:11
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