The Belgian Alzheimer’s Disease Research Foundation Stoparzheimer awarded a record amount of over 5 million euros to 23 research projects at a ceremony in Leuven. This project focuses on new treatments, better diagnostics, and a deeper understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

Stoppalzheimer funds scientific research into the causes, prevention, and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. The 23 projects were selected following a thorough international evaluation process by independent experts and Stop Alzheimer’s Scientific Advisory Board. The jury evaluated each document’s scientific quality and potential impact on patients and their loved ones.

“This record amount reflects society’s growing awareness of the enormous impact of Alzheimer’s disease,” said Jost Martens, director of Stoppalzheimer. “We are now investing in ideas that could make a difference tomorrow, from early detection to new treatments that can slow or even stop disease progression.”

Thirteen projects proposed by eminent researchers will each be awarded a grant of €300,000 for a three-year research period. Additionally, Emanuela Pasciuto from the University of Antwerp will receive an additional grant of 50,000 euros as the winner of the Young Researcher Award. Ten projects proposed by young researchers will receive a grant of 110,000 euros over a two-year research period.

Many of the projects will be carried out at the University of Leuven and VIB-KU Leuven and will reaffirm Leuven’s status as an international hotspot for dementia research. For example, Professor Koen van Leer from the University of Leuven received €300,000 for a project that uses ultra-high resolution PET scans to visualize early brain changes in Alzheimer’s disease.

^{#Flanders News Service | Illustration © Photoscience Photo Library RF}

Related news