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Neurological Disorders

The Philosophy That’s Inspiring Innovation in Brain Disease Research

The brain is the most complex structure in the known universe, but while it has distinct parts with unique functions, they are all interconnected — and so are the different diseases that affect it.

David Dodick, M.D., FAAN

Professor of Neurology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Chair, American Brain Foundation

My colleagues and I at the American Brain Foundation believe in a philosophy of “Cure One, Cure Many” because we know that when we find a cure for one brain disease, it will lead to cures for many. Why? Because the pathological mechanisms that lead to one disease are similar for others, and uncovering these mechanisms will lead to better prevention, treatments, and cures for all brain diseases. 

If we can significantly increase our investment in research into these diseases, we believe it will one day lead to life without brain disease.

Focusing on the whole brain

Since all brain diseases and disorders interconnect, what we learn from one research project can advance the understanding, prevention, and treatment of other diseases. 

A great example of this is the link between the neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s, Lewy body dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. While they are all distinct diseases with unique symptoms and disease courses, what causes one may be similar to what causes another. We’ve learned that funding research across disease categories, rather than for single diseases, can lead to greater innovation and advances in treatment. 

By studying the whole brain and investing in research across the full spectrum of brain disease, we are paving the way to better prevention, treatment, and cures for all brain diseases. Learn more about our mission and the research we fund at AmericanBrainFoundation.org.

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