Fondation André-Delambre - ALS, Lou Gehrig's Disease

Montreal, August 31, 2005 –The disease has all the makings of an international assassin; it is known by many names, it strikes when you least expect it, and most of the people it touches die. There is no cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), known in different countries as Lou Gehrig’s, Sue Rodriguez’s or Charcot’s disease; sadly, it kills two to five Canadians a day. The Fondation André Delambre (FAD) wants this killer stopped and is turning to medical researchers for help. FAD will sponsor its first international ALS Symposium September 9 to 10, 2005 at the Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital. Scientists from three continents will convene to discuss causes of the disease and novel approaches to its treatment including, stem cell and gene therapy.

“One of the key missions of the Fondation André Delambre is to look for short term answers,” says Gilles Cloutier, PhD, FAD Scientific Director. “Historically, we know research will succeed, it’s just a matter of time, money and good will. We are hopeful that this symposium will lead to sharing of knowledge, scientific collaborations and continued motivation to find a cure for ALS.”A steadily progressive and fatal neuromuscular disease, ALS erodes a person's nervous system, leading to paralysis and the inability to speak, to walk, and eventually to breathe. Anyone can get ALS, with people ages 50 to 75 most often affected. Scientists are pursuing ways to slow down or stop the disease but death usually occurs within three to five years of diagnosis. “Research is making strides to better understand the disease and its progression,” says University of Laval Professor Jean-Pierre Julien, PhD, a scientific advisor for FAD. “We are working diligently to develop novel approaches for treatment.”

The media are invited to attend the symposium from 8:30 am to 5 pm on Friday and Saturday, September 9 to 10, 2005, in the Jeanne Timmins Amphitheatre at the Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, 3801 University Street, Montreal. Please see the attached symposium schedule for more information or go to www.fondationandredelambre.com. All scientific sessions will be in English.A press briefing to discuss new discoveries and therapeutic perspectives will be at 12:30 pm on Friday, September 9 – additional information will follow.

The André-Delambre Foundation
The André-Delambre Fou ndationwww.fondationandredelambre.com is a non-profit organization founded in 2003 by André Delambre after he identified the need for improved care for ALS patients and their families. The FAD board members help advance the Foundation’s mission to:

The Montreal Neurological Institute (www.mni.mcgill.ca) is a McGill University (www.mcgill.ca) research and teaching institute, dedicated to the study of the nervous system and neurological diseases. Founded in 1934 by the renowned Dr. Wilder Penfield, the MNI is one of the world's largest institutes of its kind. MNI researchers are world leaders in cellular and molecular neuroscience, brain imaging, cognitive neuroscience and the study and treatment of epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and neuromuscular disorders. The MNI, with its clinical partner, the Montreal Neurological Hospital (MNH), part of the McGill University Health Centre (www.muhc.ca), continues to integrate research, patient care and training, and is recognized as one of the premier neuroscience centres in the world. Specialists at the Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital offer multidisciplinary treatment and care for patients with ALS, Parkinson's disease, movement disorders, multiple sclerosis, brain tumours and other neurological and neurosurgical disorders.

For more information :
Christine Zeindler
Sandra McPherson
Communications Officer, MNI/MNH
514-969-0210 (cell.)
514-398-1902