The year 2021 has left us with great milestones for the history that we write every day at Ace Alzheimer Center Barcelona. Having concluded an exceptional year, once again marked by the challenges of the pandemic, we take a look back at the most significant moments of these last twelve months.
We open a new unit of Therapeutic Apheresis
Together with Grifols, we are taking another step in the treatment of Alzheimer’s with the opening of our new Therapeutic Apheresis Unit. This area is the result of more than 15 years of research into Alzheimer’s disease through the AMBAR® clinical program, which includes an international clinical trial in which it was demonstrated that periodic plasma exchange with albumin safely slowed cognitive and functional deterioration in people with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s.
The Therapeutic Apheresis Unit has a multidisciplinary team with great experience in the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s.
We continue working to raise awareness in society about Alzheimer’s disease.
Amb motiu del Dia Mundial de l’Alzheimer estrenem el nou vídeo de la campanya “Regala Memòria”. Titulat “Un espot inoblidable” compta amb la col·laboració dels publicistes Toni Segarra i Lluís Bassat i posa el focus en la poca visibilitat amb la que compten les persones que conviuen amb Alzheimer o altres demències.
Our research unit continues to make progress in finding the origin and an effective treatment for Alzheimer’s
If last year our research team surpassed the historical record of scientific publications (41), this year they have also reached a remarkable figure; 39 published articles. It is not only the volume of work that counts, but also the high quality obtained, with 40% of articles published in decile 1 journals and 34% in quartile 1 publications.
In addition, thanks to the impetus of our GR@ACE genetics program and our sample repository, we have positioned ourselves as a leading entity in Europe for genetics projects in Alzheimer’s.
Dr. Boada continues to receive recognition
Dr. Mercè Boada received from the Spanish Society of Neurology (SEN) for her contribution and scientific and social leadership in the field of Alzheimer’s disease. These awards are granted by the Board of Directors at the proposal of the SEN Study Groups and the SEN members.
Likewise, our co-founder and medical director was also a finalist in the “Top 100 Women Leaders” ranking and among the personalities eligible for the “Cortsenca d’Honor”.
We position ourselves internationally as a research entity on Alzheimer’s disease
During the month of May 2021, we held the Global Research Summit, an online event consisting of three webinars and aimed at researchers and professionals working on Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias. Big international names such as Tony Wyss-Coray, Berislav Zlokovic and Victor L Villemagne presented their latest projects. More than 300 professionals in the field of dementia from 18 nationalities attended our webinars.
The Day Care Unit continues to care for our users despite the challenges of Covid-19
Our Day Care Unit is probably the one that has suffered the most from the constant changes caused by the pandemic. Despite this, our professionals have continued to care for and preserve the safety of our users. During the month of March 2021, the vaccines arrived at the Day Center and Day Hospital to inoculate with the first dose those people who gave their consent.
We change our corporate identity to reinforce our commitment to people with Alzheimer’s and their families
During the first half of 2021, we presented a new brand and a new corporate identity. Fundació ACE became Ace Alzheimer Center Barcelona with the aim of opening up to the public and positioning itself as a leading entity in the field of Alzheimer’s and other dementias in Spain. We are currently in a process of restyling our materials and channels that will culminate in the renovation of our corporate website.
Looking to 2022
XII Barcelona-Pittsburgh Conference
In June 2022 we will once again hold the Barcelona-Pittsburgh conference, the scientific conference on dementia that we have organized together with the University of Pittsburgh since 1998.
This scientific meeting, in which panelists of recognized international prestige present the latest advances in dementia research, is once again held in Barcelona after postponing the 2020 edition due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
More information about the conference at this link.
