ALBANY, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 3, 2002--GE Global Research and Albany Medical Center will open the Neurosciences Advanced Imaging Research Center today, featuring a new GE 3.0T Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system dedicated to neurodegenerative disease research.
The goal of the research at the new center, located at Albany Medical Center, is to discover new and unique technologies and methodologies to diagnose Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Scientists and researchers at the new Neurosciences Advanced Imaging Research Center are focusing their efforts on identifying the biological changes that occur within brain cells of Alzheimer's patients. This technology, a form of molecular imaging, involves developing smart molecules that seek out and highlight specific biological processes so they are visible through state-of-the-art medical imaging technology, such as 3.0T MRI. By seeing and analyzing these biological processes, scientists hope to connect certain biological changes in the brain with the onset of Alzheimer's disease.
The goal is to develop a viable methodology for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease in patients early enough to allow for the possibility of treatment. Scientists also believe that if they are able to use molecular imaging to diagnose the disease, they will be able to use the same technology to evaluate the effectiveness of current and future pharmaceutical therapies.
"We believe molecular imaging will be the next great revolution in medical diagnostics. The ability to provide physicians with information at the cellular level will change the game in identifying disease, monitoring disease progression and evaluating effectiveness of treatments," said Scott Donnelly, GE senior vice president and director of Global Research. "Our goal is to make people's lives better. The clinicians from Albany Med and the scientists from GE are the right combination to bring the promise of this technology to patients and help win the war against Alzheimer's disease."
James J. Barba, chairman of the Board of Directors and president and chief executive officer of Albany Medical Center said, "By joining forces with a world leader in medical diagnostics technology, our clinicians will help advance the state of the art in both diagnostics and treatment of Alzheimer's and a variety of other diseases of the elderly, and bring the latest advances science has to offer to residents of the Capital Region and, ultimately throughout the nation."
"We believe this new center, which combines the best of corporate America with academic medicine, will serve as a national model for collaborative research in the neurodegenerative diseases," stated Earl Zimmerman, M.D., Bender Endowed Chair in Neurology and director of the Medical Center's Alzheimer's Research Center.
According to the Alzheimer's Association, one in 10 people over 65 and nearly half of those over 85 suffer from Alzheimer's disease. Today, four million Americans have the condition, and it is estimated that 14 million Americans will have Alzheimer's disease by 2050 unless a cure or prevention is found.
In addition, the Neurosciences Advanced Imaging Research Center will provide support and educational services to patients and families involved in the research project through the Anne B. Goldberg Alzheimer's Resource Center. Beth Smith-Boivin, a director for the National Alzheimer's Association and 20-year veteran in the field of health and human services, will lead the new resource center, which was made possible by a gift from Leon Goldberg of Schenectady, N.Y.
"For every one Alzheimer's patient, the impact extends to four other people who ultimately will be their caregivers," said Smith-Boivin. "The Anne B. Goldberg Alzheimer's Resource Center will educate and prepare families so they can provide the best quality of life for their loved ones."
Leaders of the research program include Dr. Zimmerman; Dr. Nadeem Ishaque, manager of GE Global Research's Genomics and Molecular Imaging Research program; and John Schenck, Ph.D., M.D., a GE scientist and an alumnus of the Albany Medical College. Dr. Zimmerman will be the AMC leader and Dr. Schenck will be the on-site GE leader of the project.
About GE Global Research
The GE Global Research Center is one of the world's most diversified industrial research labs, providing innovative technology for all of GE's businesses. The Center has been the cornerstone of GE technology for more than 100 years, developing breakthrough innovations in areas such as medical imaging, energy generation technology, jet engines and lighting. The GE Global Research Center has been located in New York State's Capital Region since 1900.
About Albany Medical Center
The Albany Medical Center is the only academic health sciences center in northeastern New York and one of just 124 nationwide. It consists of one of the nation's oldest medical schools, the Albany Medical College; one of New York's largest teaching hospitals, the Albany Medical Center Hospital; and one of the Capital Region's most active fundraising organizations, the Albany Medical Center Foundation, Inc. The Neurosciences Institute of Albany Med, led by A. John Popp, M.D., director and the Schaffer Chair of Surgery, is committed to providing comprehensive, multidisciplinary specialized care for patients with diseases or disorders of the brain and nervous system. The Institute, which includes nationally recognized physicians and scientists with expertise in all neuroscience specialties, also offers a wide range of outstanding education and research programs.
--30--rc/ny*
CONTACT:
GE Global Research
Jim Healy, 518/387-6284
or
Albany Medical Center
Greg McGarry, 518/262-3421