CALABASAS, Calif., Nov. 22, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- The ALS Association (ALSA) will host the annual International Symposium on ALS/MND for the first time.
Nearly 700 experts in the field of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease, will converge on the Marriott Hotel in Philadelphia, December 2-4, to attend the 15th annual event and discuss their latest ALS findings.
More than 100 presentations will be given by internationally respected scientific and clinical investigators. They will offer new insight into possible causes of the degenerative neuromuscular disease and recommend ways to improve patient care. Some ALS patients and their caregivers will attend.
There is no known cure for the disease, which affects 30,000 Americans and more than 350,000 of the world's population at any one time. On average, people with ALS survive two to five years from the time of diagnosis. Internationally, more than 100,000 lives are lost each year. The Symposium is planned and organized by the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association, based in Great Britain, and also is hosted by ALSA's Greater Philadelphia Chapter.
"The importance of the high degree of positive synergy generated by convening the Symposium each year cannot be over-estimated," said ALSA President and CEO Gary Leo. "The spirit of teamwork that pervades this event fuels future international collaboration to find a cure for the disease."
ALSA's science director and vice president, Dr. Lucie Bruijn, Ph.D., was instrumental in shaping this year's program.
"The Symposium provides an excellent platform for review of the most current data in ALS research and brings together world leaders in the field," said Bruijn, a member of the Symposium's program committee.
"The International Symposium on ALS/MND is the preeminent scientific meeting on ALS," said Mary Lyon, R.N., M.N., vice president of Patient Services for ALSA. Lyon leads the organization's efforts in improving the quality of life for people with ALS.
The sharing of information at the Symposium sets the stage for future ALS breakthroughs.
"The scientific and clinical research communities from all four corners of the world must work closely together if we are to understand and defeat this devastating disease," said Dr. Brian Dickie, director of Research Development, MND Association.
ALSA also is co-sponsoring two events before the start of the Symposium: Ask the Experts (November 30) is an educational Q&A program for patients and families; the Allied Professional's Forum (December 1) is a one-day seminar for health and social care professionals.
ALSA is the only national not-for-profit health organization in the United States dedicated solely to finding a cure for and improving living with the disease.
The MND Association, a national charity covering England, Wales and Northern Ireland, provides care and support for people with motor neurone disease and their families, and funds vital research into causes, treatments and a cure.
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