Barcelona gets new building for Alzheimer’s research

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We work for a future without Alzheimer’s. We promote biomedical research to provide innovative solutions for preventing biological changes and cognitive dysfunction associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Our facilities have the necessary infrastructure to attract talent and become a centre of excellence in Europe in the field of age-related cognitive disability.Gloria Oliver Rodriguez, Pasqual Maragall Foundation managing directorDesigned by architect Juan Navarro Baldeweg, the 4 276 m2 building was inaugurated in 2016. With six floors in addition to a basement level, it is home to a range of cutting-edge facilities and technologies including:An MR scanner for research activities;A clinical trials unit for pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies;A laboratory for managing and processing biological samples; Spaces for medical visits, where clinical and neuropsychological assessments are carried out; ISO8-standard clean rooms with beds to perform procedures that require sterilised environments;Areas for social interventions like therapy groups for caregivers.World-class researchThe foundation manages its scientific activities through its Barcelona Brain Research Centre (BBRC), which is now housed in the new building. The centre’s goal is to become an internationally recognised centre of excellence in the understanding of age-related cognitive disability. The aim is to provide practical solutions to the global challenges posed by the world’s ageing population.From its new facilities, the centre runs the Alfa Study – a research platform to identify the early characteristics of Alzheimer’s, improve detection of the disease, and develop prevention strategies. The study includes 3 000 cognitively unimpaired participants, making it one of the largest research cohorts in the world. Ranging in age from 45 to 74, these participants are mostly descendants of Alzheimer patients.Hosting trials and trainingAlfa participants regularly undergo different clinical, cognitive and neuroimaging tests at the Pasqual Maragall Foundation building. They have the opportunity to participate in preventive clinical trials. The new building and its modern facilities will help the foundation further develop the Alfa Study, especially in terms of improving early detection of Alzheimer’s. The BBRC is also running other clinical trials relating to the disease and trains new researchers in the building.Total investment and EU fundingTotal investment for the project “Pasqual Maragall Foundation Building” is EUR 5 000 000, with the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributing EUR 2 500 000 through the “Catalonia” Operational Programme for the 2014-2020 programming period. The investment falls under the priority “Research and innovation”.