Affiliations: Alzheimer Disease Research Unit, CIEN Foundation, Carlos III Institute of Health, Alzheimer Center Reina Sofia Foundation, Madrid, Spain
Correspondence:
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Correspondence to: Pablo Martínez-Martín, Alzheimer Disease Research Unit, CIEN Foundation, Carlos III Institute of Health, Alzheimer Center Reina Sofia Foundation, Madrid, Spain. E-mail: pmartinez@isciii.es.
Abstract: As the impact of Alzheimer's disease (AD) on society expands, the reaction aimed at neutralizing its effects also increases. In Spain, an initiative arisen from the highest institution of the State has launched a crusade for fighting the disease from a multidisciplinary stance. In 2002, the “Alzheimer Project” of the Reina Sofia Foundation was announced and in 2007, the Alzheimer Center Reina Sofia Foundation was inaugurated. This resource includes a long-term inpatient care facility, a day-care center, premises for education and training, and a research unit. This way, patients and investigators share the space in a clear expression of “translational research”. The Research Unit is managed by the CIEN Foundation, Carlos III Institute of Health, an entity depending on the Ministry of Science and Innovation, and financed in part by the Reina Sofia Foundation. It includes clinical and social research, laboratory, neuroimaging (MRI 3T), and biobank facilities. The connection of the Unit with other research centers and laboratories (both in Spain and outside), universities, and associations of AD patients' relatives is tight and facilitates a dynamic collaboration. The involvement of all social strata in the Alzheimer Project makes evident the unitary effort that Spain is carrying out in the fight against neurodegenerative diseases and, particularly, AD.
