University to host Brain Awareness Week events
The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) is inviting the public to take part in its first ever Brain Awareness Week as part of a global campaign to raise awareness of brain research, brain disease and the amazing power of the brain.
From 13 – 19 March the University will screen a series of films that address some of the major conditions that affect brain function such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. The free events will also include visits from charity representatives to focus and inform public thinking on brain diseases and what to do to help.
Event organiser and Reader in Neuroscience at UCLan Dr Milos Petrovic said: “Brain diseases are typically a great mystery and are associated with many misconceptions.
“We would be happy to welcome people from the local community and provide accurate and up-to-date information in order to raise awareness of all aspects of brain functioning, both healthy and diseased. For that, we will engage our researchers and will have great help from charities, both representatives and members.”
"We would be happy to welcome people from the local community and provide accurate and up-to-date information in order to raise awareness of all aspects of brain functioning, both healthy and diseased."
Alzheimer’s Society Services Manager for Central and West Lancashire Kathleen Storton said: “We are very proud to be involved in the University of Central Lancashire’s Brain Awareness Week programme of events, which aims to raise the profile of brain conditions.
“Alzheimer’s Society is the UK’s leading dementia support and research charity, here for anyone affected by any form of dementia. We provide a range of support services across Lancashire and at the event staff and people living with dementia will be providing information on the causes and symptoms of the condition, as well as dispelling some of the myths about it and giving an insight into how people can live well with dementia.”
UCLan is engaged in a number of neuroscience related projects including neuro-oncology as part of Brain Tumour North West, drug abuse and legal highs, stroke, Parkinson’s disease and dementia. Its Cognition and Neuroscience Research Group focuses on memory and attention, concentration and distraction and language use and processing amongst other areas.
A different film will be screened each day in the UCLan Mitchell and Kenyon Cinema in Foster Building. Each session will run from 5.00pm - 8.30pm, with the exception of Tuesday from 6.00pm – 9.30pm. Visitors can book onto each event individually through Eventbrite.
"We are very proud to be involved in the University of Central Lancashire’s Brain Awareness Week programme of events, which aims to raise the profile of brain conditions."
Screening programme
Monday, 13 March: Parkinson’s disease
Love & Other Drugs
Visit from Parkinson’s UK and talk with UCLan researchers
Tuesday, 14 March: Autism spectrum disorder
Asperger's Are Us
Visit from the local autism charities and talk with UCLan researchers
Wednesday, 15 March: Stroke
Amour
Visit from the research team of UCLan Professor Dame Caroline Watkins and The Stroke Association (pending confirmation)
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/brain-awareness-week-2017-uclan-day-3-stroke-tickets-32616767630
Thursday, 16 March: Alzheimer’s disease
A Separation
Visit from Alzheimer’s Society and talk with UCLan researchers
Friday, 17 March: Gifted brain
Good Will Hunting
Prize draw for the award from Mensa UK
For more information contact Dr Petrovic on MPetrovic@uclan.ac.uk to learn more about the national Brain Awareness Week campaign visit http://www.dana.org/BAW/