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The Brain Aneurysm Foundation invites applications
for basic scientific research directed at early
detection, improved treatment modalities, and
technological advances that will ultimately improve
outcomes for patients with brain aneurysms. Any
project with the potential to advance basic
scientific and translational brain aneurysm
research will be considered. Clinical
projects will not be funded.
This year The Brain Aneurysm Foundation will proudly
be awarding 6 research grants – 2 grants at
$40,000, 2 grants at $20,000, 1 grant at $15,000,
and 1 grant at $10,000.
The application due date is April 24, 2009.
When doing the budget portion of the application,
please budget for the highest possible amount to be
awarded, $40,000, even though you may receive a
lesser amount.
Click here for application
Click here for frequently asked questions
Please contact Christine Buckley LeBlanc at 781 826 5556 or christineleblanc@bafound.org with any questions or concerns.
Research Grants
On September 17, 2008, The Brain Aneurysm Foundation held The 2nd Annual
Research Grant Symposium in Philadelphia, PA.
The evening was hosted by Robert Rosenwasser, MD FACS, Professor of
Radiology and Neurosurgery, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. Guest
speakers included:
Stephen B. Lewis, MD
Cerebrovascular and Skull Base Surgery
Department of Neurosurgery
University of Florida, Gainesville
R. Loch MacDonald, MD
Head, Division of Neurosurgery
St. Michael's Hospital
University of Toronto, Canada
Andrew Molyneux, M.D.
Neuroradiologist, Radcliffe
Infirmary NHS Trust
Oxford, United Kingdom
2008 Award Recipients:
The Cynthia Lynn Sherwin Chair of Research
Dr. Bernard Bendok
Northwestern University
"An Investigation of Inflammation Related Genes and CXCR4 in Human Cerebral
Aneurysms"
Dr. Bendok's study aims to better define the role of inflammation in brain
aneurysms to potentially open avenues for prevention, early detection,
screening and therapy. His study will use gene chip analysis to identify
inflammation related genes and what different characteristics these genes
have when found in an aneurysm versus a different artery in the brain.
Dr. Douglas Cook
Toronto Western University Research Institute
"Endothelial and vascular smooth muscle differential gene expression in
macro and microcirculatory vasospasm following subarachnoid hemorrhage"
Dr. Cook's research hopes to identify specific genes which are related to a
condition called vasospasm, which is the narrowing of a blood vessel after
it has been in contact with blood after aneurysm rupture. He also wishes to
find out the mechanism by which vasospasm occurs, such as whether or not
there is a chain reaction of events that could identify protective or
degenerative factors on the cellular level.
The Shirley Dudek Demmer Chair of Research
Dr. Satoshi Tateshima
The Regents of UCLA
"Histopathology and Hemodynamics During the Growth of Brain Aneurysms"
The growth of brain aneurysm size may be a sign of degeneration and
weakening of the aneurysm wall. Dr. Tateshima's research will study how and
why the wall of the aneurysm weakens over time in the hopes of helping
doctors make appropriate clinical decisions in the management of patients
with a small aneurysm that show some change in shape and size over time.
Investigators will look at brain aneurysm cells, study the interaction of
some proteins in those cells, the shape and size of aneurysm as they grow,
and how blood flow inside and around the aneurysm can affect aneurysm growth
and or rupture.
Proudly supported in part by:
Boston Scientific
Announcing The Shirley Dudek Demmer Chair of Research
The Brain Aneurysm Foundation is pleased to announce
the establishment of the Shirley Dudek Demmer Chair of
Research to be awarded in September 2008. The $10,000 grant,
part of a $50,000 gift donated by her husband Bill Demmer,
will be used to fund essential research that can directly
benefit those affected and help to reduce the incidence of
ruptured aneurysms. Part of the gift will be used to produce
an educational awareness video for medical professionals
to help promote early detection of brain aneurysms. With
this incredibly generous donation, The Brain Aneurysm
Foundation will be able to further increase awareness of brain
aneurysms both in the general public and in the medical
Community.
For more information about Shirley Demmer's story, click below.
Go to Shirley's story (pdf)
Cynthia Lynn Sherwin Chair of Research
The Brain Aneurysm Foundation is pleased to announce the establishment of the Cynthia Lynn Sherwin Chair of Research to be awarded in September 2008. The $10,000 research grant, made possible through a generous donation by The Cindy Lynn Sherwin Memorial Foundation, will be focused on the early detection of brain aneurysms.
Tragically, Cynthia Lynn Sherwin suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm and died suddenly at the young age of 33 while training for her first Ironman Triathalon. Her family and friends have established the Cynthia Lynn Sherwin Chair of Research in loving memory of Cindy to help further research in brain aneurysms, so hopefully other families will not experience the same kind of tragedy, losing a loved one at such a young age.
To read more about Cindy's life, please click below.
Go to Cindy's Biography
Familial Intracranial Aneurysm (FIA) Study
The Familial Intracranial Aneurysm (FIA) study is a collaborative effort of physicians from throughout the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand to identify genes that may be important in the development of aneurysms in the blood vessels of the brain. The FIA Study, is the largest study of the genetics of brain aneurysm in the world (currently more than 540 families). The study has made tremendous contributions to our understanding of why and in whom brain aneurysms form. This study of affected families is sponsored by the National Institutes of Health.
To be eligible to participate in this study, families must have two or more affected pairs of siblings (brothers/sisters) or 3 or more family members affected with intracerebral aneurysms. Participants are asked to complete a family history questionnaire and a medical history questionnaire. They also have their blood pressure measured and give a small sample of blood. In addition, certain family members are offered the opportunity to undergo a Magnetic Resonance Angiography MRA (a non-invasive diagnostic test) to look for undiagnosed brain aneurysms.
FIA I enrollment was completed in July 2007. Analysis of the genetic results is on-going and will be released in the spring of 2008. The study investigators have submitted to the National Institutes of Health for a continuation of the grant for an additional five years. This opportunity will allow for the enrollment of 300 additional families and 1200 persons with an intracranial aneurysm but no family history. These additional families and people without a family history will allow the study to replicate the genetic findings of FIA I, and to determine if the genetic findings are also present in people without a family history. You can follow the progress of this very important study, as well as the latest findings at the study website www.FIAStudy.org.
"GIANT" Trial
The Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery is conducting a study on the genetics of intracranial aneurysms called Genetics of Intracranial Aneurysm Trial (GIANT).
Participation is easy and may be done entirely from your home. This study does not require a doctor's visit or an appointment at Yale. Participants will be sent a kit containing everything needed to be part of the study - clear and concise instructions, a consent form to sign and a special container to provide a saliva sample and a return mailer. No blood draw will be required.
This study is focused on identifying genes contributing to the formation and bleeding of brain aneurysms. The principal investigator, Dr Murat Gunel, and his team, have been conducting research into the causes of aneurysms for over a decade. The study is conducted under the auspices of the Yale University School of Medicine's Human Investigation Committee. This study involves participants from both Finland and the US.
For further information on this study please contact Anita Farhi, RN at giant@yale.edu or 1-800-575-9253.
Other Current Research Studies
For more information on clinical trials in your area, please visit clinical trials
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