This year, the Center for Neurology and Neurosciences (RCNN) celebrated its 80th anniversary.
At a press conference held on this occasion, scientists, specialists, and representatives of the medical community discussed the achievements, current projects, and future of the Center, which has played a key role in the development of neurology and neurosurgery in the country for all these years, providing high-quality medical care and conducting advanced scientific research.
The Center’s Director, Vice-President of the Russian Academy of Sciences Mikhail Piradov, said that the Center’s activities encompass not only pathologies of the central nervous system but also broader issues concerning brain health in general. “For more than a year now, we have been working on improving the functions of a healthy brain. First and foremost, this involves expanding the capacity of working memory and increasing concentration. Expanding it by 20-25% or more opens up absolutely fantastic possibilities. That is, people could complete their secondary education not in 10-11 years, as is currently the case, but in 6-7 years. One will be able to complete university education 2 or 3 years earlier.”
Deputy Director for Research Sergey Illarioshkin said that the first full-cycle “Cognitive Health Center” operates on the basis of the RCNN, where special studies aimed at brain function prevention are conducted, investigating genetic, occupational, and other influencing factors. The RCNN also collaborates with the Bauman Moscow State Technical University, jointly implementing a major project to create cellular models of the brain using computer-based technologies — a “brain-on-a-chip.” This technology will improve the outcomes of developing and testing new pharmacological drugs that will be used to treat brain diseases.
The Center’s developments are extremely important for the future, as diseases of the nervous system are on the rise. “According to WHO, in 6 years these diseases will become the most common. This is related to the increase in life expectancy of the Earth’s population,” Piradov said.
Elena Gnedovskaya, Deputy Director for Science and Research Organization, spoke about the work of the Institute of Medical Education and Professional Development. At RCNN, residents gain clinical knowledge, practical skills, deep fundamental scientific knowledge, and get the opportunity to participate in research. Despite the highest passing score among medical schools for admission to residency, the competition for training remains extremely high.
Elena Gnedovskaya also noted the active participation of the Foundation for the Development of Russian Science, Technology, and Medicine and its support: “The Foundation is quite young, yet it has already supported about 14 projects over the past two and a half years of cooperation, including the publication of an eight-volume neurology guide prepared for the Center’s 80th anniversary, as well as special brochures and books for patients, and the organization of the educational project for residents ‘Summer School for Young Neurologists.’ And another important initiative — the ‘School for Patients and Their Near and Dear Ones,’ where participants have the opportunity to learn more about neurological diseases and their treatment methods under the guidance of the Center’s experienced specialists.”
