U of S-Led Brain Awareness Week 2005 Runs March 13-20

Posted March 09, 2005


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 9, 2005
2005-03-02-ME

U of S-Led Brain Awareness Week 2005 Runs March 13-20

Did you know that regular physical activity may generate the growth of new
brain cells? Or that neurological and psychiatric illnesses account for more
disability worldwide than any other group of disorders?

Brainstorm these and other fascinating facts when the Saskatchewan
Neuroscience Network (SNN) hosts Brain Awareness Week 2005 from March 13th
to 20th. The theme of BAW Week 2005 is "Take Care of Your Brain."

To kick off the week, a free public lecture is set for March 13th. "Stem
Cell Medicine: Forging the Next Medical Revolution" will begin at 4:00 p.m.
at the Radisson Hotel in Michelangelo Room A. Professor Mark Noble from the
University of Rochester, N.Y., will speak on such controversial issues as stem
cells in the context of tissue repair and cancer.

The popular Brain Show takes place Sunday, March 20th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
in the Agriculture Building Atrium on the U of S campus. This free, public event
includes interactive computer games, a model MRI, a Brain Walk with 10 interactive
stations, a Speaker's Corner featuring "Hot Topics" from the headlines, informative
displays and posters providing an easy-to-understand overview of brain disorders
such as epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease.

"Protecting our brains could be as simple as always wearing a helmet when
riding a bike or as complex as being physically active. Yes, physical activity is
good, not just to keep the body healthy, but also to contribute to a healthy brain,"
says U of S neuroscientist Ron Doucette, one of the organizers of BAW week activities.
BAW week will involve more than 40 U of S faculty and student researchers as well as
various local patient advocacy and support groups.

Visit the SNN Brain Awareness Week homepage at www.usask.ca/snn/baw05.html
for additional information.

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Note to Editors: Interviews can be arranged with U of S neuroscientists upon
request.

For more information, please contact:

Ronald Doucette
Saskatchewan Neuroscience Network
University of Saskatchewan
Phone: (306) 966-4298
E-mail: rondouc@duke.usask.ca