Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases

Brigham and Women’s Hospital Launches the Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases

In October, Brigham and Women's Hospital announced the launch of the Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases. Through the Center, BWH will convene and lead a global collaboration in medical research to accelerate treatment, prevention and cures for five of the world’s most complex neurologic diseases, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Lou Gehrig's ALS, Parkinson’s disease and brain tumors.

The Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases will create fertile ground for discovering breakthroughs and applications for scientific research by bringing together researchers and scientists working worldwide across each of the five disease states. Ann Romney, who is living with multiple sclerosis, will serve as a global ambassador to champion the Center's mission to transform the future of medicine.

“I know firsthand how terrifying and devastating these neurologic diseases can be, and I want to do everything in my power to help change outcomes for future generations,” said Romney. “The team at Brigham and Women's Hospital gave me the gift of enduring hope and that is what this center is about – improving and saving the lives of the 50 million people facing a heart-breaking diagnosis. I hope everyone who shares this vision will join our effort."

The Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases will be led by Howard L. Weiner, MD, Director, Multiple Sclerosis Program, and Dennis J. Selkoe, MD, Co-director, Center for Neurologic Diseases. For 30 years, Dr. Weiner and Dr. Selkoe have helped train the next generation of leaders in the field of neurologic diseases globally. Leveraging this deep relationship network, the Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases will act as a catalyst, fueling collaboration among the global medical and scientific communities in pursuit of faster treatments and cures.

“We’ve proven that promising advances in neurologic diseases occur when research in one disease state is applied to other disease states,” said Dr. Weiner. “What makes this Center different is the integration which allows us to discover connections between diseases that otherwise would not have been realized if the research remained in silos. The Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases gives us a platform to take it to the next level.”

By combining the unique assets of Brigham and Women’s Hospital with the world's most advanced resources and minds, the Center will accelerate life-giving breakthroughs," said Elizabeth G. Nabel, MD, President of Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

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