Argentina presents awards to MS researchers

The Association for the Fight Against MS (ALCEM) in Argentina has presented MS researchers with two types of prestigious awards, in recognition of their vital contributions to MS research.

ALCEM Miguel Pablo Gallardo award

'Evaluation of the Brain Function of the Expanded Disability Status Scale in patients with Multiple Sclerosis: a proposal for its modification' - Hospital Ramos Mejía, INEBA, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

'Effect of systolic pressure on the integrity of the brain in patients with Multiple Sclerosis' – FLENI, Argentina

The ALCEM Miguel Pablo Gallardo award recognises research projects that were presented at the Argentina Congress of Neurology.

The 2017 award was given to two research teams that presented their work at the 54th Congress:

• ‘Evaluation of the Brain Function of the Expanded Disability Status Scale in patients with Multiple Sclerosis: a proposal for its modification’ – Dr. Ricardo Alonso, Lic. Bárbara Eizaguirre, Dra. Berenice Silva, Dra. Cecilia Pita, Lic. Cecilia Yastremis, Lic. Sandra Vanotti, Fernando Cáceres, and Dr. Orlando Garcea (Hospital Ramos Mejía, INEBA, Buenos Aires, Argentina)
• ‘Effect of systolic pressure on the integrity of the brain in patients with Multiple Sclerosis’ – Daiana Dossi, Hernan Chaves, Evelyn Heck, Sofia Murúa Rodriguez, Fernando Ventrice, Rohit Bakshi, Francisco Quintana, Jorge Correale, and Mauricio Farez (Institution: FLENI)

A representative of ALCEM said: ‘it has been two years since ALCEM has had the honour and the possibility of awarding the ALCEM Miguel Pablo Gallardo Award. ALCEM would like to thank the Argentine Neurological Society for enabling us to reward the research work of professionals and, in doing so, support research that can improve the quality of life of people affected by MS.’

Premio Proyecto Investigación (Research Project Award)

'Sexual dysfunction in patients with Multiple Sclerosis and its association with anxiety, depression and fatigue' - Department of Neuroscience, German Hospital, Buenos Aires, Argentina

'Sleep disorders in patients with Multiple Sclerosis Remitting-Recurrent: its association with fatigue and cognitive performance, and its impact on quality of life' – INECO, Provincial Hospital of Centennial & Spanish Hospital of Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina

'Validation of a Spanish version for electronic means of the PDDS scale (Degrees of illness determined by the patient) in people with Multiple Sclerosis' – Durand Hospital, Buenos Aires, Argentina

'Impact of cognitive-motor interaction on the quality of life of patients with Multiple Sclerosis' – Hospital Ramos Mejía, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Since 2016, ALCEM has awarded the ‘Premio Proyecto Investigación’ (Research Project Award) to recognise important MS research projects related to improving the quality of life of people with MS. The award supports ALCEM’s wider mission to promote and defend the rights of people with MS.

Projects are judged by an evaluation committee on the basis of their objectives and the kind of information they seek to generate. Award recipients are subsequently invited to publish and present the results of their projects in association with ALCEM.

The 2017 award was presented to the teams behind the following four research projects:

• ‘Sexual dysfunction in patients with Multiple Sclerosis and its association with anxiety, depression and fatigue’ – Edgar Carnero Contentti, Juan Pablo Pettinicchi, and Pablo Lopez (German Hospital, Buenos Aires, Argentina)
• ‘Sleep disorders in patients with Multiple Sclerosis Remitting-Recurrent: its association with fatigue and cognitive performance, and its impact on quality of life’ – Dario Raúl Tavolini, Leonardo Hess, Carolina Mainella, Silvina Micchielli, Maria Soledad Oviedo, Flavia Perone, and Roman Torri (INECO Neurociencias Oroño, Provincial Hospital of the Centennial and Spanish Hospital of Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina)
• ‘Validation of a Spanish version for electronic means of the PDDS scale (Degrees of illness determined by the patient) in people with Multiple Sclerosis’ – Javier Hryb, Carmen Lessa, Edson Chiganer, José Luis Di Pace, Monica Perassolo, and Carlos G. (Durand Hospital, Buenos Aires, Argentina)
• ‘Impact of cognitive-motor interaction on the quality of life of patients with Multiple Sclerosis’ – Barbara Eizaguirre, Aldana Marinangeli, Berenice Silva, Cecilia Yastremiz, Maria Cecilia Pita, Maria de los Angeles Merino, Nadia Cabral, Orlando Garcea, Ricardo Alonso, and Sandra Vanotti (Hospital Ramos Mejía, Buenos Aires, Argentina)

An ALCEM representative added: ‘we would like to thank all those who accompanied us in the award ceremony, especially the President of the Argentine Neurological Society, Dr. Félix Reynoso, and the Vice President, Dr. Marcelo Rugiero.’