Neuroscience and mental health: awareness and empathy towards those who suffer

Raising awareness of diseases that affect the brain and central nervous system is crucial to reducing stigma, promoting understanding, and supporting research and care. Since 2016, HCC has collaborated with various institutions on initiatives dedicated to mental health disorders, depression, and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis. These initiatives have been carried out both nationally and internationally. Key activities include information campaigns, institutional events, and the promotion of days dedicated to patients and caregivers. HCC also supports awareness campaigns and access to innovative therapies, particularly focusing on early diagnosis and support for those affected and their families.

It is crucial to be aware of diseases that affect the brain and central nervous system because mental disorders and neurodegenerative diseases have a significant impact on patients, their families, caregivers, and the community. Raising awareness helps reduce stigma, promote understanding, facilitate research, and support those affected by these diseases.

Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, depression, and mental health in HCC's knowledge base

Since 2016, we have supported the Onda Foundation's Open Week on mental health and its related initiatives, including the Manifesto on Depression presented at the Chamber of Deputies and an awareness tour of Italian regions. In October 2019, we collaborated with Angelini and The European House – Ambrosetti on an important event at the European Parliament in Brussels. The event presented proposals resulting from in-depth work and the drafting of action plans in three EU member states (Italy, Spain, and Poland). The proposals aimed to improve the management of patients with mental disorders. For the 2023 Congress of the European Multiple Sclerosis Society (Ectrims) in Milan, we helped organize and promote the first Ectrims Patient Day. In 2024, we did the same for the Pezzoli Foundation for Parkinson's Disease's "Parkinson's Day." These initiatives are important for those living with these diseases, providing opportunities for patients and caregivers to receive answers to their questions and concerns regarding various aspects of disease management, including research updates, treatment options, diagnostics, the role of genetics, and more. Looking back, we arrive at the launch of memantine for Alzheimer's disease in 2004 and the initial attempts to bring selegiline to market for Parkinson's disease. Since 2024, we have also collaborated with Lilly in the field of Alzheimer's disease. In particular, we created the "Think About It. So You Don't Forget It," an awareness campaign promoted on World Alzheimer's Day 2024. The campaign aims to raise awareness about the early signs of Alzheimer's disease and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.